It is a sleepy Sunday morning in December: the leaves fallen, the days at their shortest, and the nip of the Northwest’s winter frost unmistakably in the air. Perhaps there is even a light dusting of snow on the ground — but it won’t stop what’s about to come pounding down the pavement.
 In a single moment, the stillness is broken by a crescendo of stampeding running shoes, panting, and laughter — all to the tune of thousands of jingle bells.
The Arthritis Foundation sponsors over 100 Jingle Bell races nationwide each year, several of which take place in the Pacific Northwest. Seattle’s Jingle Bell Run/Walk, in particular, will celebrate its 25th anniversary Dec. 13.
Its 2009 honorees are two young women, Hannah and Kellie, both of whom were diagnosed with arthritis at a young age. Through finding the right doctors, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, enlisting the support and encouragement of others, and above all, keeping a positive attitude, both local women have refused to let their disease define them.
Their stories are featured on the Seattle JBR’s website, and serve to inspire the thousands of people who get involved with the event each year.
“I hope to teach others that arthritis can affect anyone,” says Hannah. “My message to everyone is that a little hope goes a long way.”
Supported by both staff and volunteers, the Arthritis Foundation is at the forefront of research, public health education, and the pursuit of public policy legislation. For over 50 years, they have been relentless in their support of individuals struggling with the disease that affects one in five adults, and 300,000 children nationwide.
Although its inspiration is sobering, the Jingle Bell Run invites an undeniable amount of joviality: participants don everything from reindeer antlers to full Santa Claus costumes, lace jingle bells to their shoes, and often walk, jog or run as parts of creatively themed teams.
Fundraising is a crucial part of the Foundation’s ability to continue providing the powerful support network they do.
With an easy-to-navigate website, individual and team registration options, great fundraising incentives (roundtrip airfare with Alaska Airlines, anyone?), and the rain-snow-or-shine promise of a merry event, the JBR makes getting involved both simple and rewarding.
Four race categories are available to participants in the Seattle event — the “Run with the Elves” 1K for kids, the “Rudolph Runners” 5K for chip-timed runners, the “Dasher Dashers” 5K for untimed runners, and the “Santa Striders” 5K for walkers. The event starts and finishes at the Westlake Mall in downtown Seattle. Its goal is to raise $750,000.
Last year’s Seattle race attracted 12,000 participants. The Foundation hopes for as many, if not more, this year to honor Hannah and Kellie and the millions of others affected by arthritis, and spread holiday spirit throughout the Pacific Northwest.
NW Jingle Bell Runs
Nov. 21: Spokane, Wash. www.spokanejinglebellrun.org
Dec. 5: Anchorage, Alaska www.anchoragejinglebellrun.org
Dec. 5: Bend, Ore. www.bendjinglebellrun.kintera.org
Dec. 5: Skagit County, Wash. www.skagitjbr.kintera.org
Dec. 6: Portland www.portlandjinglebellrun.kintera.org
Dec. 12: Bellingham, Wash. www.bellinghamjbr.kintera.org
Dec. 13: Seattle (25th Anniversary Event) www.seattlejinglebellrun.org
Yitka Winn is a runner and freelance writer from Seattle.
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