LONDON EVENTS FIELD GUIDE
Night Run Through Canary Wharf’s Winter Lights: A Guided 5K of Art, Atmosphere and After-hours Ale
A guided 5K run with Secret London Runs through Canary Wharf’s Winter Lights Festival that stops for photos and artist stories — this guide explains what to expect, logistics and who the run suits.
Night Run Through Canary Wharf’s Winter Lights: A Guided 5K of Art, Atmosphere and After-hours Ale.
For ten nights in January Canary Wharf becomes an open-air gallery of light installations; Secret London Runs leads a guided 5K through that transformed financial district, pausing to photograph works, hear the stories behind them and finish back at Crate Brewery for bag pickup and optional post-run drinks.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A 5K routed through Canary Wharf’s illuminated public art
With permission from the festival organisers, the run threads through Canary Wharf’s Winter Lights installations for a short, atmospheric 5K—stopping along the way to admire works and capture photos.
Pace-based groups and a friendly finish at Crate Brewery
Organisers expect a large turnout and split runners into pace groups; the event is a running tour, not a race, and it starts and finishes at Crate Brewery where bags are stored and participants can linger for a post-run drink.
Plenty of stops for photos and artist stories
The guided format includes multiple pauses to photograph installations and to hear short stories about the artists and their pieces as you move through the display.
What the day feels like
What the evening feels like
Arrive at Crate Brewery from 6:30pm to drop bags and gather for a 7pm start; after a brief set-up the group heads out on a guided 5K that pauses at light works for photos and short artist narratives, running at the pace of the gentlest participant and finishing back at Crate Brewery around 8:15pm (ish) for bag retrieval and optional drinks.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this run is right for — and who might look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Magical guided running tour of the Canary Wharf Winter Lights, bag drop at Crate Brewery, and multiple photo opportunities — post-run drinks are optional and not included.
Crate Brewery will look after bags for the group during the run; all property is left at your own risk.
Arrive at Crate Brewery from 6:30pm for a 7pm start; the run proceeds at a gentle pace with an expected finish around 8:15pm (ish).
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
When and what time does the run start?
The advertised date is Monday 26th January 2026 with participants asked to arrive from 6:30pm and a 7pm start.
Where do we meet and finish?
The run meets and finishes at Crate Brewery, Wood Wharf; participants can store bags there for the duration of the run.
Will the group stop at the lights?
Yes — the guided run stops to admire the installations, take photos and hear short stories about the artists.
Is this a race?
No — this is a running tour, not a race. Runners are split into pace-based groups and the group runs at the pace of the gentlest participant; no one gets left behind.
What’s included in the ticket?
Included are the guided running tour through the Winter Lights, bag drop, and multiple photo opportunities; post-run drinks are optional and not included.
Who operates the run?
The run is operated by Secret London Runs.