Jingle Bell Run/Walk Giveaway

Are you ready for the holiday season yet?  Well ready or not, here it comes!  It's not even Thanksgiving yet and Starbucks has been serving Christmas Blend for 2 weeks, you can hear Christmas music around the clock on WNIC, and Detroit had it's tree-lighting ceremony in Campus Martius park last night.  Yep, tis the season!  You can't fight it so you may as well just go with it.  

Or better yet, RUN with it!  This year, the Jingle Bell Run/Walk 5K and 10K is coming to Detroit on Saturday, December 6th.  A national event, it has been named one of the "Most Incredible Themed Races".  Dress up in all your festive holiday gear - Santa hats, reindeer antlers, crazy socks.  Don't forget the jingle bells!  There are even prizes for best costumes.  I'm sure the people-watching will be great!  

The race is a fundraiser in support of the Arthritis Foundation.  You can register as an individual or with a team.  The honoree this year is Emi Werschky, a 7-year-old with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis.  It's awesome that the race can support her and others to help find a cure!

One of the best parts about the Jingle Bell Run this year is the course.  In the past this race has been held in Northville and Bloomfield.  I've never run it.  Now that it's in Detroit, however, it's a not-to-be-missed event!!  It covers all of my favorite running spots - Dequindre Cut, Campus Martius, Riverwalk, Woodward Avenue, Comerica Park, and Greektown.  RUNdetroit designed the course so naturally it would be awesome!

Course map by Justin Craig, RUNdetroit

Check out the video below to see a few highlights from the course.

After the race you can warm up at the post-race party, hosted by Hard Rock Cafe, where you can enjoy a free beer and some other goodies.  Medals will be awarded to top finishers in 13 age groups.  

On these cold days, races are great excuses to get you out the door for your run.  When it involves a fun theme and a good cause, all the better!

I'll be doing the 5K for fun (maybe even walking, depending on my hamstring).  

Now, here's the really good part!

How would you like to run or walk the Jingle Bell Run for FREE?  In the spirit of the season, I have 4 (that's right - FOUR!) entries to give away from the Arthritis Foundation.  

For a chance to win, here's what you need to do:

1. Post a comment below answering the following question: What is your favorite Detroit winter/holiday memory? (1 entry)

2. Share this post on Facebook and let me know you shared it. (1 entry)

3. Start following Vegan Road Runner on Facebook if you don't already. (1 entry)

All entries must be received by Wednesday, November 26th at 8pm.  I will randomly choose 4 winners.  Winners will be announced on Thursday, November 27th.

Date: Saturday, December 6th
Time: 9:00am
Event Website: Jingle Bell Run 5K Run/Walk - Detroit

Good luck!