Holiday runs helping spread cheer
All decked out in Santa attire and nowhere to run? Join a few hundred friends this Saturday at 10 A.M. in North Park for Arthritis Foundation of Pittsburgh’s Jingle Bell Run 5k.
Jingle Bell Run welcomes runners and walkers of all ages and levels to “Be There with Bells On!” Strollers and dogs, especially in costume, are also welcome but requested to start near the back of the pack for safety.
There’s also a kids’ dash at 9:15 A.M. prior to the main event. Kids of all ages are welcome to participate and will receive a medal for finishing but race director Lara Daly says the short dash across the Rose Barn parking lot is geared toward very young kids.
Daly, Executive Director for Arthritis Foundation of Pittsburgh, is new at directing the race. She hopes to see 300 to 400 participants for the fun fundraising event which suffered from much smaller attendance during the COVID years. “We hope to eventually get back to pre-COVID levels,” Lara says.
Jingle Bell Run is fun but also competitive. First three male and female finishers as well as top three in age groups from 10 and Under through 70+ earn awards. All participants can enjoy light refreshments of bananas, granola bars and more at the awards ceremony.
Jingle Bell Run has been a Pittsburgh tradition since 1996. It was originally held on Pittsburgh’s North Shore and attracted more than 1000 participants for many years. In 2014, Jingle Bell Run added a one-mile event along with the 5k.
Pittsburgh’s event is one of approximately 60 Jingle Bell Runs taking place in a three-week period between Thanksgiving and Christmas throughout the country. Proceeds from all these events benefit Arthritis Foundation and its mission to fight arthritis, the leading cause of disability in the US.
This year’s Pittsburgh Jingle Bell Run has a goal of raising $71,000 for Western PA. Donations and proceeds from Jingle Bell Runs directly benefit the communities where the events are held and support arthritis research for more effective treatments and a cure.
It’s too late to register online for Saturday’s Jingle Bell Run but there will be packet pickup on Thursday from 4 – 7 P.M. at Pro Bike + Run at North Park and day-of-event registration at North Park’s Rose Barn beginning at 8:30 A.M. on Saturday. All participants receive jingle bells and long-sleeved red t-shirts while supplies last. There’s also a virtual option for those who can’t attend in person.
Lara Daly advises runners to dress warm and to arrive early on race day. Parking will be available at several lots in North Park near the Rose Barn and Boat House.
If you can’t make it to this Saturday’s Jingle Bell Run, check out next Saturday’s Run Santa Run 5k in Graham Park, Cranberry Township. The event supports Amachi Pittsburgh, an organization that assists children whose parents have been incarcerated.
Proceeds and donations from Run Santa Run events will support these kids during this holiday season. Participants are encouraged to bring an unwrapped gift for a child ages toddler through 18 or to make a monetary donation if they can.
Run Santa Run is a 5k only but there’s no cut-off time to finish. You may run as fast as you can or stroll the course in full Santa garb. Kids in strollers are welcome to participate for free. The course runs on level road and walking trail completely within Graham Park.
Participants in Run Santa Run receive perks of Santa-themed shirt, Santa hat, bag, sunglasses and finisher’s medal. You may register online, at packet pick-up on Wednesday, December 5, 5-7 P.M. at Pro Bike + Run or on race day in Graham Park —— cash or check only on race day. There’s also a virtual option.
For more information about Jingle Bell Run 5k or Run Santa Run, visit www.gcxcracing.com/eventspa.
Upcoming Events
Saturday, 8 A.M.: New River Gorge Trail Festival — Winter Edition, Fayetteville, WV. Run on trails through New River Gorge National Park. runsignup.com/Race/WV/Fayetteville/NewRiverGorgeTrailFestivalWinterEdition
Saturday, 8:30 A.M.: Jingle Bell Run – Pittsburgh, North Park. Starts at Boathouse. 412-480-8778 or events.arthritis.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=cms.page&id=6582&eventID=1411
Saturday, 9 A.M.: Oil City’s Christmas Past Jingle Bell 5k, Oil City. runsignup.com/Race/PA/OilCity/OCJingleBellRun5k
Saturday, 9 A.M.: ECCC Ugly Sweater 5k, Ellwood City. runsignup.com/Race/PA/EllwoodCity/ellwoodcityUglySweater5k
Saturday, 9:30 A.M.: Vandergrift Back When Holiday Extravaganza 5k, Vandergrift. Held in conjunction with community holiday festival. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Vandergrift/VandergriftBackWhenHolidayExtravaganza5k
Sunday, 9 A.M.: Run Santa Run 5k, Plum. Run at Boyce Park Four Seasons Ski Lodge. www.runsanta5k.com/pennsylvania
Sunday, 10 A.M.: Nittany Valley Half Marathon, University Park. 412-779-7749 or www.runreg.com/nittany-valley-half-marathon
December 10, 9 A.M.: Run Santa Run 5k, Cranberry Township. Run in Graham Park. www.runsanta5k.com/pennsylvania
December 10, 10 A.M.: Snowflake 5k, Erie. Starts at Presque Isle’s Rotary Pavilion. erierunners.club/event/snowflake-5k/
December 11, 9 A.M.: Run Santa Run 5k, Oakdale. Run on Panhandle Trail starts at Helicon Brewing. www.runsanta5k.com/pennsylvania
December 11, 11 A.M.: Clint Puller Memorial Toy Run 5k, Meadville. Run on Ernst Rail Trail. 724-992-9154 or runsignup.com/Race/PA/Meadville/TheClintPullerMemorialToyRun
December 18, 10 A.M.: Reindeer 5k, 1 Mile and ½ Mile, Zelienople. 1-Mile race starts at 10:45 A.M., ½ mile start follows. getfitfamilies.com/reindeer-race/
December 18, 10 A.M.: New Florence Festivus for the Rest of Us 5k, New Florence. Also Ruck division and virtual option. runsignup.com/Race/PA/NewFlorence/NewFlorenceFestivus5k
December 18, 1 P.M.: Gingerbread Dash 5k, St. Marys. Kids discount. Holiday costumes encouraged with awards for best costumes in 6 categories. runsignup.com/Race/PA/SaintMarys/Gingerbread5kDash
December 24, 10 A.M.: The Christmas Eve 5k, Allison Park. Christmas-themed 5k starting at North Park Boathouse. runsignup.com/Race/PA/AllisonPark/TheChristmasEve5k
December 31, 10 A.M.: North Park Resolution Run 5k, Allison Park. Starts at North Park Boathouse. runsignup.com/Race/PA/AllisonPark/WolfCreekResolutionRun
December 31, 3:30 P.M.: Harmony Silvester 5k, Harmony. Also 1-Mile Fun Run. Part of New Year’s Eve celebration. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Harmony/HarmonySilvester5K
December 31, 4 P.M.: Twilight 5k Run, 2 Mile Run and 2 Mile Walk, Hollidaysburg. Run or walk through the holiday lights at Lakemont Park. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Altoona/TwilightRace
January 1, 10 A.M.: Set Your Year on Fire 35k Run, Walk and Ruck, Ligonier. Also virtual option, benefits Ligonier Borough Fire Company. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Ligonier/SetYourYearOnFire5k2023
January 1, 10 A.M.: Erie Runners’ Club New Year’s Day 5-Mile Race, Erie. Starts at Presque Isle Rotary Pavillion. Dan.a@erierunners.club
Race Results
Applefest 5k, October 8: Caleb Prettyman, 1st Overall M, 16:36; Hannah Gildersleeve, 1st Overall W, 20:01; Beatrice Kolesar, 2nd Overall W, 20:44; Brent Collins, 2nd 60-69 M, 22:18; Valerie Sands, 1st 70+ W, 36:26; Quinn Parson, 21:55; Jacob McBride, 23:41; Jill Terwilliger, 26:02; Christy Line, 27:04; Eleanor Kolesar, 27:07; Sarah Frampton, 27:56; Mia Fleeger, 30:34; Dylan Parson, 30:36; Hailey Ronyak, 30:45; Justin Fleeger, 30:48; Leslie Henderson, 31:35; Shawn Strobel, 32:32; Kristy Hanna, 33:36; Megan, McBride, 33:36; Erin Faith, 34:42; Alyssa Gurnee, 34:54; Holly Peterson, 38:44; Kendra Gurnee, 39:03; Tom Sneeringer, 46:38
Buffalo Creek Half Marathon, October 15: Matthew Bigham, 1st Overall M, 1:11:05; Jaclynn Stankus, 1st Overall W, 1:24:38; Maggie Bauman, 3rd 25-29 W, 1:30:16; Michael Brown, 1st 65-69 M, 1:31:24; Camille Bromley, 3rd 20-24 W, 1:33:07; Cathy McManus, 2nd 50-54 W, 1:37:54; Nick Collins, 3rd 20-24 M, 1:42:38; Catherine Hrach, 3rd 50-54 W, 1:44:13; Stephen Hepler, 1st 60-64 M, 1:44:19; Kim Platt, 1st 50-54 W, 1:45:38; Chuck Sarver, 2nd 65-69 M, 1:45:43; Terence Ake, 3rd 60-64 M, 1:47:21; Stephen Haberman, 3rd 55-59 M, 1:47:37; Dianne Zalenski, 2nd 45-49 W, 1:48:54; Ella Paule, 1st 19 & Under W, 1:50:05; Ava Santora, 2nd 19 & Under W, 1:51:12; Dcarlett Sather, 3rd 19 & Under W, 1:51:17; Micci Hutterer, 3rd 60-64 W, 1:51:37; Connie Hoffer, 3rd 45-49 W, 1:51:56; Patricia Neubert, 2nd 70+ W, 2:22:17; David Adams, 2nd 70+ M, 2:25:13; Sarah McGowan, 1:30:28; Tyler Ross, 1:31:13; Adrienne Harmon, 1:31:21; Brian McGowan, 1:31:30; Jim Haughey, 1:33:53; Dustin Kalkbrenner, 1:34:29; Doug Donatelli, 1:36:11; Justin Rellihan, 1:36:20; Danielle Cecchetti, 1:36:20; Jason Cecchetti, 1:36:21; Matt Bernardi, 1:37:43; Matthew Sydlik, 1:37:54; Anthony Beilstein, 1:38:01; Peter Frank, 1:38:33; David France, 1:40:33; John Hackworth, 1:40:48; Mark Casteel, 1:42:10; Roger Lutz, 1:43:51; James Dankovich, 1:44:50; Kevin Hixon, 1:45:01; Kelly Himes, 1:45:05; Greg Huth, 1:45:32; Donald Donatelli, 1:45:51; Denise Whitacre, 1:47:09; Caleb Rauscher, 1:47:35; Ryan Leonberg, 1:47:50; Melissa Byerly, 1:48:30; Steve Vargo, 1:50:41; Tony Chan, 1:51:02; Christy Hamilton, 1:51:53; Carrie Birckbichler-Smith, 1:52:34; Will Gramlich, 1:53:32; Keith Rundle, 1:53:37; Chrissy Lawlor, 1:55:23; Tristan Rhoades, 1:55:30; Scott Meiser, 1:56:07; August Landolina, 1:56:33; Josh McGinley, 1:56:47; Amanda Zavidny, 1:56:50; Eric Shumaker, 1:57:15; Roberto da Silva, 1:57:25; Alyssa da Silva, 1:57:25; Jill Terwilliger, 1:57:50; Travis Domhoff, 1:58:03; John Armstrong, 1:58:14; Rose Manning, 1:58:29; Trista Huth, 1:59:08; Matt Locke, 1:59:19; Joseph Kulbacki, 1:59:59; Jonathan Kline, 2:01:56; Carolyn Grider, 2:02:06; Jennifer Eckenrode, 2:02:33; Nicole Prioletti, 2:02:39; Kennedy Evand, 2:02:59; Sean Bernardi, 2:02:59; Kristen Shankel, 2:03:20; Brad Shankel, 2:03:22; Kevin Roach, 2:04:21; Michael Corcoran, 2:05:49; Wendy Wick, 2:05:50; Jill Pry, 2:06:26; Andrew Menchyk, 2:07:08; Robert Lawlor, 2:07:46; Megan Giammarco, 2:07:50; Timothy Miller, 2:08:03; Danielle Macurdy, 2:08:41; Karrie Coyer, 2:08:44; Leonard Coyer, 2:08:45; Lori Fromlak, 2:08:51; Angela Giori, 2:08:52; Nichol Zaginaylo, 2:09:42; Andrew Karns, 2:09:51; Stephanie Scoletti, 2:11:33; Melissa Eckenrode, 2:11:44; Rita Ciccariello, 2:12:53; Patrick Przenica, 2:14:19; Wayne Carbo, 2:14:31; Josh Albert, 2:14:31; Richard Adams, 2:14:47; Debbie Deddo, 2:14:51; Heather Kulbacki, 2:14:53; John Sestak, 2:15:27; Frank Walowen, 2:15:29; Pete Gregori, 2:16:14; Christy Gregori, 2:16:15; Tasha Werner, 2:16:15; Raymond Reed, 2:16:21; Jon McCaslin, 2:16:53; Nathan Tharnish, 2:19:06; Rachel Rutkowski, 2:19:13; Amy Lutz, 2:19:43; Mary Morgan, 2:19:44; Lacey Anderson, 2:21:19; Bud Santora, 2:21:22; Laura Augustine, 2:21:39; Doug Titchen, 2:22:08; Josh Valasek, 2:22:17; Amber Warba, 2:22:29; Chris Yuhouse, 2:22:44; Craig Watkins, 2:25:18; Marissa Clardy, 2:26:07; Tabitha Bowser, 2:28:35; Patrick Hennon, 2:29:37; Carmen Skal, 2:30:18; Julie Skal, 2:30:19; Megan Ammons, 2:31:15; Brandi Gaertner, 2:31:46; Michelle Bender, 2:34:41; Robert Dum, 2:34:47; Priscilla Bromley, 2:34:50; Kimberly Matz, 2:35:21; David Blackwell, 2:36:46; Meegan Looper, 2:38:56; Maritza Cable, 2:39:11; Trish McCarthy, 2:39:16; Sherrie Mazurek, 2:40:45; Rose Cardamone, 2:45:53; Emily Haberman, 2:53:07; Rebecca Meyer, 2:58:20; Tarra Prince, 3:01:52; Carol English, 3:03:36; Darcie Paule, 3:06:14; Michael Reed, 3:11:32; Margaret Kasunic, 3:14:31; Brendan Howe, 3:25:44
Send comments and suggestions: Patricia Neubert. Phone 724-352-4395. Email lotzak@consolidated.net
Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle
