* Disclaimer: I received a complementary pass to participate in the CarMax Tacky Light Run and this is my review of the event.
The 12th annual CarMax Tacky Light Run took place December 14th, lighting up the night with festive cheer and holiday spirit. This unique charity race, organized by the Sports Backers organization, is a beloved tradition that supports youth sports in the Richmond area.
What is the CarMax Tacky Light Run?
The CarMax Tacky Light Run is not your typical race. Participants don their most creative holiday costumes and light up the course with flashlights, glowsticks and Christmas lights. It's a fun, family-friendly event that combines the joy of the holiday season with the thrill of a Twilight 1-mile Kids Run in the afternoon, a festive North Pole area, and a 6K nighttime run. Tickets range from $18 to $50 per person depending on the timing of registration and whether you're registering for the Kids Twilight Run or the CarMax Run.
Supporting Sports Backers
The CarMax Tacky Light Run is sponsored by CarMax and hosted by Sports Backers, a local non-profit organization dedicated to promoting active living and supporting youth sports in the Richmond community. The CarMax Tacky Light Run serves as a major fundraiser for the organization, providing resources and opportunities for young athletes. In addition to the CarMax Tacky Light Run, Sports Backers also hosts the Virginia Credit Union River City Half and 5k and the Ukrops' Monument 10K.
The proceeds from these events are used to promote safe and accessible bike and pedestrian infrastructure, provide free fitness classes for adults and children, support kids fitness clubs in area schools, host fun, new events for people walking, running, and riding at all levels, and provide leadership training in active living to high school seniors.
A Family Tradition
If you're looking for a fun way to get into the holiday spirit while supporting a worthy cause, the CarMax Tacky Light Run is the perfect event. For many families, the CarMax Tacky Light Run has become a cherished holiday tradition, including ours.
This was our family's second year participating in the event. It started as part of our special family weekend called Walker Weekend, and it’s quickly becoming one of our favorite family holiday events. The atmosphere is electrifying! People are dressed in their tackiest gear: baby elves in decorated strollers and wagons, families in matching tacky pajamas, gingerbread people, ballerinas, and human Christmas trees. As you run, walk or stroll through the Walton Park neighborhood, you'll enjoy block parties, DJs, and bands playing some of our favorite Christmas tunes. A majority of the homes located in "Christmas Corner" and "Christmas on Coralview" are decorated with spectacular lights, with some homeowners providing free hot chocolate and treats.
The CarMax Tacky Light Run event is filled with laughter, lights, and holiday cheer. It's a shining example of how a community can come together to celebrate the holidays and support a worthy cause. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just looking for a fun way to celebrate the season with your family, this event has something for everyone. So, grab your glowsticks or Christmas lights, put on your tackiest holiday gear, and join us next year for a night of festive fun that you won't soon forget!
