The CarMax Tacky Light Run is 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, a 6K through Walton Park's tacky lights from Mid-Lothian Mines Park. Shuttle, prices, closures.

Last checked Oct. 19, 2026. This page is updated each year. Facts come from the organizer, Sports Backers. Questions: 804-285-9495.

The CarMax Tacky Light Run is Saturday, Dec. 12, 2026: a 6K run or walk through the over-the-top holiday lights of the Walton Park neighborhood, starting at 6 p.m. from Mid-Lothian Mines Park, 13301 N. Woolridge Road. Register and check the schedule on the Sports Backers event page.

Sports Backers, the Richmond nonprofit behind the Richmond Marathon, says the run turns the region’s tacky light tradition into a night for “walkers, runners, Santa-lovers, and elves-at-heart,” with “thousands” on the course. Entry is capped at the first 5,000 registrants. It is not timed: the organizer wants people to slow down and look at the lights.

Who to call

The 2026 run at a glance
Date Saturday, Dec. 12, 2026
Kids run 3:45 p.m., Twilight 1-Mile Kids Run, ages 4 to 12
Main run 6 p.m., 6K run or walk; all runners must be on the course by 6:20 p.m.
Start and finish Woolridge Road beside Mid-Lothian Mines Park, 13301 N. Woolridge Road
Course The Walton Park neighborhood
Ends The North Pole festival area closes and the last shuttle leaves at 9 p.m.
Parking Brightpoint Community College, free shuttle
Cost $20 to $55, by date and age

Schedule

From the organizer’s event schedule:

Friday, Dec. 11

  • 3 to 6 p.m.: Packet pickup (“Santa’s Workshop”) at the American Family Fitness gymnasium, 12900 Amfit Way, Midlothian

Saturday, Dec. 12

  • 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.: Packet pickup for the kids run at the North Pole in Mid-Lothian Mines Park
  • 3:45 p.m.: Twilight 1-Mile Kids Run begins
  • 4 p.m.: Packet pickup opens for the 6K; the North Pole festival opens (some activities start only after 6:30 p.m.); costume contest check-in opens; the Polar Express shuttle starts its full service
  • 6 p.m.: CarMax Tacky Light Run begins and packet pickup closes
  • 9 p.m.: The North Pole closes and the last shuttle leaves

Late starts are not allowed. The event policies say no new starters go out after 6:20 p.m., out of respect for the Walton Park hosts.

Tickets and prices

Registration is on the Sports Backers event page. Prices rise as the date gets closer:

Registering Adult Youth Kids 1-mile
Oct. 1 to Nov. 22 $45 $35 $20
Nov. 23 to Dec. 6 $50 $40 $25
Dec. 7 to Dec. 12 $55 $45 $25
  • Every entrant gets admission to the North Pole, a choice of knit beanie or event shirt, an ornament finisher medal, a bib and candy canes.
  • An income-based rate of $20 is available to those who qualify.
  • A virtual option comes with the same swag.
  • Entry fees are not refundable, even if the run is canceled or postponed, and bibs cannot be transferred. There are no deferrals.

Parking and the Polar Express shuttle

Most runners should not drive to the park. The organizer’s parking page sends them to:

  • Brightpoint Community College, Lots A, B and D, 800 Charter Colony Parkway. Use the Greenway Crossing Drive entrance off Charter Colony Parkway.
  • The free Polar Express shuttle runs continuously from 4 to 9 p.m., with limited service from 2:15 p.m. for the kids run. Strollers fit on the shuttle.
  • Board by 5:30 p.m. to make the 6 p.m. start.

A few spaces are within walking distance of the park, first come, first served. Sports Backers asks runners not to park across Midlothian Turnpike, where there is no official crosswalk.

Road closures

The road closure list linked from the organizer’s course page:

Road Closed
Woolridge Road southbound, Walton Park Road to Grove Hill Road 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Woolridge Road northbound, Walton Park Road to Grove Hill Road 1 to 11 p.m.
Walton Park Road, Woolridge Road to Queensgate Road 5 to 8:30 p.m.
Walton Ridge Lane, Holly Park Drive to Queensgate Road 5 to 8 p.m.
Queensgate Road, Watch Hill Road to Walton Ridge Lane 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Watch Hill Road, Queensgate Road to Walton Park Road 5 to 7:30 p.m.

About 30 more Walton Park streets, among them Ashtree, Coralview, Glenmeadow, Lancey and Rossmere, close from 5 p.m. until 7:30, 8 or 8:30 p.m. Residents should check the full list before planning to drive in or out that evening.

What to know

  • Ages: The 6K is open to anyone 4 or older; children under 12 must be with an adult. The kids run is for ages 4 to 12, and one parent may run with children 8 and under.
  • Strollers: Allowed on the 6K with a stroller tag and waiver from packet pickup. Not allowed on the kids run.
  • Dogs: Not allowed.
  • Bags: There is no bag check.
  • Alcohol: None before the event, and no outside alcohol.
  • Costumes: Check in at the contest tent in the park between 4 and 6 p.m. for the Top 5 Costume Awards. Walton Park households compete in a Neighborhood Superlative Contest for the best displays.

These details are from the organizer’s FAQs.

Frequently asked questions

When is the 2026 Tacky Light Run in Midlothian?

Saturday, Dec. 12, 2026. The Twilight 1-Mile Kids Run starts at 3:45 p.m. and the 6K CarMax Tacky Light Run at 6 p.m., from Mid-Lothian Mines Park, according to Sports Backers.

How much is the CarMax Tacky Light Run?

Through Nov. 22 it is $45 for adults, $35 for youth and $20 for the kids run. Prices rise to $50, $40 and $25 on Nov. 23 and to $55, $45 and $25 on Dec. 7. An income-based rate is $20.

Where do you park for the Tacky Light Run?

Park at Brightpoint Community College, Lots A, B and D, 800 Charter Colony Parkway, using the Greenway Crossing Drive entrance. The free Polar Express shuttle runs from 4 to 9 p.m. to Mid-Lothian Mines Park.

Can you bring a stroller or a dog to the Tacky Light Run?

Strollers, joggers and child carriers are allowed on the 6K with a stroller tag and waiver from packet pickup. Dogs are not allowed.

Which roads close for the Tacky Light Run?

Woolridge Road between Walton Park Road and Grove Hill Road closes southbound from 9 a.m. and northbound from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Walton Park neighborhood streets close from 5 p.m. to between 7:30 and 8:30 p.m.