✨Sparkle to the Bridge 5K✨

Grab a friend, lace up your sneakers and join Nora's Sparkle of Love Project for our first annual ✨Sparkle to the Bridge 5K✨ in Patoka, IL!

What better way to spend a crisp, fall morning than outdoors, sharing in community, moving your body and spreading Nora's SPARKLE. 

The events kick off on Sunday, November 2 with a hayride from Cox's River Bridge to the start line at the boat dock. From there, the 5K will start promptly at 8:00 a.m., winding through the heart of rural Patoka's Pope Township — past picturesque landscapes, rolling pastures, friendly farm animals and vibrant fall foliage, with views of Carlyle Lake and the historic Kaskaskia River. Runners will cross the finish line at the River Bridge, where music, donuts and refreshments await. Plus, there will be an awards ceremony and photo ops with none other than Heart Lover the unicorn!

Participants are also invited in to town to Patoka Christian Church for a post-run worship. The service starts at 10:30 a.m. and will be followed with a chili lunch fundraiser.

Proceeds from this event benefit ✨Nora's Sparkle of Love Project✨, a nonprofit that funds pediatric brain tumor research and supports kids like Nora who are battling childhood cancer. Every step you take will aid these children and their families as they travel a much harder road.

It's sure to be a great day for an even greater cause. So sign on up, today!

Run for a reason.  Sparkle for Nora.   

🏃‍♀️Race Day:  Sunday, November 2, 2025

📍Check-in Location:  Cox River Bridge Access, northwest of Patoka, IL on Kaskaskia River (see attached map)

https://maps.app.goo.gl/yzJrFVYAQcnaFMuk9

🕗Race Start:  8:00 am

🕗Check In:  No later than 7:45

📍Start:  Boat Dock        Finish:  Cox’s River Bridge

🚜Transportation to Start Line:  Park at the River Bridge and relax as the hayride delivers you to the starting line at the Boat Dock.  We’ll provide full details as race day approaches!

🍩Post-Race:  Celebrate at the finish with music, awards, donuts and refreshments.  Grab a high-five and photo with Heart Lover the unicorn!

✝️ Head in to town after the race for a 10:30 AM community worship service at Patoka Christian Church, followed by a 🥣 chili lunch fundraiser.

📄Packet Pickup:  Packet pickup dates/times will be posted closer to race day!

💛 All proceeds support Nora's Sparkle of Love Project, helping families affected by DIPG and other childhood cancers.

🎖️Medals will be awarded to all participants!

🏆 Additional awards will be given to top finishers in various age categories.

👕 All participants who register by October 20 will receive a race T-shirt!  T-shirts will also be available to order separately for those not participating in the race.