Monroe County Holiday Lights 5k

Monroe County Holiday Lights 5k is staged at the Monroe County Fairgrounds in Bloomington, Indiana, on December 22, 2026. The event is a single 5K run/walk (3.1 miles) with a 7:00 p.m. start, taking participants through the fairgrounds' holiday light installations. It is designed as a family celebration rather than a competitive fixture.

Because the course winds through a light display at night, this is a race to look up during rather than one to chase a time in, and the walking option makes it workable for children and for anyone bringing along family who does not run. If you do want the effort, the 3.1 miles are short enough to push on fresh legs with no specific preparation beyond your normal weekly running. Dress for standing around before and after the 7:00 p.m. start, not just for the running itself.