For the CarMax Tacky Light Run, the minimum age to run or walk is 4. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

For the Twilight 1-Mile Kids Run, the minimum age to participate is 4 and the maximum age is 12.

Yes! The CarMax Tacky Light Run offers income-based registration rates to ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate. If you qualify, you can receive a reduced registration fee for this event—and for other Sports Backers events and training teams as well.

How it works:

• Eligible participants can apply through our Income Based Rate program.
• Approved applicants receive a special rate that varies by event or training team.
• The program is designed for individuals who would otherwise be unable to participate.

Apply here: https://www.sportsbackers.org/income-based-rate/ 

Most applications are reviewed within a few business days.

Questions? Need more information, please email info@sportsbackers.org.

Entry fees are non-refundable, even in the case of a race postponement, format changes, cancellation and/or if you are unable to participate; race numbers and entries cannot be transferred to person. No exceptions. This means once we have received your entry, you will not receive a refund if you cannot participate, and you may not give or sell your number or timing chip to anyone else. Anyone found participating with another person’s number will be disqualified and both people will be barred from future Sports Backers events, including the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k and Allianz Richmond Marathon.

We’re sorry, but deferrals are not available for the CarMax Tacky Light Run and Twilight 1-Mile Kids Run. All registrations are final, and we are unable to offer deferrals or refunds. We appreciate your understanding and can’t wait to celebrate the holiday fun with you!

Yes, for the CarMax Tacky Light Run you may switch between the in-person and Virtual events for no fee. To begin the switch process, click here and follow the prompts. If you have any issues transfer please email info@sportsbackers.org with your shipping address (packet mailing is included with your virtual registration).

No. Bib transfers are not allowed. Anyone found participating with another person’s number will be disqualified and both people will be barred from future Sports Backers events, including the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k and Allianz Richmond Marathon.

Yes, one parent/guardian can accompany a child 8 and under in the 1-mile event for free. Race perks (shirt or beanie, medal, finish food) will not be included. Parents/Guardians must sign a companion waiver during registration or at packet pick up. To be on the course Parents/Guardinas also must wear a Companion Bib.

Packet pickup is available on the following days:

• Friday, December 12 • 3:00–6:00 PM
  American Family Fitness Midlothian
  
  
• Saturday, December 13 • 2:30–3:30 PM
  The North Pole at Mid-Lothian Mines Park

For full details, visit our Schedule page.

Your registration QR code or Photo ID is required for packet pick-up. You may pick up a packet for another pre-registered participant, provided you have their registration QR code or a copy of their photo ID.

The Twilight 1-Mile Kids Run begins at 3:45 PM.

To ensure the safety of all 1-miler participants, a secure Family Meeting Area will be located at the end of the finish chute.

Here’s how it works:

• Kids will not be released from the finish chute unless a parent or guardian is present.
• After your child finishes, one parent/guardian may enter the chute to meet them in the Family Meeting Area.
• Once you reunite, you and your child can safely exit the chute together.

This process helps ensure every child connects with their family quickly and safely. Thank you for helping us keep race day smooth and secure for all!

The Twilight 1-mile Kids Run course is off-road and narrow. For the safety of all participants, strollers, joggers, wagon, carriers are not allowed on the course.  

Packet pickup is available on the following days:

• Friday, December 12 • 3:00–6:00 PM
  American Family Fitness Midlothian
  
  
• Saturday, December 13 • 4:00–6:00 PM
  The North Pole at Mid-Lothian Mines Park

For full details, visit our Schedule page.

Your registration QR code or Photo ID is required for packet pick-up. You may pick up a packet for another pre-registered participant, as long as you bring their registration QR code or a copy of their photo ID.

The CarMax Tacky Light Run starts at 6:00 PM.

For the safety and enjoyment of all participants, late starts will not be permitted. Please plan and arrive with time to spare.

For the safety and enjoyment of all participants, late starts will not be permitted, so please plan ahead and arrive with time to spare. No one will be allowed to start after 6:30 PM.

Strollers, joggers, wagons, and child carriers are permitted on the course! Just make sure to stop by packet pickup to sign a stroller waiver and grab your special stroller tag. For everyone’s safety and a smooth event, the tag must be clearly visible and attached to your stroller, jogger, or carrier before you hit the course. Let’s make it a festive day for the whole crew!

The waiver can be signed during registration or at packet pickup. 

A limited number of parking spaces are available within walking or biking distance to the North Pole on a first come, first serve basis. Click here to learn more.

Yes, our complimentary shuttle bus system, the Polar Express, runs from Brightpoint Community College to the North Pole at Mid-Lothian Mines Park. The shuttle service will run continuously from 4:00 to 9:00 PM, with limited service beginning at 2:15 PM for the Twilight 1-Mile Kids Run. Click here to learn more.

Strollers can be accommodated on the Polar Express. 

Please visit https://www.sportsbackers.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/TLR-Road-Closures.pdf for the list of road clousures. 

The Tacky Light Run course map can be viewed here. 

This event is not timed because we want you to slow down and soak it all in — the tacky lights, the festive joy, and the spirited groups along the course. Snap photos, sing along, and enjoy every sparkling moment. It’s all about fun, not finish times!

No, there is no bag check for the CarMax Tacky Light Run.

The last Polar Express shuttle leaves the North Pole at 9pm.

Dress to impress in your tackiest, brightest, most festive gear for a chance to win a Top 5 Costume Award. To enter, check in at the Contest Check-In Tent at Mid-Lothian Mines Park between 4:00–6:00 p.m.

The CarMax Tacky Light Run Neighborhood Superlative Contest is back and brighter than ever! This fun competition honors the most dazzling, over-the-top holiday displays in Walton Park. It’s all about community pride, festive cheer, and celebrating the best (and tackiest!) decorations and parties along the course.

To learn more, click here.