Sparkle up those runners and don holiday gear for the sixth annual Jingle Jog, all in the name of a good cause.
Organized by the Brooks Secondary School grade 11 fitness class, the five-kilometre walk or run has raised over $11,000 in support of the Powell River Action Centre Food Bank over the years and has become a holiday tradition.
“I remember watching my sister organize it when I was in grade eight,” said grade 11 student Bayley Hollingsworth, 16, “and I thought one day that will be me.”
Besides being a fun event for students to organize, the run is a big draw, attracting as many as 200 participants in previous years.
“When winter comes, so does the Jingle Jog,” said Bayley. “Everyone looks forward to it.”
Participants are encouraged to deck themselves in holiday garb for the fundraising event, which is really about giving back to the community, she said.
“Christmas colours make it really festive,” said Bayley. “In jogging you are doing something nice and compassionate for yourself and for the community.”
The event starts and finishes at Willingdon Beach with participants jingling along a course following the North Beach Trail loop. The walk starts at 9:30 am and the run starts at 10 am on Sunday, December 13.
Although the event is not competitive, and participants are encouraged to walk and run at their own pace, some take the Jingle Jog rather seriously, including grade 11 student and long-time participant Myles Elliott, 16.
“I’ve run the Jingle Jog every year,” said Myles. “I even won it last year.”
Registration costs $10 per person or $20 per family. Those interested in pre-registering for the event can do so at Brooks’ main office, Avid Fitness Center, River City Coffee or online at avidfitness.ca. Organizers will also accept registrations on the morning of the run at 9 am.
