MCRRC Run Under the Lights

MCRRC Run Under the Lights is held in Gaithersburg, Maryland, in Montgomery County, on November 21, 2026. The 5K run/walk starts at 6:15 p.m. and lets you enjoy the festive setting of the Winter Lights Festival at Seneca Creek State Park. The scenic course follows roads closed to traffic and decorated with holiday lights and displays. Registration includes park entry and parking, which keeps the evening simple for everyone.

An evening 5K on closed park roads is a fun format for families, groups of friends, and runners who want a festive break from routine, though the lit course is just as suited to a fast effort if you fancy one. Because the start is after dark, adjust your day accordingly: an early, light dinner or a substantial late lunch, then an easy jog to warm up before 6:15 p.m. If you are new to the distance, a month of three short runs or run-walks a week will have you ready for 3.1 miles; regular runners can add a weekly interval session to sharpen up.