As winter arrives in Northeast Tennessee, the Bristol chapter of Speedway Children's Charities is busy preparing to host a pair of fundraisers designed to get everyone into the holiday spirit while benefiting local children in need.

The Cigna Speedway in Lights 5K presented by Fleet Feet will return for its eighth year as the official starter to The Pinnacle Speedway in Lights festivities. Returning with it will be Tastings, Bites and Twinkling Lights, a gourmet food, wine, craft beers and high-end spirits tasting.

"The holiday season is always our favorite time of the year," said Claudia Byrd, executive director of SCC-Bristol. "The season means so much to everyone and for us, it means the time to give back. We are excited to bring back some of our favorite events to help kick off The Pinnacle Speedway in Lights as we continue our mission to help children in need in this region."

The Cigna Speedway in Lights 5K will be held this Sunday, Nov. 11 at 6 p.m. Participants will be the first to gaze upon the hundreds of displays and millions of lights that make up one of the South's largest Christmas lights display and will get to finish the run at a holiday party located inside the oval. The route will take runners all over BMS property, including a trek through the dazzling Christmas lights displays, along Bristol Dragway and inside The Last Great Colosseum.

Guests may sign up with advanced registration for $30, which can be completed at http://bit.ly/SCCSIL5K. Kids 12-and-under are only $15. The final day to register is Nov. 8 at 11:59 p.m.

Returning to The World's Fastest Half-Mile is Tastings, Bites and Twinkling Lights on Sunday, Nov. 18 at 5:30 p.m. Set high atop BMS overlooking the holiday lights show, guests will enjoy tastings and bites from several locally highlighted restaurants, wineries and breweries. Some of these favorites include The Virginian, The Blackthorn Club at the Ridges, Johnson City Catering Group, Buttermilk Sky Pie, Southern Craft, Studio Brew, Yee-Haw Brewery and more. Tickets for the event are $50 and can be purchased at http://bit.ly/SCCTBTL with all proceeds going to SCC.

For more information on SCC's winter events at Bristol Motor Speedway, please visit www.SpeedwayCharities.org/Bristol.