Jeffersontown Gaslight Festival 5k 2026

21st Annual Run/Walk for Autism

5K and 1 Mile Walk

Greetings Participants,

We want to inform you of an important update regarding this event. Participants now upload their own race times. We look forward to your participation and hope this change enhances your overall experience with us.

FEAT of Louisville is a 501c3 organization whose mission since 1999 is dedicated to “Easing the autism journey, through a network created for families by families, by providing ongoing support, education, programs, and resources.

This year we are hosting our annual Run/Walk for Autism to raise funds to assist with several of our programs including the Endeavor Preschool Program for children with autism, Bluegrass Center for Autism Vocational Program, the Autism Friendly Business Initiative that assists families in integrating into our community, the Get Your FEAT Wet Swim Program, the Dreams in Motion summer camp and several more.

For 20 years, FEAT of Louisville's annual Run/Walk for Autism has dedicated participants, sponsors and vendors who assist in raising funds and awareness for autism. Join us in person or virtually as we run for autism.

Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the US with 1 in 31 being diagnosed, FEAT of Louisville is growing to meet the ever increasing needs of our families. FEAT's mission to ease the autism journey is one that will never change in concept but only in our enthusiasm to get more accomplished.

Our strength as a community is powered by love and built on the commitment of individuals like you. Create a team, join a team or do it on your own. Run, walk and fundraise with your family to enhance the lives of families living with autism.

Connect with us: www.featoflouisville.org

Run/Walk for Autism 5K and 1 mile walk starts at 9:00AM

This is a rain/shine event. There will be no refunds.

Virtual participants will need to pick up their packets at packet pickup on Friday

This race is part of the River City Races Run the 502 series. Run six races on our calendar and get a Run the 502 Finisher Medal with charms of all the races finished. Click here to register for the Run the 502.

NEW THIS YEAR, SAVE WITH A FAMILY OF FOUR REGISTRATION

Register a Family of Four and save $10 off the registration fee.

Lace up your running shoes and join us for a fun, family-friendly event that supports a great cause!

The Parklands & WLKY 5K helps fund the annual maintenance and operations of The Parklands, a visitor-and-donor supported public park system that receives no tax dollars for annual operations. Your registration ensures the park remains safe, clean, fun, and beautiful—365 days a year, for free.

The 5K will begin at 8:30 AM on Saturday, June 6th, in Beckley Creek Park. This 3.1-mile walk/run features a course that combines road sections with the scenic Louisville Loop trail. Both in-person and virtual options are available, and each participant will receive a race medal and a 2026 t-shirt.

The Parklands & WLKY 5K supports the annual maintenance and operations of The Parklands of Floyds Fork. The Parklands is one of the largest visitor-and-donor supported public park systems in the country and receives no tax dollars for annual operations. Open 365 days a year at no charge to visitors, it is one of the region's most popular destinations and has nearly 4 million visits each year.

The Parklands features over 60 miles of trails for hiking and biking—including a mountain bike park and a 19-mile, ADA-certified, multi-use paved trail that spans the length of the park—and 22 miles of paddling trail along Floyds Fork. Help us continue providing safe, clean, fun, and beautiful park experiences by registering for the Parklands & WLKY 5K today!

For those participants who sign up for the Virtual 5K, you will be able to complete the race at any time and any place. Please submit your results on the registration website from Friday June 5th through Monday June 8th.

Race entry includes:

• Short sleeve tech race shirt

• Finisher medal

• Free race photography

• Post race refreshments

The Parklands & WLKY 5K is on Saturday, June 6th. This 3.1-mile run/walk will start and finish at the Egg Lawn at Beckley Creek Park. Runners and walkers will go out on the road, then return partly on the Louisville Loop. The race will start at 8:30 am.

WOOHOO!!! We are so excited to be doing our run in the Parklands again this year! Participants run five (timed with awards) or three (fun run but timed) miles through the beautiful trails of Turkey Run Park (Parklands of Floyd Fork) to benefit Second Chances Wildlife Center. Second Chances is a nonprofit that provides Environmental Education programs to the Louisville area community. They also offer wildlife rehabilitation and safe release of injured and orphaned animals. Race proceeds and additional donations go back to saving our local wildlife. This pays for medicines, cleaning supplies, vet visits, formula, food, etc. Thank you for your support.

Runners receive a custom series medal and long sleeve hoodie tech tee. Car seat covers (keep your sweat to yourself!) available to purchase the day of race. Runners have a chance to meet one of the Second Chances Animal Ambassadors! Non-releasable Educational Animal Ambassadors have lifetime sanctuary at Second Chances. The course is a five miles (or three) of single track, wooded trail through beautiful Turkey Run. Elevation about 600. Starting and ending by Brown Forman Silo, the course is great for beginners and veteran runners alike. There are some roots and rocks, mostly on the first mile. Door prizes and overall awards for top 3 male and female runners (gift certificates) for the FIVE MILE. If the trails are too muddy to run due to rain, we will be on the paved path, which still makes for a lovely run.

Again this year, we have a fun little twist. We will have a few hidden raccoons along the course. If you find one, you can turn it in for a door prize. One per person. Of course if your goal is strictly speed, just wave to the animals as you run past them. We will have other door prizes with a drawing.

A water stop will be located at the midway point on the course. In accordance with our environmental friendly stance, this is a cup free race. Please bring your own reusable cup or water bottle.

A photographer will be there to capture the spirit of the morning. Say cheese!

Plenty of snacks at the end. Second Chances’ volunteers will be making you some goodies. We plan to have Kentucky Hop Water giving out free hop water. Stay and socialize for a bit. Door prizes at 10AM.

There is a 3 mile FUN run/walk option. This will be timed for your benefit, but no awards.

Packet Pickup: TBA Saturday 2-5PM and race morning starting at 7:45am. $40 (3 mile) $45 (5 mile) registration the morning of race.

Thank you to our sponsor Tippi McTyeire. (Working on a couple others so stay tuned!) Thank you to Bigfoot Timing for supporting us with the best timing in our area! Thank you to the Parklands for hosting us and helping to make this happen!

This race is part of the River City Races Run the 502 series. Run six races on our calendar and get a Run the 502 Finisher Medal with charms of all the races finished. Click here for more details and to register for the Run the 502.

Just Added! Little Patriot Fun Run, sponsored by Goldfish Swim School

Just for the 9 and under crowd!

Distances: 6 and Under: 1776 inches (49 yards); ages 7-9 250 feet (84 yards)

Date: July 3rd

Time: promptly at 4pm to open the Freedom Fest street festival (which runs 4-9pm)

Where: Independence Bank, 3901 Shelbyville Rd.

Cost: $10

Please note the Little Patriot Fun Run is on July 3rd at 4:00 p.m. at Independence Bank, 3902 Shelbyville Rd.

NEW THIS YEAR, SAVE WITH A FAMILY OF FOUR REGISTRATION

Register a Family of Four and save $10 off the registration fee.

Join us at 8:00 am on Saturday morning, July 4th for the St. Matthews Independence Day 5K, presented by Independence Bank. This race has its origins back to the 1970's (with the course unchanged) in what was then called the St. Matthews Pavement Pounder. This fun and fast timed race begins and ends at St. Matthews Baptist Church (3515 Grandview Avenue). Walkers are welcome!

Race will be limited to the first 700 registrants so don't miss out, register sooner than later. Race has sold out the past four years!

Entry includes:

NEW THIS YEAR! RACE MEDAL FOR ALL FINISHERS!

• Closed course through St. Matthews neighborhoods

• Choice of unisex short sleeve tech shirt or women's tech tank

• Chip timing with online results

• On-site parking

• Free race photos

• Race goodie bag with packet pickup

• Post race food and vendor booths

• Lots of awards and door prizes

Awards and door prize drawings will take place in the parking lot following the race.

Our 2026 Charity

St. Matthews Baptist Church’s annual “Love 40207” campaign.

“Love 40207” is the church’s commitment to be an active and positive member in and within the community. This past year the church reached people all over the 40207 area through “Love 40207”--working in dozens of locations doing such things as working in the community missions garden, visiting shut-ins, doing home repairs for the elderly, putting together care packages for frontline workers, providing resources for local cyclists, making blankets for those in need, doing local park clean-up, and beautifying St. Matthews Elementary.

The church is proud to also partner with St. Matthews Area Ministries (St. MAM) as part of “Love 40207” and throughout the year to provide additional services and programs to the community. Race proceeds directly benefit St. MAM as well.