New York, November 29, 2017—Brooklyn’s NYRR Jingle Bell Jog (5K) will kick off New York Road Runners’ (NYRR) holiday running season on Saturday, December 2, with over 6,000 runners of all ages participating, including more than 1,000 youth runners participating in the Rising New York Road Runners youth runs at the NYRR Jingle Bell Jog. Entry to the youth runs and fitness activities are free, while all proceeds from the adult race benefit NYRR’s free year-round youth programs and events that serve 267,000 students across the United States, including 134,000 from New York City (approximately 35,000 of those from Brooklyn).

“Since 1999, New York Road Runners has provided free youth running programs designed to introduce the sport of running to students of all ages and abilities in a way that fosters a healthy and lasting attitude toward health and fitness,” said Michael Rodgers, vice president of development and philanthropy for NYRR. “The funds raised year-round by New York Road Runners, and each December at the NYRR Jingle Bell Jog, are crucial to continue to encourage and support our hundreds of thousands of Rising New York Road Runners across the country and right here in New York City.”

This year’s Jingle Bell Jog runners will receive festive New Balance ear warmers, while youngsters participating in the Rising New York Road Runners at Jingle Bell Jog will receive holiday-themed neck warmers. The youth events range from non-competitive, untimed shorter-distance races for younger runners, through timed, longer distances for those interested in friendly competition. 

The cheerful sounds of the holidays will fill Prospect Park as runners in all events will also receive jingle bells for their sneakers. After crossing the finish line, all runners can enjoy hot chocolate and holiday-themed bagels.

In advance of Saturday’s race, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams hosted a group of students at Brooklyn Borough Hall today. The students, from P.S. 107 in Park Slope, participate in Rising New York Road Runners and will be running Saturday in Prospect Park.

"The energetic spirit of the New York Road Runners demonstrates the best of Brooklyn’s youth. Leading a healthy and physically active lifestyle starts with our youngest Brooklynites, and these athletes embody that mantra," said Brooklyn borough President Eric Adams. “Thanks to the New York Road Runners for the focus on fitness and health for New Yorkers of all ages.”

Many participants of Saturday’s youth runs are part of Rising New York Road Runners, NYRR’s flagship youth fitness program available at no cost to schools across New York City’s five boroughs and nationwide. Introduced earlier this year, Rising New York Road Runners is designed to provide students with access to free fitness programming and inspire the next generation of runners. Please visit rising.nyrr.org for more information.

Rising New York Road Runners is supported by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), the Premier Partner of NYRR and NYRR youth programs and the title sponsor of the TCS New York City Marathon; New Balance, the Official Athletic Footwear and Apparel Partner of NYRR; the New Balance Foundation; and the Fairway Community Foundation.

For more information about the NYRR Jingle Bell Jog and Rising New York Road Runners at Jingle Bell Jog, please visit the event pages here and here.  Please note, entry to both events is sold out, but there is plenty of room for spectators to cheer!

About New York Road Runners (NYRR)

Founded in 1958, New York Road Runners has grown from a local running club to the world’s premier community running organization, whose mission is to help and inspire people through running. NYRR’s commitment to New York City’s five boroughs features races, community events, youth running initiatives, school programs, and training resources that provide hundreds of thousands of people each year, from children to seniors, with the motivation, know-how, and opportunity to Run for Life. NYRR’s premier event, and the largest marathon in the world, is the TCS New York City Marathon. Held annually on the first Sunday in November, the race features 50,000 runners, from the world’s top professional athletes to a vast range of competitive, recreational, and charity runners. To learn more, visit nyrr.org.