EDENTON — As the sun begins to set over Edenton on May 9, 2026, Queen Anne Park will slowly begin to glow.
Children wrapped in neon bracelets and necklaces will laugh beside parents adjusting race bibs. Friends will gather while deputies from the Chowan County Sheriff’s Office greet runners not just as participants — but as neighbors. For one special evening, Edenton won’t simply host a race. They’ll celebrate a community.
The Kids & Cops Glow Run is more than a 5K, 3.1 mile run for those of us who aren’t fans of the metric system.
It is the latest chapter in a program that began back in 2012, when the Chowan County Sheriff’s Office set out to build stronger relationships between local youth and law enforcement. Former Sheriff Dwayne Goodwin and Deputy Ricky Winebarger helped launch the Kids & Cops program with a mission to create positive connections that last long after the uniforms and flashing lights are gone.
Over the years, the program has grown into a cornerstone of the community. Through summer camps, mentorship opportunities, fishing trips, canoe outings, fitness activities, and community events, local children have had the chance to see officers not just as authority figures — but as coaches, mentors, teammates, and friends.
Now, the Glow Run carries that same spirit forward.
Before race night arrives, participants can pick up their race packets early on Thursday, May 7, from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. at the Chowan County Sheriff’s Office in the Chowan County Public Safety Center on West Freemason Street in Edenton. Organizers remind runners to keep up with their race bibs once picked up and to avoid folding or bending them to protect the timing chip attached to each bib.
There will be no early packet pick-up available on Friday. Race day packet pick-up will take place Saturday evening at Queen Anne Park from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
And when runners finally line up beneath the evening sky, glowing in bright colors and laughter, the real finish line won’t just be measured in miles.
It will be measured in moments:
A child high-fiving a deputy.
A family cheering together.
A community growing stronger, one step at a time.
There is still time to register for the Kids & Cops Glow Run. Registration is available online at: https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Edenton/KidsAndCopsGlowRun
Organizers will also be accepting registrations during packet pick-up times.
The Chowan County Sheriff’s Office invites everyone to join the fun, support local youth, and help light up the night at this year’s Kids & Cops Glow Run.
Because sometimes the brightest lights come from people coming together.
On a side note, the kid pictured above participated in the Kids & Cops Glow Run training program at D.F. Walker Elementary School. In part due to his experience with the program, the now high school senior is a distance runner on the John A. Holmes High School track team.
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