The City of Lakeland is hosting the 9th Annual Holly Jolly Jingle Bell Jog on Saturday, December 16, 2023. This festive 5K race takes place along Three Parks Trail with a 7:30 a.m. start on Buckingham Avenue. 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. The cost of the race is $35 with proceeds benefitting the perpetual care fund for Three Parks 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. Over the years we have seen some awesome costumes ranging from discarded chairs from the Lakeland Christmas Parade to every holiday icon you can imagine, and a few years ago one runner even completed the 5K race in those curly toe-elf shoes.”
Participants will receive an awesome race shirt along with a finisher ornament. After crossing the finish line participants head over to Santa’s Village for goodies, awards, and photos with the big guy himself! There is even a 200-yard Reindeer Dash for our smallest participants under nine years old and registration is only $10. All participants are encouraged to share their photos and experiences on social media. Be sure to tag @Lakelandgov.
Packet pickup will take place on Friday, December 15th, between 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Cleveland Heights Golf Course. Race day pickup will begin at 6:30 a.m. in front of the Cleveland Heights Golf Course pro shop. Awards will be given to: Overall Male and Female, Overall Masters (40+) Male and Female, and the top three Male and Female winners in the age group categories.
Registration is now open through December 13th and follow the City of Lakeland’s social media accounts @lakelandgov on all platforms for discount codes. To find out more information and to register for the event, go to JBjog.com.