Monday's Featured 5k of the Week - Jingle Bell Run Kankakee

Time for some more "seasonal races".

The Jingle Bell 5k occurs in many cities across the state and country, raising money for the various chapters of the Arthritis Foundation.  This is one of the 5Ks that provides an opportunity for runners to fund-raise using a special internet page, which runners can use to solicit donations from friends and families.  However, fund-raising is not required, runners may choose to just pay the entry fee.

The specific Jingle Bell 5k covered here is the one that takes place in Kankakee, IL - this coming Sunday (12/14/14).

In the past the SWAG consisted of a quality long sleeve themed shirt (usually a Christmas color), a "Rudolph" nose, a Jingle Bell necklace, and other sponsor provided goodies.  The cool part about this goodie bag, in this runner's opinion, is the Jingle Bell.  With over half of the participants putting the bells on prior to running - it sounds like a stampede of reindeer!!  It also lets you know if someone is right on your tail.  Definitely a unique sounding race!

The Kankakee event takes places at the Shapiro Development Center which provides a mixed-surface track.  About 1/3 of the track is run twice, so it's not exactly a twice-around, it's like a once around, and then some?  At any rate, the track consists of wide paved traffic-free streets within the Shapiro Center, smaller paved forest paths, crushed gravel forest paths, and a small bridge.  Because it's re-uses part of the track twice - there is a great place for spectators to see you several times.

There are some pre-race activities inside the nearby gymnasium - and a place to keep warm.  The post-race refreshment can best be described as a smorgasbord ranging from healthy fruits to donuts to even pizza and chocolates!!

This has always proven to be a festive run, between the bells and the Christmas costumes donned by several runners - this is fun for all skill levels and spectators.  A good way to "ring in" the Holidays!

5k official website