2016 Jingle Bell Run

​Howdy, friends.
 
Ready to run the Jingle Bell run this year?
 
In honor of the 10th year of the fundraiser for the Arthritis Foundation, I sat down with Darci Hustrulid, executive director of the foundation in South Dakota, to talk about changes this year.
 
Here here are 10 things to know.
 

1. It’s on Saturday! The race will be at 9 a.m. on Saturday,  Nov. 26, at Fawick Park. Traditionally, runners have threaded through downtown before the Parade of Lights on Friday night. That’s changed this year, partly due to some city regulations and partly to make the race, a major fundraiser, more visible.
2. It isn’t a 5K. Ready for a PR? Here you go. The route heads south on the bike path from Fawick Park, crosses the bridge near Cherry Rock Park and then comes back up on the east side of the river. That’s 3.81 miles – you’re guaranteed to run your best time. “It’s a little bit longer than a 5K, but we didn’t have a good way to get across the river,” Hustrulid said.
3. Your donation can do more. The event is a major fundraiser for the Arthritis Foundation, a 501(c)3. That means if your company matches donations, your entry fee could qualify for that. Just ask your local human resources department – it’s usually just a tiny bit of paperwork.
4. Walkers welcome! The walkers will begin after the runners head out, completing a 1.5-mile out-and-back on the bike path.
5. Consider the footing. The city keeps the bike path in good repair all year (thanks, Sioux Falls!), but it can still be icy in spots. Having the race during the day means you can see where you’re going now.
6. Change is good. “I see a lot of benefits for the arthritis foundation,” said Hustrulid. The race always blended into the Parade of Lights, but now it will get more exposure. “It was designed to bring awareness to those people who struggle with arthritis every day, and our mission to find a cure, and our goal of raising funds.”
7. Fawick is here to stay. “I was very, very careful in picking out the location, because when we make this move, I wanted to make sure we could do it in the same location every year,” Hustrulid said.
8. Come to run, stay to shop. You have free parking. You got your workout in. Now it’s time to enjoy downtown Sioux Falls. Coffee, scones, new gear from 605 Running Co.
9. But wait, it’s cold and I feel lazy. That’s OK. You can still donate. Just go to the website and make a donation.  The foundation hopes to raise $47,735 this year. They were close to that last week – and runners know that signing up at the last minute is a thing.
10. Do a double. You can do the Run for Food on Thursday and the Jingle Bell Run on Saturday. If you count Black Friday shopping as a workout, well, you’re on your way to a fitness streak this holiday season.

 
 
Jacqueline Palfy is a longtime runner, reader and writer, marathoner, mom and board member of the nonprofit Sioux Falls Area Running Club. Her contributions to the 605 Running Co. blog will appear each Tuesday. You can follow her on Twitter @runnerJPK or reach her at jpalfyklemond@gmail.com. Story ideas are encouraged.
 
 
 
 
 
 
What: Jingle Bell Run
When: Saturday, Nov. 26 at Fawick Park
Time: Day-of registration is at 8 a.m., and the race begins at 9.
Packet pick-up: 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Sanford Wellness, 49th and Oxbow
Distances: Runners will do a 3.81-mile loop route, and walkers will do an out-and-back on the bike path for 1.5 miles.
Parking:  The Avera lots near Fawick are available for runners. Downtown parking also is free on weekends on the street and in the ramps.
Website: https://www.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=1160015
 

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