The New York Road Runner Organization is organizing the Jingle Bell Jog through Prospect Park, an event that raises money for youth programs in public schools. Hundreds of kids will be running alongside adult racers, all in festive holiday gear.
NYRR Jingle Bell Jog in Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Saturday, December 8th at 9am
Prospect Park
Race proceeds will help support running programs for 100,000 NYC studentsOn Saturday, December 8, New Yorkers can take part in the NYRR Jingle Bell Jog—a festive four-mile race in Prospect Park that supports hundreds of youth running programs in city public schools.Sign up online or register on race day in Prospect Park on the Nethermead, located in the center of Prospect Park.
Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz says, “We are proud to celebrate the many Brooklyn and New York City students who participate in NYRR’s fitness programs. Brooklyn is delighted to host the Jingle Bell Jog for the third year in a row. The four mile race will not only help runners burn off some of those holiday calories, but with all proceeds going to the NYRR youth running programs, I can’t think of a better gift to our city’s public school kids this holiday season.” Councilwoman Letitia James adds, “Running has a tremendous positive impact on all members of our community. It’s a sport for all ages and abilities.”
Like last year, runners will get a long-sleeved technical shirt with their registration and jingle bells for their sneakers that sound so much like Santa’s sleigh, passers-by will look to the skies searching for reindeer! At the finish line, young elves will randomly bestow gifts to runners who have the holiday spirit. All the prizes are donated by local merchants, including BAM, Jack Rabbit Sports, Shake Shack, and Four and Twenty Blackbirds. See the full list here.
New this year is the addition of Toys for Tots. Runners and spectators can bring new, unwrapped toys and drop them off with the Marines at the Toys for Tots tent where they’ll be gifted to children in the city’s neediest neighborhoods.
Spots are still available for this year’s event where runners often dress up like Santa or his helpers and stick around post-race for hot chocolate and bagels. In addition to the race and its perks, each entry gives the gift of running and is equivalent to supporting a student in NYRR’s Mighty Milers program for a whole year.
Excited for Saturday is educator Nicoletta Nerangis of Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. In October 2011, Nerangis brought Young Runners and Mighty Milers programs to P.S. 321 in Park Slope and now manages nearly 700 enthusiastic runners each week. “These programs give my students such joy, promote their love of running, build friendships, and give them positive focus and goals. Our Young Runners team has become very close and they all look forward to having Saturday’s runners come to their favorite practice spot, Prospect Park!”
In addition to Markowitz and James, Councilman Brad Lander, whose daughter is a Mighty Miler, will also attend the race. “The kids at P.S. 107 have fallen in love with running and have logged more than 7,000 miles since September. Running to them is more than fun and fitness, they’ve also used the sport to raise thousands of dollars for the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign. I’m so proud of all these students.”
If you are interested in attending, please contact Laura Paulus at 646-241-3527 or lpaulus@nyrr.org
For further information, click here
For further information, click here
