Dark or daylight, racers to take flight

LITTLE ROCK — Breezy Osborne-Wingfield’s first 5K held in honor of her late father, Jennings Osborne, drew 900 runners and walkers to downtown Little Rock in December 2011 for a stroll or sprint through the decorated city.

The second Light Up the Night 5K will step off at 5 p.m. Saturday. Presented by Baptist Health, the event will again raise money for Our House and the Little Rock Animal Village (the city shelter).

Osborne, who died in 2011, was a medical testing entrepreneur whose donations to charity became legendary during his lifetime. He is most remembered for elaborate Christmas light displays at his home. They drew litigation by his neighbors, which he lost. He donated his lights to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, where they became part of annual displays.

Participants can dress in costumes Saturday for their race along a certified 3.1-mile route from the Little Rock River Market to the state Capitol and back. A 1-mile noncompetitive walk will also begin at 5 p.m.

Registration costs $20 for either course. Race-day registration, which will cost $25, will be accepted in the River Market from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m.

Details are at arkansasrunner.com and facebook.com/LightUpTheNight5K, which include links to online registration.

It’s also possible to register in person from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday at Easy Runner in the Pleasant Ridge Shopping Center in west Little Rock.

The race coincides with Holly Trolley Day, on which Central Arkansas Transit Authority is offering free River Rail trolley rides through midnight in downtown North Little Rock and Little Rock.

EARLIER SATURDAY

Elsewhere in the state Saturday, runners and walkers will get some exercise in footraces such as:

At 8 a.m. on the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail near Mount Ida, the LOViT Marathon and Half Marathon. No entry fee, no timing, six aid stations. Starting line on Shangri-La Road. tinyurl.com/trailultra, bpcarr@windstream.net.

At 8:30 a.m. in Benton, the Speedy Santa 5K is a fundraiser for First Baptist Church youth programs. Course starts in front of the church at 211 S. Market St. Entry costs $25 (free for children 10 and younger). arkansasrunner.com, (501) 778-2271.

At 9 a.m. in Batesville, the White River Christmas Half Marathon and 8K. No fee but donations will benefit needy families. Starting line is at Fellowship Bible Church of Batesville (the Old Landers Theater) on Main Street. wrroadrunners. org, boakley59@hotmail.com.

At 8 a.m. in Pine Bluff, the CASA Half Marathon, 5K and kiddie race. Entry fees, $55 for half marathon, $25 for 5K, $15 for kids race. Starting line is at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Golden Lion Stadium. casahalfmarathon.org, (870) 540-4911, pbcasahalf@live.com.

At 8:30 a.m. in Conway, the Junior Auxiliary of Conway’s first Frozen Feet 5K. Certified course begins at Conway High School West stadium,2300 Prince St. Registration $25 ($30 on race day). Event is also a chance to donate mittens, jackets and other warm gear for needy schoolchildren. facebook.com/JAconwayAR, (501) 472-4068.

At 9 a.m. in Greenwood, the Yule Run 5K. Chip-timed race begins at Farmers Bank; check in at Means Wilkinson Community Center, 71 W. Center St. Registration costs $20 ($30 on race day). greenwoodarkansas.com, (479) 996-6357.

At 9 a.m. in Hot Springs’ Garvan Woodland Gardens, the Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bell 5K and 1 Mile, also a brief “Elf Chase” for children age 10 and younger. Registration for 5K $25, 1 Mile $20, Elf Chase $15. Costumes encouraged. tinyurl.com/garvanrace, (501) 664-7243.

At 9:30 a.m. in Flippin, 5K for Clay, with kiddie run and auction. Course begins at Flippin High School. Fundraiser for teenager Clay Maples, who is undergoing leukemia treatment. Registration $25, $10 for kids race. a5kforclay.blogspot.com.

AND ON SUNDAY

At 8 a.m. in Fayetteville, the Fayetteville Half Marathon, 5K and 1 Mile. Retired University of Arkansas running coach John McDonnell will start the races on Meadow Street near the John McDonnell Outdoor Track. Half marathon entry, $90, 5K $45, fun run/walk $25 (discounts available if you don’t want a shirt or will take a cotton shirt rather than one of high-tech fabric). fayettevillehalfmarathon.com, (479) 200-7718, racedirector@fayettevillehalf.com .