Light Up The Valley 5k Run/Walk & 1 Mile - 2026

Light Up The Valley 5k Run/Walk & 1 Mile - 2026 

DATE: Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 8:30 am. Both the 5k & 1 Mile events will start together.

LOCATION: 120 Hines Avenue, Bellville, OH. Registration/check-in and the start/finish line for both the 5K Run/Walk and 1 Mile will be located on Hines Avenue in Bellville.

Parking: Parking is available on nearby public streets and designated public parking areas. Please follow posted signs and volunteer directions on race morning.  The best parking is available at the elementary school and youth ballfields on Hines Avenue & East Street.  Please avoid parking at businesses or residences.

Restroom Facilities: Portable restroom facilities will be available near the registration and start/finish area on Hines Avenue.

Event Details: The inaugural Light Up The Valley 5K and 1 Mile will benefit the Sunshine Girls Running Club. This is a Run/Walk event.  If you’re looking to run a PR or just want a casual stroll with friends this is the perfect event.  This exciting community event is designed to be fun for all ages and is a partnership between Light Up The Valley and Sunshine Girls Running Club.

Participants of all ages and ability levels are encouraged to join us for a fun and energetic morning in the heart of Bellville. Whether you are a competitive runner, casual walker, or participating with family and friends, this event offers something for everyone.

Proceeds from the event directly support the Sunshine Girls Running Club which helps young girls to grow strong - physically, emotionally, and spiritually. If you'd like to learn more about Sunshine Girls Running Club, click here: https://www.sunshinegirlsrunningclub.org/

The event will feature professionally timed 5K results as well as a family-friendly 1 Mile option. Volunteers and local safety personnel will be stationed throughout the course to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Celebrity DJ Bobby (Mr. Bob Casey) will be onhand to get you hyped and make for a fun, family-friendly experience.  He's famous for his key role as the Warden in the annual Shawshank Hustle Race at the Ohio Reformatory, and is a gifted MC!

Please note the following for 2026 participants:

Pre-registered participants should plan to arrive beginning at 7:30 am. The 5K & 1 Mile will start together at 8:30am. 

Same-day registration participants should arrive prior at 7:15 am to allow adequate time for registration and packet pickup.

Pricing and Registration 2026:

Early Registration (May 1 through May 27)  

5K: $25.00 with guaranteed event t-shirt

1 Mile: $20.00 with guaranteed event t-shirt

Regular Registration (May 28- June 10)

5K: $30.00, with guaranteed event t-shirt

1 Mile:  $25.00, with guaranteed event t-shirt

**PLEASE NOTE: T-shirts are only guaranteed to participants registered by June 10, 2026.

Late Registration (June 11 through June 26)  

5K = $35.00, t-shirt supply not guaranteed

1 Mile = $30.00, t-shirt supply not guaranteed

Super Late Registration (On Race Day):
5K = $35.00 Cash Only, t-shirt supply not guaranteed

1 Mile = $30.00 Cash Only, t-shirt supply not guaranteed

Race Packet Pick-Up:

Race day packet pickup and registration will be available Saturday, June 27 from 7:15 am to 8:15 am near the start/finish line on Hines Avenue.

T-Shirts:

Event shirts are guaranteed to participants registered by June 10, 2026.

**Available Sizes:  

Adult: XS-3XL

Adult Size Chart: XS (Chest 32-35), S (35-38), M (38-41), L (41-44), XL (44-48) 2XL (48-52), 3XL (52-56)

Youth: S-XL

Awards:

An awards ceremony will take place immediately following the completion of the 5K race near the finish line area.

5k Awards will be presented to the top overall male and female finishers as well as top finishers in multiple age group categories.

Medals for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place male and female 5K finishers for the following categories:

9 & under, 10-12, 13-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 and up

1 Mile Awards will be provided for the top youth finishers.

Door Prizes: We’ll have door prizes from local businesses.  You could be a winner!

Race Course:  Our scenic course takes runners/walkers through classic downtown Bellville and the scenic B&O Bike Trail (formerly a railroad).  People describe Downtown Bellville as a Norman Rockwell painting or a scene out of a Hallmark movie. 

The course will begin on Hines Avenue and head west toward downtown. The course will turn right near Smith Hardware and head north on Main Street past the historic Bellville Band Stand.  On the north end of downtown the course will turn right onto the B&O Bike Trail (just before the blue bridge).  The route will cross the Clear Fork River via the scenic railroad bridge and continue southeast out of the village.  Near Greenwood Road, participants will turn around and head back toward the village.  After turning left on Hines Avenue you’ll have a downhill grade to the finish line!

The course will be clearly marked by chalk, signage and volunteer support throughout the event. Roads and intersections will be monitored by volunteers and local safety personnel to help ensure participant safety.

We look forward to bringing the community together for a memorable morning supporting local youth at the Light Up The Valley 5K and 1 Mile benefitting the Sunshine Girls Running Club!