11th Annual Northfield Jingle Bell Run

This year’s Northfield Jingle Bell Run and Family Run/Walk will support programming at the Northfield Area Family YMCA.

The 11th annual event is planned for 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, at the Carleton College Weitz Center, 320 Third St. E., Northfield. Registration is under way.

Over the years, the run—which is presented every year by Carlson Capital Management, the American Center for Philanthropy and 5th Bridge—has raised thousands of dollars for Northfield community organizations. For instance, the 10th anniversary run in 2011 contributed a total of $10,000 to 10 community groups: Brite Smiles, Cannon River Watershed Partnership, Community Action Center, HealthFinders Collaborative, Hope Center, Laura Baker School, YMCA, Northfield High School Angel Fund, Rice County Humane Society and Northfield TORCH Program.

This year, 100 percent of race registration fees will be contributed to YMCA programming.

More information about the event’s contributions to the community can be found at http://www.jinglebellrunwalk.org/charity.

While the run has developed a reputation for philanthropy, it also is known for being a festive morning for runners and families alike. Race day features a 5K run, a 2K family run/walk and a post-run celebration with brass music, photos with Santa, hot drinks and treats.

And, of course, participants are provided with bells to jingle along the race route.

Pre-registration fees are $8 for kids ages 10 and under and $15 for participants ages 11 and up. There is a $50 family maximum.

Race-day registration is $10 ages for kids 10 and under and $20 for participants ages 11 and up. The $50 family maximum still applies.

Adult participants receive long-sleeve t-shirts, while registered kids receive short-sleeve shirts.

Holiday stockings and stuffers also will be given to all children registered for the family walk.

Race-day registration and check-in begin at 8 a.m., and the run will start at 9 o’clock.

Participants can register online at jinglebellrunwalk.org or at www.northfieldymca.com, by clicking on the “Programs” button.

For information, call (507) 645-8887.