Holiday joggers wait for yearly run

Organizers at Thrive Allen County admit they’re taking a calculated risk.
The 2012 edition of the Jingle Bell Jog — which typically is held in early December — will be on Christmas Eve morning.
“We’re relying on a bit of strategy,” said David Toland, Thrive’s executive director. “We’re hoping that there will be families with relatives in town that need something to do that morning.”
The risk lies in what happens if folks do not participate, Toland admitted, because the Jingle Bell Jog has become an important fundraiser each year.
This year’s Jingle Bell Jog is the 12th annual.
The 5K run and 3K walk starts at 8 a.m. with a registration table opening at 7:30. Runners should be on hand by 7:45 in order to get their shirts and jingle bells. The bells will be tied to the runners’ and walkers’ shoelaces, creating a rhythmic round of ringing while on the course.
Registration costs $15 for those wearing small through extra-large shirts. Those wearing XXL or XXL shirts will be charged $18. Registering by Dec. 14 will be guarantee shirts are on hand for the run.
The runners will head from the courthouse bandstand to Cottonwood Street, north through Highland Cemetery and south along Jefferson Avenue.
Walkers will go up and down Washington Avenue.
The early start time also was considered carefully, said Sunny Shreeve, Thrive’s program director.
“That way they can do the run and still have time for cooking, last-minute shopping, whatever else they had planned on Christmas Eve,” she said.
“It’s really a way for people to start their holiday with a fun physical activity,” Toland added. “It gives people something to do besides just eating.”
Assisting Thrive with the Jingle Bell Jog are students in the Iola High School leadership class.
They have helped lace up the jingle bells for the runners and walkers and will man water stations along the route. They will also assist with other behind-the-scenes functions.
“They’ve been a tremendous help,” Shreeve said.
The endeavor is one of several community service projects the leadership class completes each year, such as their annual festival for kindergartners, raking leaves for area residents and hosting a senior citizens prom in the spring.
The IHS Family, Career and Community Leaders of America chapter also will bake gingerbread cookies and serve up hot chocolate to those finishing the walk or run.