Buzzin’ Glow RUN

The Buzzin’ Glow Run is a fun, family-friendly evening event hosted by the Wood County Recreation Commission with the River City Runners as part of the annual West Virginia State Honey Festival.

Designed to bring together recreation, wellness, and community celebration, the Buzzin’ Glow Run encourages participants of all ages and fitness levels to enjoy an exciting glow-themed 3K run while supporting one of the area’s longest-standing festivals.

The event begins at dusk when participants are provided glow sticks and other glowing accessories to light up the 3K course in vibrant  colors. Runners and walkers are encouraged to wear neon clothing, decorate themselves with glow gear, and embrace the festive atmosphere. Music, cheering spectators, and illuminated course markers create an unforgettable experience for families, youth, and competitive runners alike.

The current WV State Honey Festival Queens will serve as honorary judges for the event and present awards to participants. Their involvement allows the queens to serve as community ambassadors while increasing their visibility throughout the festival weekend.

By incorporating the pageant into the 3K Run, the event helps strengthen the relationship between recreation and festival traditions, while encouraging young women to participate in the WVSHF Pageant in future years. Seeing the reigning queens actively involved in community events provides positive role models and reinforces the pageant’s emphasis on leadership, volunteerism, confidence, and community service.

The River City Runners will partner with the Wood County Recreation Commission by assisting with race planning, course certification, volunteer coordination, race timing, and runner support. Their experience in organizing community races ensures a safe, professionally managed event while allowing WCRC to focus on creating a memorable festival experience.

Participants will compete for awards in various age divisions, along with special prizes recognizing categories such as:

• Best Glow Costume
• Best Bee-Themed Outfit
• Brightest Family Group
• Most Creative Glow Design
• Overall Adult Male and Female Finishers
• Top Youth Finishers

The Buzzin’ Glow Run promotes healthy lifestyles, outdoor recreation, community engagement, and family participation while offering a distinctive evening attraction during the WV State Honey Festival. The Run also encourages future participation in the Honey Festival Pageant by showcasing the current queens as community leaders. Lastly, it provides another opportunity for visitors to stay longer, explore festival activities, and support local businesses.