Friday Night Lights 5K & Festive Fun Run

Friday Night Lights: Run Through the Winter West Magic

Step out of the ordinary and into a dazzling holiday wonderland! PLUS - an all-new route with even MORE lights!

Prepare to illuminate your holiday season as SoleRoots Running partners with the University of West Georgia, inviting you to experience the inaugural Friday Night Lights 5K | Fun Run. This event is honored to continue the holiday spirit started by the annual Jingle Bell Jog for the past 15 years. This isn't just a race; it's a breathtaking, glittering path woven directly into the spectacular Winter West programing, transforming the UWG campus into a runner's paradise of festive light.

On Friday, December 4, 2026, the air will be crisp and the spirit bright. Join us as the sun sets and thousands of twinkling lights rise to guide your way. Whether you're chasing a personal record in the challenging 5K or enjoying a shorter, family-friendly Fun Run—our sparkling Festive Fun Run—every stride will be set to the backdrop of radiant holiday magic.

Lace up your shoes, feel the energy of the night, and run into a brand-new holiday tradition under the Friday Night Lights! 

Schedule:

Friday, December 4 Winter West on University of West Georgia campus in Love Valley begins at 4 pm

• Learn more about Winter West HERE
• Parking is available at UWG Campus Center or Bookstore lots on West Georgia Drive, Carrollton.
• Race check-in opens from 4:45 to 6 pm in the Campus Center lower level room 121.
• Festive Fun Run around Love Valley starts at 6 pm (meet at the Campus Center Patio)
• Best outfit awards announced at 6:15 pm with prizes
• Friday Night Lights 5K starts at 6:17 pm (start line noted on map)
• Awards following 5K with pick-up at awards table, no ceremony
• Pizza dinner provided after each race in UWG Campus Center Lower Level Room 121

Dress warm and turn on your all-new, festive, LED light up beanie while exploring the lights on course. Then finish with friends and family. Registered participants will get pizza for dinner with options of cheese, pepperoni, or veggie and water.

Awards will go to:

Best Holiday Outfit Adult
Best Holiday Outfit Youth (17 and under)
Best Light up Outfit Adult
Best Light up Outfit Youth (17 and under)

5k Awards:

Top 3 overall male and female finishers
Top 5 male and female finishers in 14 and under
Top 5 male and female finishers in 15 to 39
Top 5 male and female finishers in 40 and up