This event is similar in purpose as the Jingle Bell Run/Walk held in the month of December; however, the Arthritis Walk® is a non-competitive, walking-only event. The Ohio River Valley Chapter will be hosting one of this year’s walks at the beautiful Keeneland race course in Lexington, KY.

What:  2009 Arthritis Walk® to benefit the prevention and treatment of arthritis.

When: May 9^th, 2009; Registration begins at 9:00 a.m., the walk begins at 10:00 a.m.

Where: Keeneland Race Course, Lexington, KY

Who:  The event is ideal for participants of all ages, abilities and fitness levels. Teams and individuals are welcome to take part in this event. Furry friends are welcome too so bring along the family dog as long as you keep him or her on a leash.

Course:  You can choose from a 5K course if you are up for the challenge or a one-mile option if you want to do a little less walking. The course is also accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.

Cost:  There is no registration fee for this event. Participants are asked to raise donations for the Arthritis Foundation. Your fundraising can be done online through the foundation’s website when you set up your personal web-page during the registration process. Participants who raise $100 or more will receive an official t-shirt.  

Registration:  Individuals and teams can register online and set up their donation site which will allow you to invite other team members and donations via email.

Other:  The walk is just one portion of the fun for the day. Participants are encouraged to stick around for a post-event celebration. You can enjoy some local entertainment or browse the sponsor booths and collect valuable health information.

Not near Lexington? Check out the Arthritis Walk® website for an event near you.

Cold. That is the best word to sum up Saturday’s event. Despite that I do have to say it was a lot of fun. We set out early in the morning and headed to downtown Evansville, IN. Very smart on the part of the planners, the registration was inside. We walked in to find groups of fitness enthusiasts staying as warm as they could before being forced out to the start line.

Thank goodness for the welcoming Starbucks tent set up outside offering free coffee. This time I was definitely not having coffee to help my performance, but to keep me from freezing.

It was in the high 20s/low 30s and I know all of you in the great white north are laughing at me right now and probably saying, “That’s not cold!” In my defense let me say that a few weeks ago I came back from my current life in Brazil were it is summer…and 90 degrees. Even the 30s take some getting used to. It also didn’t help that the course went along the river which drops things about 10 degrees and led to some mighty chilly winds.

First was the kid’s race. Only a few brave souls took part, but it was fun to watch. Each got a metal from none other than good ol’ St. Nick.

Next came the adults – first the runners and then the walkers (which included me and my family this time around). The costumes were the best. Running along were elves, reindeer and even Mrs. Claus. Striped socks, Santa hats and bells were part of almost every person’s attire.

I had the chance to speak with some members of the planning committee from the Arthritis Foundation and I was so happy to hear some great news. That morning they had 450 participants pre-registered and where planning to have 500 before the start of the race.

Even better was the fundraising. They average about $10,000 each year and on Saturday morning they were up to $16,000!!! How great is that?! Congratulations to all those who worked so hard to put together a very successful event. I was glad to be a part of it.

I also wanted to mention a couple minor accomplishments among my team, The Frosty Prancers. I was very proud of my mom and sister-in-law who pushed through to the end. It was so cold and after a mile there was a very convenient opportunity to turn down a side street and head back to the car, but they made it to the finish. Secondly, my dad had is knees replaced a few years back and the 3.1 miles he walked on Saturday was the longest distance he’s gone at one time since his surgery! So success could be measured all around.

Participating in any events this month? Tell me about them in the comments, even if you just want to tell me how much colder it was!

Not surprisingly, fall is a busy time for charities in the Southwest – many hold outdoor athletic fundraisers well into December because of the comfortable temperatures and minimal (if any) snow on the ground.

If you live in the Southwest, or you’re thinking of visiting soon, here’s a rundown of just some of the charity events taking place this fall. Click on the links for more information or to register.

Go Big for Parkinson’s

• What: 5K run, 2K walk to raise awareness and funds for Parkinson’s disease
• When: Saturday, October 18, 2008, 9 AM
• Where: Northern Arizona University Recreation Center, Corner of South San Francisco and Franklin Avenue, Flagstaff, AZ
• Cost: $25 registration; $10 for those 10 and under (online and onsite registration

Save-a-Sister Run for Breast Cancer

• What: 10K, 5K, and 1-mile fun run to raise money for breast cancer services at Dixie Regional Medical Center, a major hospital in Southwestern Utah
• When: Saturday, October 25, 2008, 9 AM
• Where: Main Street Trailhead by the Dixie Center, 1835 Convention Center Drive, St. George, UT
• Cost: $20 for 10K, $15 for 5K, $10 for 1-mile (registration closes Friday, October 24)

Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk

• What: 1-mile walk to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s disease research and services
• When: Saturday, November 8, 2008, 9 AM
• Where: Sun River Community Center, 1860 West Horizon View Drive, St. George, UT
• Cost: $25 suggested donation (online and onsite registration)

1^st Annual Grand Canyon Hermit Marathon

• What: According to the website, “The majority of the course is set in some of the most majestic, natural, and historic scenery in the United States with the Grand Canyon as a backdrop for the start of the race and the pines of Kaibab National Forest for the rest…All proceeds will benefit the Grand Canyon Community Recreation Center and a student athlete scholarship.”
• When: Saturday, November 15, 2008, 7 AM
• Where: Grand Canyon, AZ
• Cost: $80 (registration closes October 18)

2008 Jingle Bell Run/Walk

• What: 5K run/walk to raise awareness and funds for the Arthritis Foundation
• When: Saturday, December 6, 2008, 10 AM
• Where: Courthouse Plaza Square, Corner of Montezuma and Goodwin, Prescott, AZ
• Cost: $10 – $50, depending on age and whether transportation is needed from Phoenix to Prescott

Christmas Cures Run/Walk

• What: 5K run, 1-mile walk to raise funds to provide holiday vacations to wounded military and their families
• When: Saturday, December 13, 2008, 8 AM
• Where: Paseo Verde Park, 1851 Paseo Verde Parkway, Henderson, NV
• Cost: $25 for those who register by December 5, $30 for those who register by December 11, $35 for onsite registration

Let me know if you participate in any of these events! I’ll be at the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk, and maybe some others. I’d love to hear your feedback about these Southwestern fall fundraisers.

These events can be challenging and rewarding. They improve my fitness and give me a sense of accomplishment both from helping a cause and from meeting a fitness goal.

Well, this week I signed up for an event that won’t take any training at all and I am very excited about it for different reasons.

I visit my hometown a lot, but the time often doesn’t coincide with any charity events nearby. Things will change this year because the Arthritis Foundation Jingle Bell Run/Walk will take place the first Saturday I am home.

I just registered the Frosty Prancers which will consist of me, my mom and my sister-in-law so far. This brings me to my point.

Participating in events for charity can be a great opportunity to spend time with friends and family. In my case, I sometimes run and do more intense exercise, but most of my family isn’t into that at all. Health yes, but walking is the preferred activity. I admit I like it a lot too.

So we aren’t going to worry about our time, getting in a good workout or sprinting to the finish. We are going to enjoy spending time together and walk for a good cause. This is actually the first time we’ve done an event like this as a family. I hope we can make it a tradition, but with personal schedules as they are I am definitely thankful for this one opportunity.

Don’t get me wrong. If you have family or friends that share similar routines and goals, the training itself can serve as time together. For me, I have a husband who likes to run extended distances and I have family and friends who enjoy walking. I fall somewhere in between the two. Taking a step back and enjoying a fitness event for the togetherness part and not the hardcore exercise part can be equally rewarding.

While there is no doubt that those challenging events we train for are fun, sometimes it is nice to do an event just for fun, no training involved.

Do the charity events you participate in allow you to spend time with the special people in your life?

Several volunteers were still trying to wake up. Trucks started rolling in with tables, chairs and large bottles of water. The volunteers started to scramble, unloading the trucks, setting up the tables and chairs, and putting up signs on the site and around the walk route. The DJ arrived with his equipment and soon popular tunes filled the air. Once the volunteers and sponsors setup the display tables, we were ready for the walk.

The walkers started arriving about an hour before the actual walk was scheduled to start. They were excited to turn in the money they had raised, receive their Arthritis Walk t-shirt, view all of the sponsor displays, get something to eat and drink, and find out how they could get even more involved with the Arthritis Foundation.

Just before the walk started, the volunteers and sponsors were thanked for their participation, the junior hero and dog hero were introduced (yes , dogs get arthritis too), and a representative from the local YMCA led the walkers in a warm up exercise.

Then they were off! The junior hero started the walk. The route allowed a choice of walking one mile or three miles. The route circled the campus of Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

Ice cream was available to everyone at the conclusion of the walk. Several door prizes were given away and a new campaign was announced called Let’s Move Together.

Everyone had fun. I can’t wait to get started on the planning for next year’s walk.

The Arthritis Walk is an annual event that raises funds and awareness for the important work the Arthritis Foundation. They support the 46 million people in the U.S. who suffer from arthritis. Go to LetsMoveTogether.org for more information about getting involved with an Arthritis Walk in your area and to discover the health benefits of being active daily.

What makes a Jingle Bell Run/Walk festive for the holidays is that participants are given a set of jingle bells to tie to their sneakers. The air is filled with the cheerful sounds of jingle bells as the runners and walkers get energized and help to raise funds for the Arthritis Foundation. Participants are also encouraged to come dressed in a festive (and sometimes silly) holiday-themed costume to run or walk the 5K event in. The walk includes a 1K children’s run and a 5K run/walk with your dog. There is an awards ceremony following the event.

The Arthritis Foundation has held Jingle Bell Run/Walk Events throughout November and December. To see if there is one in your area, visit here.

Participants dressed in festive costumes for the event to make it even more merry and just a little silly. The event was a 5K route at Balboa Park at the West End of President’s Way. It included a children’s “fun run.” Awards were given at the end of the race.

Funds were raised through registration fees and pledges collected by participants. Participants were given incentive prizes for raising at least $100. Those that raised a minimum of $100 were given a pair of bright red Jingle Bell Run gloves and also entered in a drawing to win a Solana TX Hot Tub.

The Arthritis Foundation has been holding Jingle Bell runs throughout November and December across the U.S.A.. Visit here to see if there will be a Jingle Bell Run in your area.

Jingle Bell Run/Walk Events are held by the Arthritis Foundation and each participant is given a pair of jingle bells to tie to their sneakers. Participants in most areas are also encouraged to come in festive and merry holiday costumes to make the event even more fun. Many areas even include the family pet in the event, inviting your dog to run or walk along the course. The event is typically a 5K course.

The 5K event in Phoenix will be held at the Desert Ridge Marketplace on Saturday, December 8th. The top fundraiser to raise $1,000 or more will win two roundtrip tickets to fly anywhere on Southwest Airlines.

The 14th annual event in Prescott will be held on Saturday, December 1st at the Prescott courthouse Plaza Square. The event is presented by the Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe, Mountain Valley Regional Rehabilitation Hospital, Genentech and Abbott Immunology.

The Tuscon Jingle Bell Run/Walk will be held on Saturday, December 8th at the Reid Park Soccer Field in Tuscon. Participants are urged to “be there with bells on!”

The Arthritis Foundation has held Jingle Bell Run/Walk Events across the U.S.A. throughout November and December. Visit here to see if there is one near you.

“This is our ninth annual run and we are the only one in Alberta to increase every year,” said local chair Lisa Foreman. “Last year we had 160 runners who raised just over $11,000.”

All participants received a long-sleeved shirt, jingle bells for their shoes and a race kit. Participants could bring their pets to join them for the festive walk. Fun holiday costumes are always encouraged at the Jingle Bell Run, and various prizes were given in several categories for best costume.

Participants who registered by October 19th are eligible to win a trip to Mexico. The trip includes one week accomodations at a timeshare in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and a $1500 travel voucher. The event also included door prizes and a breakfast for participants.

Jingle Bell Run/Walk Events are occuring in other parts of Canada. Visit The Arthritis Society to see if there is an event near you!

Source: The Camrose Canadian

In Birmingham there will be a 5K timed race on a certified course and also a 1K “fun run/walk.” The walk will be held at the Underwood Park.

Participants pay a $30.00 fee to participate in the run or the walk. For those that raise $100.00, they will be entered to win a Solana TX Hot Tub.

The Jingle Bell Run/Walk held in Montgomery will be held at the Huntingdon College. This event is dog friendly, participants can bring their dog to participate in the event. The event has a 5K run and a 1K “fun run/walk.”

Festive and merry costumes are encouraged at the Jingle Bell Walk/Run Events.

Jingle Bell Run/Walk Events are held across the country during the end of November/through December. Visit here to see if a run is in your area.