Dig out those ugly holiday sweaters — it’s showtime! Hurry and mark your calendars for Saturday, December 7, and register for the 4th Annual “Jingle All the Way” 5K & Kids’ One-Mile Kids Loop course, hosted by Templeton Recreation Department.
Open to runners, joggers, walkers, and parents with baby strollers, the 5K run starts promptly at 8 a.m. and the One-Mile Kids’ Loop begins at 9 a.m. at Templeton Fire Department at 206 5th Street. This location will serve as the starting point for each race.
“We’ve been doing this run for several years now and it’s so much fun,” said Recreation Supervisor Melissa Johnson at the Templeton Community Services District. “Santa comes out to ring the bell at the starting line, and then the 5K’ers take off for their run. All the way around, it’s a joyful, community-oriented way to begin the holidays.”
Santa Claus will be in attendance for this festive community event, and top finishers will be named in the Men’s, Women’s, and Boys and Girls categories.
“For the one-mile run, the kids race just three laps around the Templeton Park, and everyone gathers round to cheer them on and encourage them,” Melissa said. “We have the high schoolers come out to help run the finish line, and the high school athletes come to either run with the kids on the one-mile, or to cheer on and encourage them.”
Runners who are registered for Jingle all the Way by November 29 will receive an event T-shirt, race bib, and a raffle ticket for an opportunity to receive one of many prizes. Each One-Mile Kids’ Loop participant will also receive a goodie bag and a participation ribbon.
“There’s even a T-shirt design contest in which all students in the Templeton School District can take part,” Melissa said. “If the winner gets their design on the T-shirt, it’s super cool for a kid to see everyone wear their design.”
The cost for the Jingle All the Way 5K registration is $30, and the One-Mile Kids’ Loop is $5. To register online, visit the TCSD website at templetoncsd.org or call 805-434-4909.
“We have contests at the event for the Best-Dressed Runner who arrives festooned in holiday running wear, the Best-Dressed Team, the Ugliest Holiday Sweater, and the Best-Decorated Stroller runners,” Melissa added. “It’s just such a fun event that everyone should come check out!”
