More than 1,200 runners, walkers expected in Neon Vibe 5K this weekend

Runners and walkers will “light up the night” in Oak Ridge on Saturday, as the state’s first Neon Vibe 5K makes its way to the Secret City. Race organizers are expecting large crowds with more than 1,200 participants already registered and more expected to sign up later this week and on race day.

The road race begins at 8 p.m. near the Pavilion inside A.K. Bissell Park. Participants and spectators should plan to arrive early, at least an hour before the race, and allow ample time to find parking prior to road closures occurring around the race site.

Parking for participants and spectators is available at the Oak Ridge Civic Center, the Oak Ridge Municipal Building, Oak Ridge High School, the Oak Ridge Convention and Visitors Bureau at the Midtown Community Center, and the back parking lot of Oak Ridge Associated Universities.

The Oak Ridge Police Department will start closing major intersections and side roads at 7 p.m. The entire race course will be closed to all traffic by 7:30 p.m. The following intersections will be blocked and will not open again until after the race has finished at 9 p.m. or 9:30 p.m.:

• Oak Ridge Turnpike from Illinois Avenue to Rutgers Avenue
• Oak Ridge Turnpike and Robertsville Road
• Robertsville Road and Providence Road
• Providence Road and Tulane Avenue at Pennsylvania
• Oak Ridge Turnpike and Tulane Avenue
• Tulane Avenue and Illinois Avenue
• Oak Ridge Turnpike and Rutgers Avenue

Due to the anticipated volume of race participants, Oak Ridge businesses, residents, and motorists should be on the lookout for large crowds of runners and walkers on the main roads throughout Oak Ridge and be aware of road closures and diverted traffic patterns. Motorists are urged to try to avoid these roads and find alternate routes if possible.

The Neon Vibe 5K is an after-dark, fluorescent fun run and walk that will have participants glowing with neon color and dancing all night long. Starting with the 5K, participants will run a traditional, non-competitive 3.1mile course with four UV black light “glow zone” color stations and upbeat dance music set up throughout the route. Volunteers will be on hand to cover the crowd with neon powder that glows under UV black lights. The evening ends with a fun “Aftervibe party” with a DJ at the pavilion inside A.K. Bissell Park. Vendors will be on site to sell a variety of food and beverages. The race proceeds benefit the East Tennessee Children’s Hospital.

For more information about the event and to register, visit https://theneonvibe.webconnex.com/oakridge or contact the Oak Ridge Convention and Visitors Bureau at (865) 482-7821.

The ORCVB is a local organization formed to strengthen the area economy through the marketing and promotion of Oak Ridge as a destination for sports, meetings, business, and leisure travel. Visit them at oakridgevisitor.com for more information.