Be part of one of the largest chip timed 5K Run/Walks in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. Move your feet to a jingling beat! Join hundreds of runners and walkers who will hit the pavement this holiday season. The Jingle 5K Run/Walk is a festive way to kick off the holidays by helping the Lakewood Ranch Auxiliary fund. Just tie Jingle Bells to your shoe laces (which we supply) and you are off.

There is festive, holiday music along the course and live music at the finish. When you’re done racing, enjoy the huge post-race party including food and adult beverages (with proper ID).

The Jingle 5K features a wave start based on a runner’s predicted finish time for safety. Runners can then pace themselves with their contemporaries. The first 1,800 Runners receive a colorful Leslie Jordan Micro-mesh wicking shirt excellent for training runs. Colorful award tiles three deep for categories 9 and under, then 10-14; 15-19 and five-year age categories to 80+. Overall M/F winners receive New Balance running shoes courtesy of Fit2Run. Master; Grand master; Sr Grand Master, and Veterans M/F winners receive 6″ custom tiles and gift certificates.

The Jingle 5K benefits the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center Auxiliary. The LWRMC Auxiliary provides scholarships to those wanting a career in healthcare; provides items that benefits its patients, guests and volunteers, and supports local community organizations. The Lakewood Ranch Medical Center Auxiliary is a 501 (c) (3) non-for-profit public charity.

Event details and schedule:

Early packet pick-up begins Friday, December 15 and Saturday, December 16at Fit2Run in Downtown Sarasota on Main Street. Beginning Sunday December 17 through Thursday December 21st packet pickup is at the Fit2Run at Mall at UTC during store hours. You can pick up the packets on race day on Lakewood Ranch Main Street beginning at 4:00 pm.

The 5K route proceeds off of Health Parkway next to Lakewood Ranch Main Street onto Town Center Parkway down to Manor Lane and back. The one mile walk will follow a similar path.

Plenty of parking is available around Lakewood Ranch Main Street. Music, food and fun times can be before, during and after the race. Be sure to check out the free face painting and bounce houses.

There will be a parcel drop for participants at the Fit2Run tent. We are not responsible for belongings. Your bib number is your claim ticket.

Day of race commences at 4:00 pm
Children’s Santa Dashes at 6:00 pm
3 to 4 years run 100 meters at 6:00 pm
5 to 6 years run 200 meters at 6:02 pm
7 to 9 years run 400 meters at 6:05 pm
10 to 12 years run 800 meters at 6:10 pm
5K Run/Walk 7:00 pm Wave start
28 minutes & under at 7:00 pm
28 to 35 minutes at 7:02 pm
35 to 45 minutes at 7:04 pm
45 to 55 minutes at 7:06 pm
55 + minutes and strollers or pets at 7:08
One Mile Walk at 7:10 pm

For more information or to register, please visit www.thejingle5k.org

For questions, please contact Doug Schiller, Race Director at 941-932-6147 or Dougjune1@msn.com.