The Arthritis Foundation is bringing the first 5K Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis in 15 years to Lyndhurst, Ohio. The event will begin at 8 a.m. Saturday, and the run/walk will start at 9 a.m., snow or shine.

“The Jingle Bell run is actually a national event of The Arthritis Foundation, so we just wanted to get in the spirit and partake in something that is enjoyed on a national level and wanted to bring that here to Cleveland,” said Alicia Hansen, community development manager for the Arthritis Foundation of Northeastern Ohio.

Pre-registration for the event is now closed, but day-of sign-up for those wishing to participate costs $30 for adults and $20 for children. The option for packet pick-up registration is also still available for those wishing to acquire their materials from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m Friday at Dick’s Sporting Goods at Legacy Village in Lyndhurst for $25 for adults and $15 for children.

The money raised will be donated to The Arthritis Foundation to help those in need through research and community outreach programs promoting arthritis advocacy efforts.

“The great news is that our original goal was $38,000, and we’ve already exceeded that for this race, so we’ve actually increased it to about $45,000 as our new stretch goal, and we are currently at $42,322,” Hansen said.

The run/walk will follow a 3.1 mile course starting at the California Pizza Kitchen at Legacy Village, through the Cleveland Clinic Wellness Campus and will end near Things Remembered. Participants will receive jingle bells to tie to their shoelaces as they run or walk along the course to show their spirit.

Commemorative long-sleeved T-shirts will be available on a first-come first-served basis, but an extra shipment will eventually provide all participants with their own.

Participants are encouraged to wear holiday-themed attire to take part in the costume contest. Goodie bags will be provided to all participants, and participants also could score some free giveaways as well. Kids can enjoy spending time with Artie the Arthritis Elf and listening to Christmas carols sung by the all-girl music group The Poptarts.

Contributors also can mingle with the sponsors of the event in the vendor area and enjoy some light refreshments.

At the end of the event, the top three participants in each age bracket will receive a medal in an awards ceremony.

The event will take place at 25001 Cedar Road Lyndhurst, Ohio 44124. For more information, please visit www.jinglebellruncleveland.kintera.org

Contact Christina Bucciere at [email protected].