Jingle Bell 5K At The Mills At Jersey Gardens To Benefit Kids

ELIZABETH, NJ — Nearly 400 runners of all ages, outfitted in Santa suits and jingle bell shoelaces will race at The Mills at Jersey Gardens as part of the 9th annual Jingle Bell Run 5K to benefit the Children’s Specialized Hospital Foundation on Sunday.

The event is hosted by the mall at 651 Kapkowski Rd. in Elizabeth and the Elizabeth Policemen’s Benevolent Association Local #4. There will also be a Santa Fun Run for children to race with jolly old St. Nick.

Elizabeth’s Mayor Chris Bollwage will serve as emcee for the USATF-certified race. Registration is open from 7 to 8 a.m. and packet pick up is from 7 to 8:15 a.m. The race starts at 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. All participants will receive a gift bag with special Jingle Bell 5K gear, including festive, collectible socks.

Following the race, an award ceremony and complimentary IHOP pancake breakfast will be provided. First, second, and third place winners will be awarded gift cards of $250, $100 and $50, respectively.

Those interested in taking part can register for the run online here for $35, or in-person on the day of for $40.

Since its inaugural year, the Jingle Bell Run 5K has raised more than $100,000 for Children’s Specialized Hospital, the nation’s largest provider of pediatric rehabilitation services. This year’s contributions will benefit the hospital’s Chronic Pain Management program.

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