Glow Run is less about racing, more about community bonds, says Literacy Society executive director

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Early autumn evenings may bring less sunlight, but one community event is hoping to make the fall brighter.

The 5K Glow Run returns for a fourth year in Fort St. John, with the 2026 edition again organized by the Fort St. John Literacy Society.

While it is a competitive event, there are more layers to participating, says the literacy society’s outreach coordinator and executive director, Danelle Boyd.

Boyd said the organization put together the Glow Run to promote literacy month in September, with events throughout the month “shining some lights on literacy” in Fort St. John.

“[We have] other events that we do throughout September,” said Boyd. “[But] the major one is the 5k glow run, where people from the community, not just Fort St. John, but surrounding communities, dress to glow.”

“They have their glowing accessories, their glowing outfits, and they come out regardless of the age that you’re at. Whether babies, youth, elders, seniors, adults, everyone comes out and runs.”

Similar to a colour run, participants dress in bright colours or glowsticks while running through a timed course, usually for a charitable cause.

Like previous years, the proceeds from registration fees will go toward programs offered by the Fort St. John Literacy Society. 

The organization’s programs go much deeper than learning to read, Boyd told Energeticcity.ca, with the Literacy Society also offering programs such as English as a second language (ESL), pre-employment and immigration services.

“We have programs where we help people to be able to improve their English language speaking and writing skills,” said Boyd. “ We also have workshops that we do from time to time that are geared towards helping people become better, just helping people or giving additional information in areas that can help you throughout your life.”

Just like the society, the 5K Glow Run may offer more benefits than just being a run in the park, said Boyd.

“Some [people] run and walk or do both, and we just pretty much have a good time together,” said Boyd. “When you look at it, it’s also a part of exercise, and it’s also a part of health, mental health and physical health.”

New for 2026: group rates for the run, available for up to 20 people. Boyd expects more than the 200 participants in 2025 for 2026.

Sponsorship for the 2026 5K Glow Run is provided by Epscan Industries, with additional sponsors including Ernie’s Sports Experts, FSJ Sign Line, Canadian Water Serve and Save, and Carbon Strength and Endurance.

“I do encourage people to look at this as a way for you to bond,” said Boyd. “Whether it’s a little family event, or even for the workplace, for you to have your employees be able to bond outside of work and have it be a team-building activity.”

The 2026 5k Glow Run will take place on Sept. 25 at Kin Park in Fort St. John, starting at 6 p.m., with every participant eligible to receive a prize upon completion of the race. 

Prizes will also be awarded to the best-dressed and to the top finishers. To register, visit the event’s website.