In just a little over two weeks, Charlotte Motor Speedway will come alive with the sights and sounds of Christmas with the return of the family friendly Speedway Christmas drive-through light show. But before any cars roll through the completely redesigned 3.5-mile illuminated holiday spectacle, the course will be a supersized playground for Charlotte-area runners during the third annual Egg Nog Jog 5K on Saturday, Nov. 21.
Bringing all new meaning to "racing under the lights," the superspeedway that first brought fans NASCAR racing at night will host more than 1,000 runners for the third annual event before the green flag waves on the drive-through light show. Runners will be among the first to get a sneak peek of the all-new light show, which features more synchronized lights to music than ever before. Visitors will snake through the infield, including nearly one mile on the famed speedway, and under the concourse.
"The kids loved seeing all the lights, getting a picture with Santa and then running around the track," said Jen Sercy, of Concord, after her first Egg Nog Jog. "When we came through the tunnel, they just couldn't believe it. It was hard not to be filled with holiday cheer."
Following the 5K, runners will be treated to a spectacular fireworks display that will double as the official start of the drive-through show. Guests not interested in running can drive through the course beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Registration is open for the third annual Egg Nog Jog 5K. Runners can register online at www.eggnogjog5k.com for just $30. Teams of four or more will get a $5 discount for each runner. Children 7 and under are free with a registered adult. Registration also includes a voucher good for one free entry into the drive-through show and a souvenir Egg Nog Jog t-shirt. Runners are encouraged to get in on the fun with festive costumes. The race will begin at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 21.
The jog kicks off more than a month of holiday fun at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The drive-through Speedway Christmas show will be open nightly through Dec. 30 from 6-10 p.m., except Christmas Day. Every Thursday through Sunday night, fans will also enjoy an enchanted Christmas Village with a petting zoo, Bethlehem Village, photos with Santa and more. In addition, guests can watch holiday classics like "Elf," "Polar Express" and "Frozen" every Thursday through Sunday night on the speedway's gigantic 16,000-square-foot HDTV.
Admission to Speedway Christmas is $20 per car Monday through Wednesday nights, $25 per car on Thursday and Sunday nights and $30 per car on Friday and Saturday nights. Group rates for tour buses and corporate sponsorship opportunities are also available.
For more information, visit www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or call 1-800-455-FANS (3267). For daily updates on Speedway Christmas or any speedway activity, connect with Charlotte Motor Speedway by following on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram, or downloading the Charlotte Motor Speedway mobile app.
