Running Into Holiday Tradition: Jingle Bell Runs
Images by Brian Bracher andWal_172619on Pixabay
Turn Your Holidays Into More Than Just the Pumpkin Pie
It’s early evening. The air has turned crisp and sunset has just begun. In the distance, there is the faintest sound of jingle bells that dance across the wind. Across town, folks are huddled around cozy fireplaces to shake off the winter chill, while others are donning their running shoes and t-shirts sporting a smiling Santa.
Runners and walkers gather, some dressed in elaborate costumes of life-sized Santas – others wearing nothing more than a pair of leggings and sweatshirts that resemble holiday-themed designs – and join thousands of other participants in a local jingle bell run. Huddled together in the cool air, they take off at the sound…
Go!
Jingle bells sound off in one accord. Bright, flashing lights on hats and necklaces fill up the night with the feeling that Santa is waiting right around the corner.
If you have been a spectator at one of these events and always secretly wanted to join in on the fun, there is no better time than now. Yes, even at the last minute.
What to Expect
The beauty of a jingle bell run is that it’s a race made for everyone. Runners and walkers and those of all abilities can participate in this annual event. Families come in droves, where moms are seen pushing baby strollers and dads are attempting to corral their four-legged running partners in the crowd.
Kids are welcome, too. Sometimes there’s a 1-mile fun run for the little ones. Or if you’ve been running/walking for some time and are searching for more of a challenge before diving into your grandma’s homemade mince pie, some races offer distances as long as a half-marathon.
Where to Find a Race
There are different ways to join a race. Most communities host jingle bell runs throughout the entire month of December, as well as New Year’s races with a similar vibe as the calendar turns the page. You can contact your local race club or do a search online for the closest jingle bell run in your area.
If you’re in a rural area or live in a town that doesn’t offer a live race, there are now other opportunities to virtually run/walk. By choosing the virtual route, you can set your own course and distance. By choosing a virtual race, you can also create your own start/finish line with family members there to cheer you on.
Planning Your Costume
Even if dressing up for a race makes you roll your eyes, this can be some of the most fun for others. At a jingle bell run, your imagination is your best friend. Some races provide jingle bells to participants, which can easily be attached to a pair of sneakers.
If you are feeling brave and want to don a full costume, wear that plush Santa or make a t-shirt with a funny meme or holiday-themed saying. Have fun with it!
If you are searching for a couple of ideas, you can’t go wrong with a red and green tutu that you can make at home. Add a shirt that sports an elf, or an ice-skating penguin, and you’ve got a simple DIY costume. You can even try a holiday-themed headband or hat. If you need a bit of inspiration, check out this great costume idea.
Preparation for the Race
If you are new to running and/or walking, this time of the year can be a perfect opportunity to begin a training program such as the Couch to 5K (which is available to download as an app) or other similar trainings, like this beginner’s guide by Hal Higdon.
For many, this tradition runs deeper than simply getting the chance to burn fuel before eating your way through holiday feasts. For some, it means a time for families and friends to gather, to make new holiday traditions with memories that will last all year long.
This year, when you hear the sound of jingle bells in the distance, it just might be Santa. Or it could be a group of runners gathered together on a cool, starry night.
Need more inspiration for your creative life and health? Check out these other stories by our resident trainers Rita & Dana.
- Race You to the Finish – A Look at Virtual Races
- Yoga Poses for Creatives
- Staying Active During NaNoWriMo – a How to Guide
- Rekindling Creativity Through a Healthy Lifestyle
Meet Florida born-and-raised Dana Reeves: Wife, dog mom, certified personal trainer and lover of all things reading and writing. What began as a hobby in writing short stories while in school soon turned into a full-fledged passion for all things writing as an adult. She loves to create fiction, poetry and fitness-related articles. When Dana isn’t writing, she loves running, traveling with her husband and family, exploring the world via cruise ship, and, as always, searching the universe over for more exciting writing material.
You can follow her on Instagram or read her blog.
