Jingle Bell Run to benefit Arthritis Foundation

The Jingle Bell Run will once again return to Bellingham on Saturday, December 9 to benefit the Arthritis Foundation through its festive fun run.

The event will celebrate its 37th year with a 5K run/walk, one-mile walk, children’s fun run with elves and dog trot at Bellingham High School, 2020 Cornwall Avenue. Participants are encouraged to wear holiday attire as they support people impacted by arthritis. The race will also have photos with Santa, a costume contest and music from the Bellingham High School band.

“I’m delighted to share with our community our message to end the number one cause of disability in the United States,” said Lori McKnight, associate director for the great west region of the Arthritis Foundation.

Same-day registration and packet pick-up opens at 7 a.m. The costume contest is at 8:15 a.m., followed by the kids’ fun run at 8:30 a.m. The 5K, dog trot and one-mile walk will start at 9 a.m.

Individual registration is open through December 9, but team registration closed December 1. For an individual, the 5K and one-mile walk cost $45, 5K dog trot costs $55 and the children’s run costs $30.

With all of the registration and fundraising funds going toward the Arthritis Foundation, Jingle Bell organizers have set a fundraising goal of $140,000. As of December 4, the race had raised $90,200 and had 1,520 registrants, according to its website. Proceeds will support awareness outreach as well as treatment and cure research.

Bellingham is ranked number two in the nation for its number of Jingle Bell Run participants, McKnight said.

Arthritis impacts about one in four adults and one in 250 adolescents, or about 60 million people living in the U.S., according to the Arthritis Foundation. The foundation, a national organization dedicated to arthritis research and advocacy, holds Jingle Bell Runs across the country. 

To learn more or register, visit jbr.org/bellingham.com.