Luminate 5K Run

After hearing about the Luminate 5K Run by a fellow classmate I decided to sign up my family and purchased a bunch of extra lights. This is a very fun run, probably one of the coolest as everyone runs/​walks with neon necklaces, bracelets, glow sticks, light up shirts, shoes, etc… through the city of Atlanta. This year the turnout was something, there had to be at least 3000 or so runners. The event was well organized and they had plenty of drinks, food and goodie bags. The tee-​shirts given out for this 5K are actually extremely good quality, not something typical, so I was extremely impressed. Also, because we did not pick up our race bibs earlier, at the race I was expecting the lines to be extremely long, however that was not the case, the line was only about 2 minutes.
If you plan on running in the Luminate 5K, make sure to be well dressed, but in something that is breathable. Ideally, in coldgear compression clothing. Those who register well in advanced can get tickets fairly cheap at 50% off. Also if you volunteer, the following year you can run for free. If you are looking for something fun to do, definitely check this out. My next run is the Hot Chocolate 15K.
I highly recommend this 5K, especially if you have children. They will love it, make sure to decorate yourself and the stroller in lights.
[Review #225]

EDIT: I liked the fact we could pick up packets in Buckhead prior to the race. Made life easier. My friends and I were running super late and got to the race 15 mins before start time. As for the packet pick up — took me 30 seconds. In and out, DONE! Thanks for the quick service guys at Road Runners!
This is my 1^st in the dark 5K race, so… nothing to compare it to.
Parking — can’t say much. My bf dropped me and my buds off. But, it’s Piedmont Park during a race, I’m sure folks rode Marta/​Über/​drop off anyway! But there is parking near Park Tavern, but you have to pay. I just didn’t feel like having the hassle of carrying anything besides my phone, haha.
When we were running, it was really fun seeing everyone around us. Really was! Only 1 bad thing: there were barely any lights around where we ran. I was kind of worried we would step into a hole on the road. But thankfully we didn’t! There were some hills on the run, but hey– no pain no gain! Gotta run and feel good.
Atmosphere — I actually had a good time listening to music, seeing other runners, and seeing some vendors. (Not sure if the # of vendors was good/​bad since this is my 1^st race). Played tons of music and I saw some people playing with lanterns near the end.
After the race, me and my friends just went home — it was way too cold and we were in dire need of heat.
I would do this race again just for fun — I liked it. I can tell people really liked the shirts we received/​the free glow in dark sticks we got. OH: I also paid $ 1 for the black belt. Totally worth it. I hate pins. (Holding your # up)
BONUS: if you’re like me and your phone dies during the race, run over to Sbux — they were really nice enough to lend me a charger. I was semi freaking out when my phone died :(Thank God for nice people. It’s always nice to have a race near shops, just in case something happens.