It may not be Thanksgiving yet, but now is the time to get your holiday running/walking gear in order. Registration for the 22nd annual Jingle Bell Rockin' Run (JBRR) is underway, and the event will be held on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022.

"Not only are we offering an awesome 5K race, but we will also have a kids fun run, customized jingle bell hoodies for participants, and photo ops with Santa, Mrs. Claus and Dasher the Reindeer," says Kevin Osborne, YMCA vice president of operations/senior executive director.

Cost for the 5K registration is $30 until Nov. 24, 2022, when it will go up to $35. The kids run is $15 and can be purchased at any time up until the day of the race. A virtual race option is also available for $25.

"Of course, the greatest benefit of running the Jingle Bell Rockin' Run is running (or walking) a race that will make a difference this holiday season," says Osborne. "All proceeds from the race will go directly to those in need of financial assistance so that they can have access to YMCA programs throughout the year."

Race proceeds provide scholarships to things such as swimming lessons, youth basketball, afterschool childcare, summer camps and YMCA memberships.

Something new for this year is that the JBRR will be US Track & Field certified.

"We are excited to be able to offer this to our dedicated runners who like to log their times and keep up with the precise timing that goes with the certification process," says Osborne.

One of the runners participating this year will be Susan Simpson.

"My first race was in 2010, and I have run in every one since then except for the year that I was recovering from a foot injury," says Simpson, who also co-directs the race each year. "Part of the agreement when I started volunteering to help with the race was that I would still get to run. It's such a fun race - lots of people dress in holiday costumes, and there's a really festive spirit to the race."

Mona Hinson agrees. She and her husband, Eddie, have walked the race for many years.

"It's always so enjoyable - you see folks dressed up in tutus and Santa hats - it really gets you into the Christmas spirit," Hinson says.

"We usually have more walkers than runners," says Osborne. "This is a kid-friendly, pet-friendly, festive event, and we hope to have a lot of participants this year."

The 22nd annual Jingle Bell Rockin' Run is hosted by the Kings Mountain Family YMCA, a branch of the Cleveland County YMCA. The race will begin and end at irst Baptist Church of Kings Mountain at 9 a.m. Those interested can register by going to
www.runsignup.com/Race/NC/KingsMountain/JingleBellRockinRun.

For more information on the Jingle Bell Rockin' Run or other YMCA programs, visit www.Clevecoymca.org.