The City of Lakeland is hosting the 6th Annual Holly Jolly Jingle Bell Jog on Saturday, December 12th. This festive 5K race takes place on Three Parks Trail, and this year there will be a 7 a.m. staggered start time along with a virtual option. Runners and spectators are encouraged to wear their most festive holiday gear for this timed and chipped race. The race starts and ends at Cleveland Heights Golf Course (2900 Buckingham Avenue) with runners jingling and jogging along the race route that follows Three Parks Trail. The cost of the race is $35 with proceeds benefitting the perpetual care fund for the Trail through the Givewell Community Foundation.
Director of Parks & Recreation Bob Donahay said, “This race is a great time to celebrate our public spaces and promote holiday cheer. Participants are encouraged to dress in their holly-esT, jolly-est attire and over the years we have seen some awesome costumes with one runner even completing the 5K race in those curly toe-elf shoes.”
Participants both live and virtual will receive an awesome race shirt along with a finisher ornament. The live race will have age group and overall winner medals. Race participants must compete in the in-person live event to be eligible for age group and overall winner medals. Virtual participants are encouraged to share their achievements via social media or by emailing the JBJog team at [email protected]. If posting to social media, be sure to use the hashtag #JBJog.
Runners and walkers of all levels are welcome. In-person participants are encouraged to follow social distancing recommendations and wear a mask at the start area. Masks can certainly be removed once the race begins. In-person participants can find out more info about the steps we are taking to keep runners and our team safe at JBjog.com/runner-info/covid-19-safety-guidelines. The COVID-19 situation is a dynamic landscape and continues to evolve. Should guidance change and the live event not be possible, registered runners will have the option to participate in the virtual event instead. Additionally, participants are encouraged to contact City staff if they wish to change to the virtual option before packet pick-up on December 11th.
Registration is now open through December 9th for the Holly Jolly Jingle Bell Jog and in honor of Veteran’s Day, use the discount code VETS through November 11th for $5 off. To find out more information and to register for the event, go to JBjog.com.