The Running of the Lights begins at midnight on New Year's Day within Tanglewood Park in Clemmons, North Carolina. Participants traverse the Tanglewood Festival of Lights by foot, selecting either a 5K run/walk or a 1.75-mile fun run/walk. Economy entries and a virtual option are also available.
The course utilizes the park's holiday light display, allowing people to run, walk, or stroll through a Christmas setup typically viewed from vehicles. Prior to the start, attendees share a toast and view a live stream of the Times Square ball drop at the starting line. Upon completion, they receive hot chocolate, snacks, a custom medal, and a long-sleeve race shirt. Trivium Racing manages the event. The combination of short distances, walking choices, and midnight timing establishes it as a family-friendly New Year tradition, not solely a competition for speed.