Runners Jingled as They Jogged

They came, they ran, they jingled.

And they raised $100 for TAP-IN in Barrington that will be put to good use for the less fortunate in the East Bay.

A couple of dozen runners and a few walkers came out on Sunday, Dec. 9, for the first Jingle Bell Run sponsored by the Barrington Business Association. They ran a short course from the Bayside YMCA through the Maple Avenue neighborhood and back to the 'Y' starting at noon.

When most runners finished about 7-10 minutes later on the .7-mile course, the winners were the "Candy Cane Family" for most festive costume. Beth Silveria and her two children, Will and Chris, earned that honor.

The best-dressed pooch was Max the cocker spaniel, owned by Allee Krause. She ran with Judy Costa and Ana Matafone.

Matt Gagliano, who owns Fitness Together in Barrington, led the way for the merchants group. Co-directors Lois Coppolino of Daisy Dig'ins and Holly Smith of Hollies on the Avenue gave out bells to all the runners before the race and candy canes to everyone at the finish line.

The money was raised with a $5 per family registration fee.