Annual Jingle Bell Run attracts about 400 participants

Story and photos by Deanna Bertrand

About 400 people from across Windsor-Essex County braved the wet weather Sunday morning, November 10, for the 30th annual Jingle Bell Run in Essex.

Participants dressed in the Christmas spirit with bells, Santa hats, elf costumes and more as they completed 2km runs, 5km, walk, run and roll as part of the fundraising campaign for Community Living Essex County.

The Jingle Bell Run provides a safe, fun, festive event for the whole family and a way to promote healthy lifestyles while raising money to support over 700 children, youth and adults with intellectual disabilities through the work of Community Living Essex County (CLEC).

The event, which is hosted by Ken Knapp Ford, is dedicated to the memory of Bob Blair, who was instrumental in organizing the Jingle Bell Run at its inception. Several members of Bob’s family were on hand to volunteer.

According to CLEC Manager of Communications, Tony DeSantis, about 550 had registered but the rain put  a damper on the numbers.