Date & Time
4:30pm CDT - 5:30pm CDT
About This Event
The 2026 Race for the Light, presented by Amcor, is headed back to the EAA Grounds—and you’re invited to lace up, light up, and celebrate the season of giving!
Bring your friends and family for a festive 5K run/walk through the Celebration of Lights. Whether you run, walk, or simply come dressed for the occasion to cheer participants on, Race for the Light is a chance to get moving, enjoy a favorite local holiday tradition, and support Oshkosh Area United Way.
Your participation supports our work across southern Winnebago County, connecting people, partnerships, and resources to expand access to Lifelong Learning, Health & Wellness, and Enabling Resources so everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
BONUS FOR EARLY BIRDS!
The first 100 people to register will receive a flashing LED bracelet, donated by 4imprint—a fun way to light up your Race for the Light experience!
Each registration includes:
- A Race for the Light T-shirt*
- A set of jingly, jingle bells
- A dose of holiday spirit
- Serious kudos for showing up in your ugliest holiday sweater or most festive costume!
* Register by Thursday, November 12, to guarantee your race T-shirt. After November 12, extra shirts will be available first come, first served while supplies last.
THE COURSE
The race kicks off at the EAA Youth Education Center, located at the EAA Aviation Museum, and winds through the dazzling Celebration of Lights display at Camp Scholler.
Gather your family, friends, or coworkers, don your favorite holiday gear, and experience the lights together!
Online registration closes Friday, December 4 at 3 p.m.
Haven’t registered by then? On-site registration opens at 3:30 p.m. on race day at the EAA Youth Education Center. Cash and credit cards will be accepted.
EARLY T-SHIRT PICKUP
Oshkosh Area United Way
16 Washington Ave., Oshkosh
Thursday, December 3 | 8 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Friday, December 4 | 8 a.m.–3 p.m.
RACE DAY — DECEMBER 5
EAA Youth Education Center
3000 Poberezny Road, Oshkosh
» 3:30 p.m.: Race-day T-shirt pickup and on-site registration open.
» Parking: Available in front of the EAA Youth Education Center.
» Restrooms: Available inside the EAA Youth Education Center.
» Release Form: Registered participants will receive the required Release Form by email closer to race day. Please complete it according to the instructions provided.
» Check-in: If you’ve already picked up your T-shirt and submitted your Release Form, you do not need to check in again on race day.
» 4:30 p.m.: Race begins promptly.
ON THE COURSE & AFTER
» View the 5K race route on the map below.
» Restrooms will be available after the race.
We look forward to seeing you at the 24th Annual Race for the Light 5K Fun Run/Walk. Thank you for celebrating the season and moving our community forward—United is the Way.
We reserve the right to postpone or cancel the event due to circumstances beyond our control, including a weather emergency. No refunds will be issued under these circumstances. Event details are subject to change without prior notice.
For more information, email oauw@oshkoshunitedway.org.
About This Event
The 2026 Race for the Light, presented by Amcor, is headed back to the EAA Grounds—and you’re invited to lace up, light up, and celebrate the season of giving!
Bring your friends and family for a festive 5K run/walk through the Celebration of Lights. Whether you run, walk, or simply come dressed for the occasion to cheer participants on, Race for the Light is a chance to get moving, enjoy a favorite local holiday tradition, and support Oshkosh Area United Way.
Your participation supports our work across southern Winnebago County, connecting people, partnerships, and resources to expand access to Lifelong Learning, Health & Wellness, and Enabling Resources so everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
BONUS FOR EARLY BIRDS!
The first 100 people to register will receive a flashing LED bracelet, donated by 4imprint—a fun way to light up your Race for the Light experience!
Each registration includes:
- A Race for the Light T-shirt*
- A set of jingly, jingle bells
- A dose of holiday spirit
- Serious kudos for showing up in your ugliest holiday sweater or most festive costume!
* Register by Thursday, November 12, to guarantee your race T-shirt. After November 12, extra shirts will be available first come, first served while supplies last.
THE COURSE
The race kicks off at the EAA Youth Education Center, located at the EAA Aviation Museum, and winds through the dazzling Celebration of Lights display at Camp Scholler.
Gather your family, friends, or coworkers, don your favorite holiday gear, and experience the lights together!
Online registration closes Friday, December 4 at 3 p.m.
Haven’t registered by then? On-site registration opens at 3:30 p.m. on race day at the EAA Youth Education Center. Cash and credit cards will be accepted.
EARLY T-SHIRT PICKUP
Oshkosh Area United Way
16 Washington Ave., Oshkosh
Thursday, December 3 | 8 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Friday, December 4 | 8 a.m.–3 p.m.
RACE DAY — DECEMBER 5
EAA Youth Education Center
3000 Poberezny Road, Oshkosh
» 3:30 p.m.: Race-day T-shirt pickup and on-site registration open.
» Parking: Available in front of the EAA Youth Education Center.
» Restrooms: Available inside the EAA Youth Education Center.
» Release Form: Registered participants will receive the required Release Form by email closer to race day. Please complete it according to the instructions provided.
» Check-in: If you’ve already picked up your T-shirt and submitted your Release Form, you do not need to check in again on race day.
» 4:30 p.m.: Race begins promptly.
ON THE COURSE & AFTER
» View the 5K race route on the map below.
» Restrooms will be available after the race.
We look forward to seeing you at the 24th Annual Race for the Light 5K Fun Run/Walk. Thank you for celebrating the season and moving our community forward—United is the Way.
We reserve the right to postpone or cancel the event due to circumstances beyond our control, including a weather emergency. No refunds will be issued under these circumstances. Event details are subject to change without prior notice.
For more information, email oauw@oshkoshunitedway.org.
2024 Race for the Light 5K Highlights
Date & Time
4:30pm CDT - 5:30pm CDT
Thank You to Our Sponsors!