Community
‘Glowing’ With Health
Light Up The Corners returns for a 10th year of fun and fitness at The Forum.
Keeping fit doesn’t have to be a chore. It can be a fun group activity. To drive this point home, Light Up The Corners began a decade ago as a fundraiser for the Robert D. Fowler YMCA, but also as a way to celebrate fitness and fun. This year the night race will take place Saturday, August 12 at The Forum.
“Each year this race has grown. We’ve had more participants, volunteers, spectators each year,” said Amy Massey, race coordinator. “It’s a labor of love for myself and our volunteer committee. It’s a 501c3, but it’s run entirely by volunteers who love running and who love our community and love the YMCA.”
Massey served on the Fowler board for about 10 years. When her term expired, she was looking for ways to continue to raise money for the programs that she found so impactful and important for the kids, teens and families in the community.
The event is geared to raise funds for a specific campaign at the Fowler Y called “Why It Matters.” The entire YMCA structure in metro Atlanta awards more than 36,000 scholarships that give kids and families the opportunity to experience great programs and services.
“The YMCA provides hunger relief through the backpack program, water safety training so kids can learn to swim. And something that’s near and dear to my heart is the leadership and civic responsibility training that they do for teens,” Massey said.
“It takes Pinckneyville and Summerour teens and really creates leaders out of them. I’ve seen myself the impact that they’ve had when they come back around. They stay involved, they want to give back to the YMCA and pay it forward,” she added.
A running start
Massey said she got together with some of her running buddies, and they started the race. “The first year was a morning race and we had maybe 200 people or 150 people,” she explained. “We decided we wanted to try to do something different because in Atlanta on any given weekend, you’re competing with so many different 5Ks.”
So Light Up The Corners was born.
Organizers describe it as “a glowing, flashing, blinking, shining nighttime running party and fundraiser in one.” All proceeds from the event go to benefit less fortunate children and families in the community by giving them the chance to participate in life-enhancing programs and activities at the Fowler YMCA.
The first actual “glow run” at night was sponsored by The Forum, which was also the venue, and the City of Peachtree Corners came on board as a title sponsor. That was right around the time when Peachtree Corners was becoming a city.
And it really is a community event.
Glowing together
Light Up The Corners is actually two events — the 4 Mile Run and Twilight Trot, 1K (6/10 mile) that is a one-of-a-kind nighttime experience. It’s less about how fast you run or walk and more about much fun you have.
The course will be lined with blinking lights to illuminate the way and participants will be given glow sticks, a glow necklace and other glow bling to light up the course as they run and/or walk, according to the event website.
“The experience is just super fun and exciting,” said Massey. “We will have fire spinners, entertainers, jugglers, face painters, a professional DJ and food before and after the race. The Forum really puts on a fabulous event.”
She described it as kind of a dance party with anywhere from 20 to 35 sponsors promoting health, fitness and wellness.
There will also be contests for the “glowiest” men, women, boys, girls and teams. Participants are encouraged to strap on as much glowing bling as they can find and light up the course.
Massey encouraged everyone to experience the community spirit and family fun atmosphere.
“It is just so fun to see the community come together. People of all ages, all walks of life get together for a very family friendly health focused, exciting Peachtree Corners tradition,” she said.
And it’s for a fabulous cause, she stressed. “The focus this year is even more health and family focused. We’ve got a lot of schools participating and our goal is to get the greatest number of students out and running and participating.”
The Charity Run/Walk will be part of Curiosity Lab’s annual Criterium event
Expect a day of thrilling races and family-friendly fun at the inaugural Curiosity Lab Charity 5K Run/Walk followed by the Curiosity Lab Criterium on Sunday, April 27.
The day-long community event will kick off at 8 a.m., when registration opens for the 5K. The race will start at 9 a.m. and end at 10:30 a.m., and the Criterium will begin at 11:15 a.m.
In addition to the running and cycling events, there will also be kid’s races, food & beverage vendors, a kids zone, a DJ spinning tunes and more fun throughout the day.
The Charity 5K Run/Walk
Presented by Werfen and Sidel, with additional support provided by Atlas Collaborative and the City of Peachtree Corners, the Charity 5K Run/Walk will benefit the American Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and 100% of the registration fees will be donated.
While no prizes will be given for the race, bib timing will be used for those who would like to see their times. And each registrant will receive a Curiosity Lab Charity 5K Run/Walk t-shirt for participating.
Registration for the 5K is open now.
Curiosity Lab Criterium
Following the 5K, hang around and experience the Curiosity Lab Criterium, part of U.S. Pro Cycling’s Speed Week.
Speed Week is a premiere week-long event on the U.S. Pro Cycling Circuit that draws cyclists from around the world, including Olympic medalists and world and national champions. In 2024, the professional men’s and women’s events drew cyclists from over 30 states and more than 20 countries.
Join in the excitement and watch as some of the world’s top male and female Criterium Racers tackle the most challenging track on the circuit.
The details
The 2025 Curiosity Lab Criterium & 5K will take place on a course located within the world-famous Curiosity Lab at Peachtree Corners — a 5G-enabled, 500-acre living laboratory ecosystem designed specifically as a proving ground for IoT, mobility and smart city emerging technologies.
Location: Curiosity Lab at City Hall • 310 Technology Pkwy NW, Peachtree Corners
Date and time: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The 5K starts at 9 a.m and ends at 10:30 a.m. The Criterium begins at 11:15 a.m.
Parking for the event will be located at 400 and 420 Technology Parkway, Peachtree Corners.
For more information, visit peachtreecornersga.gov.
The sun is out, days are getting warmer and spring is on its way. That means more time outdoors and more fun events and activities in and around Peachtree Corners.
From movies and sports to live music and family fun, now’s the time to mark your calendar for all of the upcoming events you won’t want to miss. We’re sharing a few of our April favorites to get you started.
CrossFit on the Green
All ages and fitness levels are invited to join Terrance Fox with CrossFit PPG on the Peachtree Corners Town Green, Thursdays at 8 a.m. for a strength and conditioning workout. Bring water (no glass containers), a small towel or two, and a mat if possible. Wear comfortable workout attire and good shoes. March–November. Admission: free
Peachtree Corners Town Green • 5140 Town Green Blvd., Peachtree Corners
Cornhole Spring League
Come out and cheer on the teams who’ve registered to compete in this seven-week spring league. Play takes place weekly beginning March 20 and ends on May 15 with a tournament and trophy. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Admission: free
The Forum at Peachtree Corners • 5155 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners
Friday Night Live
Kick back and groove to the smooth sounds of live music from favorite local artists every Friday night on The Plaza, April–October. Concert schedule will be announced soon. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Admission: free
The Forum at Peachtree Corners • 5155 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners
Kids and Parents Gardening Workshop
This gardening workshop presented by nonprofit group DFOWW will share basic gardening information for youth ages 5–12 and their parent or guardian. Seeds, plants and a catered lunch will be provided. Register online. April 5 from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tickets: $75 per adult; $10 per adult for low-income families
Norcross Cultural Arts and Community Center • 10 College St., Norcross
Forum Flicks
Forum Flicks are back for 2025. Gather on The Plaza and enjoy your favorite movies on the big screen on the second Tuesday of each month. Movie schedule will be announced soon. April–October starting at 6 p.m. Admission: free
The Forum at Peachtree Corners • 5155 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners
Spring Plant & Pot Sale
Kick off the spring gardening season with this four-day sale of plants and pots. Tomatoes, peppers, herbs, flowers and more will be available for purchase. April 19, 21–23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday; 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday–Wednesday.
Peachtree Farm • 356 Research Ct., Peachtree Corners
Earth Day Celebration
Learn about the origins of Earth Day and create seed bombs to take home with you at this all-ages workshop. April 22 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission: free. Registration is not required.
Peachtree Corners Library • 5570 Spalding Drive, Peachtree Corners
Mt. Carmel Spring BBQ
Enjoy pork BBQ, Brunswick stew, slaw and desserts. The event will continue until items sell out. Dine in and take out are available. April 25 starting at 11 a.m.
Mount Carmel United Methodist Church • 5100 S. Old Peachtree Rd., Peachtree Corners
Wesleyan Artist Market
This annual two-day market showcase features a curated selection of artwork, handmade goods, jewelry and more, with offerings from professional artists as well as student artists. April 25–26 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.
Wesleyan School • 5405 Spalding Drive, Peachtree Corners
Spring Fest!
Welcome spring at CtK’s annual Spring Fest! Families are invited to join in for a day of free family fun, food, face painting, a petting zoo and more. April 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission: free
Christ the King Lutheran Church • 5575 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners
Curiosity Lab Criterium and Charity 5K Run/Walk
This day-long, family-friendly event on April 27 will feature an inaugural charity 5K Run/Walk to benefit the American Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Following the race, guests are invited to hang around and experience the Curiosity Lab Criterium, a U.S. Pro Cycling Circuit Race. The 5K starts at 9 a.m.; the bike race begins at 11:15 a.m. There will also be kid’s races, food & beverage vendors, a kids zone, DJ and more throughout the day. From 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Curiosity Lab at City Hall • 310 Technology Pkwy NW, Peachtree Corners
Upcoming Spring Events You Won’t Want to Miss in April
Why Patient Experience Matters: A Conversation with Dr. Aristo Shyn
Burn The Ships: Alex Wright on Committing to Success & Helping Businesses Thrive
Expanding Horizons: How KGM Technologies Balances Defense, Medical, and Precision Manufacturing
Fun for a Good Cause at Curiosity Lab’s Inaugural 5K Run/Walk
Mike Schleifer to Leave Alliance for Lincoln Center Theater
Public Notice: Scheduled Maintenance on Town Center Parking Deck
Inside the Solicitor General’s Office: Lisamarie Bristol on Justice in Gwinnett County
Expanding Horizons: How KGM Technologies Balances Defense, Medical, and Precision Manufacturing
Mike Schleifer to Leave Alliance for Lincoln Center Theater
Public Notice: Scheduled Maintenance on Town Center Parking Deck
Inside the Solicitor General’s Office: Lisamarie Bristol on Justice in Gwinnett County
Why Patient Experience Matters: A Conversation with Dr. Aristo Shyn
Burn The Ships: Alex Wright on Committing to Success & Helping Businesses Thrive
Fun for a Good Cause at Curiosity Lab’s Inaugural 5K Run/Walk
Upcoming Spring Events You Won’t Want to Miss in April
Light up the Corners [Video]
Capitalist Sage: Business Leadership in Your Community [Podcast]
Cliff Bramble: A Culinary Adventure through Italy
Top 10 Brunch Places in Gwinnett County
A Hunger for Hospitality
THE CORNERS EPISODE 3 – BLAXICAN PART 1
Top 10 Indoor Things To Do This Winter
The ED Hour: What it takes to Remove Barriers from Education
