Jingle Bell Run

Come rain or shine, Bellinghamsters show up in force in holiday costumes and with bells on their shoes to run/​walk this flat 5k course each year in support of the Arthritis Foundation. The race starts at the Bellingham High School on Cornwall Avenue and snakes through the Lettered neighborhood. The school band performs at the start line and gets everyone jazzed up as they pick up their race packets. Along the course, there are usually cheerleaders and people holding fun signs of encouragement.
You can register online as an individual or as a team for this event. Those raising additional money for the Arthritis Foundation can win prizes for reaching certain fundraising levels. In 2014, I managed to score some fun, candy stripped, knee-​high, wool socks for my efforts. If you don’t want to run, you can walk. If you don’t want to walk, you can donate on behalf of an individual or team who is participating. It is a great non-​profit to support, and the Arthritis Foundation makes it easy for everyone to get involved and educated about the cause.
FYI, it is worth going to the pre-​packet pickup event held several days before the race. It is an event in itself. In 2015, the pre-​packet pickup was held at Wilson Motors. Kulshan Brewery was handing out sparkling cider and beer on tap. You could enjoy bratwurst or pork tenderloin. The kids can get photos with Santa and his elves or take a horse carriage around the lot. The best part… all of this fun was provided free!
This is truly a B’ham holiday tradition that everyone should come out and do each year.