Bright Nights 5K Road Race reaches capacity |
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SPRINGFIELD In less than three weeks, the Bright Nights 5K Road Race has reached capacity. On Sept. 17, the 500th registration form was received for the fourth annual run through the magnificent lighting displays. The Spirit of Springfield began accepting registrations on Sept. 1.
Committee Chair Attorney Charles Casartello is amazed that so many people are thinking about a holiday road race in September. "The response is overwhelming. We only wish we could accommodate more runners," Casartello added.
The race grew from 350 runners its first year to 500 its second year. For safety and logistical reasons, organizers are unable to increase the field of runners beyond 500.
The fourth annual Bright Nights 5K Road Race, sanctioned by the USATF, will start at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 1 under the Seuss Land arch. Check in begins at 5:30 p.m. in Cyr Arena where a soup supper will take place following the race.
Members of the Bright Nights 5K Road Race are Tom Keenan, Honorary Chair, Casartello, Maryellen Sullivan, Vice Chair, Ronald Berger, Michael Butler, Charlie Contant, Arthur Grodd, Arthur Roberts and William Toner. They are planning the route, organizing volunteers and raising funds to support the event.
Bright Nights at Forest Park will open for its 15th season on Nov. 25 and operate Wednesday through Sunday until Dec. 6. Beginning Dec. 9, the lights will be lit nightly through Jan. 2.
The Bright Nights 5K Road Race will take place on one of the evenings the park is not open to vehicular traffic.
For more information about Bright Nights at Forest Park, visit www.brightnights.org or contact the Spirit of Springfield at 733-3800.
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