5K Run & 2 Mile Walk
November 14, 2026
Madison, WI
5K Run & 2 Mile Walk
November 14, 2026
Madison, WI
The bridge at the end of E Lakeside Street, which crosses over Wingra Creek and enters the boat launch parking lot, has been deemed unsafe and has been permanently gated and closed. You will have to enter and exit the park at the Olin-Turville Ct entrance. Cars will be entering and exiting there after the run begins. Please use caution.
Light up the night at the 12th annual Holiday Fantasy 5K Run. This family-friendly 5K Run & 2 Mile Walk takes participants along the shores of Lake Monona under the beautiful Madison skyline. Runners will be treated to a fantastic display of holiday lights as they run through Olin Park at the start and finish.
The 5K Run & 2 Mile Walk starts at 5:00 pm at the top of Olin Park in front of the Pavilion. Runners will start in sync with the official Holiday Lighting Ceremony and run through the maze of holiday lights before exiting the park. Runners continue on the Capital City Bike Path towards the Monona Terrace Convention Center, where they will turn around and return to the start/finish area. For safety, pets and strollers are not permitted.
Inside the pavilion at Olin Park
1156 Olin-Turville Ct
Madison, WI 53715
On Friday, you can park at the top of the hill while you pick up your bib and shirt inside the pavilion.
Friday: 4-6 pm
Saturday: 3:30-4:45 pm (only for those who paid for Saturday Packet Pickup)
No parking allowed in the park on Saturday; see the parking map below
All participants should exit the pavilion and line up by 4:50 pm.
There is only room for two port-a-potties, so plan accordingly and don’t wait until 4:50 to hop in line.
A Madison Fire Department truck will lead the participants around the pavilion, down the hill, and then drive past the tunnel of lights at the park entrance. Runners and walkers will not follow the fire truck past the tunnel but will turn left and go through the tunnel. The fire truck will turn around in the boat launch parking lot and will then follow the last walker through the tunnel and onto the street.
There will be barricades on the right-hand side of the bike path, which will have lit-up signs indicating where to turn around. The first sign will be the 2 Mile Turnaround, and the second sign will be near the Monona Terrace Convention Center. This is the 5K Turnaround. Please watch for these barricades/signs, as there is no Lead Bike guiding you.
Everyone is encouraged to wear holiday apparel or ugly sweaters. If you have battery-operated Christmas lights, wear them. You are encouraged to wear a head lamp and/or reflective clothing.
The after-party starts at 5:30 and lasts until 8:00 pm. Only those with race bibs can access the After Party inside the pavilion. You will need your ID for beer. We will serve Miller Lite and hot chocolate. There will be live Christmas music on steel drums, from Bahama Bob Island Music. This year’s food is Walking Tacos, which include a bag of chips, ground beef, shredded cheese, refried beans, sour cream, and salsa. There is also a beans-only vegetarian option.
Several parking lots and side streets are available for parking outside Olin Park. You cannot park in Olin Park. If you park off Olin Avenue, there is a bike path that runs along Wingra Creek and goes under John Nolen Drive. This is the easiest way to access the park.
Proceeds from this event benefit http://www.runstrongmadison.org/, a 501(c)(3) that gives money to non-profits that provide volunteer hours in our community
