Frequently Asked Questions 

Below are some of our most frequently asked questions; if you don't see your question below, use the chatbot in the bottom right corner of this page, and we'll do our best to get you your answer.

How much does it cost to register? Fees are the same for team members and individual participants. Visit the registration page for the schedule of fees and deadlines.

When does online registration close? Registration will be open through event morning at jbr.org/Seattle. Please note the following exceptions: the Virtual and shipping options will CLOSE Sunday,11/27 at 11:59 p.m. and joining a team option will close Thursday, 12/8

After online registration with shipping options are closed, can I still register? YES! Registration will still be open at jbr.org/Seattle. You will need to pick up your shirt at packet pick up on 12/10 at Super Jock n’ Jill, Green Lake or on race morning.

How do I get my packet? Packet pick-up for all Jingle Bell Run Seattle participants will be held at Super Jock n’ Jill at the Seattle Green Lake location Saturday, December 10 from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. or the morning of the event at Green Lake starting at 7:00 a.m.

Please note – if you selected “packet mailing” with your registration type, then your packet will be shipped to the participant address provided during registration. If you need to update your address, please email us at [email protected] ASAP. 

What is the race course? Click here to view the course map.

How do we get access to the VIP Winter Wonderland? Teams who raise $5000 or more and Individuals who raise $500 or more by Thursday December 8 will qualify for entrance into the VIP Winter Wonderland.

Is there a gear check? No, Please plan accordingly.

Where do I park? We highly recommend using public transportation. The start line will be at the Green Lake Aqua Theater.

Participants are encouraged to park at the Lower Woodland Park Ballfields Parking (specifically in front of the baseball fields and soccer fields #2 & #7). West Green Lake Way N will be closed from N 63rd St to East Green Lake Way N so participants will want to approach the event from the east side of Green Lake. If spaces fill up in front of the fields, it is suggested to park in the surrounding neighborhoods and along East Green Lake Way. With multiple waves happening throughout the day, vehicles will be arriving and departing periodically. For the participant’s safety, all parking lots on West Green Lake Way N near the Aqua Theater will be closed to vehicles.

Do I have to fundraise? The purpose of this Seattle holiday tradition is to raise money for the Arthritis Foundation. While there is no fundraising minimum, we highly encourage each participant to raise a minimum of $150. Participants can do this using their online fundraising headquarters, which is automatically created at the time of registration. Other fundraising ideas are a letter writing campaign, jeans day at work, garage sales, bake sales and more!

How do I turn in my donations? Any donations that are not made online can be sent to:
Arthritis Foundation, Inc.
Attn: Seattle JBR
1355 Peachtree Street NE #600
Atlanta, GA 30309

Please note that in your personal fundraising HQ (online) you have the opportunity to enter these donations as pledges. This allows for all donations to be added to your fundraising total immediately. If you have questions, please email us [email protected]. Last minute donations can also be turned in on race day at the Registration Tent near.

Are dogs allowed? Yes! Please bring your furry friends with you, but plan to participate in the 5K untimed wave and walk.

Is there a Costume Contest? Yes! Please don your most festive snowflake, elf, Mr. & Mrs. Claus, or any other costume you like. WARM 106.9 will judge and award winners before the 5K event. Be sure to swing by the WARM 106.9 tent and register for the contest.

If my child is participating in the Kids 1k Fun Run, do I need to register for the Kids 1k Fun Run as well? No, if your child is participating in the Kids Fun Run and you would like to escort them, you do not need to register for this event. However, if you would like to participate in the 5k event or/and would like an event t-shirt you will need to register as an adult for the Jingle Bell Run.

Do I have to run/walk with my teammates? No, It's wonderful if you all want to run/walk together, but we understand that everybody has a different pace. Whether you are on a team or not, you are free to register for any of the race types or the Kids Fun Run.

Are there awards for top finishers? Yes, top Finisher Medals for First, Second & Third place will be awarded for the 5K Timed event and award certificates will be emailed out after the event showing your ranking and placement!

I will be out of town/busy on December 11 - can I still get a shirt and/or fundraise? Yes! you can still participate and fundraise with a team or as an individual if you aren’t able to attend the Jingle Bell Run. Just click the “register” button and when you are asked to designate a registration type, choose “Virtual 5K.” You will receive a shirt (mailed to you) and your registration fee will be greatly appreciated by the Arthritis Foundation! Register for this option by 11/27 at 11:59 p.m.

I don’t live near Seattle; how can I still participate? You can still participate and fundraise with a team or as an individual if you aren’t able to attend the in-person Jingle Bell Run in Seattle. Just click the “register” button and when you are asked to designate a registration type, choose “Virtual 5K with Shipping.” Your shirt and finisher medal will be mailed to you. Register for this option by 11/27 at 11:59 p.m.

What if it snows on race day and the roads are icy and the weather person is telling us to stay inside? Chances are Jingle Bell Run is still on! We won't shut this event down unless the City of Seattle or Parks and Recreation Department tells us to. For updates from the Seattle Jingle Bell Run, like us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram. We will also post updates at www.jbr.org/seattle.

Are registration fees refundable? No, if you are unable to attend the Jingle Bell Run (for any reason), your registration fee will be considered a donation to the Arthritis Foundation, and you can still pick up your shirt at the Arthritis Foundation office. The Arthritis Foundation reserves the right to cancel the Jingle Bell Run, and in this event all registration fees will be used as donations to the Arthritis Foundation.

Can I exchange my shirt for a different size? Yes, on the day of the event (after the run/walk) at the Day-Of Registration/Packet Pick-Up Tent. You will be provided with the size requested during registration and we must do the same for everyone. Please understand that we do not order many extra shirts and sizes will likely be limited. Unfortunately, we are not able to absorb the cost of shipping to exchange shirts before the event.

And…don’t miss these exciting things post-race at Green Lake this year:

  • Holiday Cheer Garden - 21+ participants are welcome to stop by our Holiday Cheer Garden for one FREE beer per race bib! Additional beer available for purchase for $5.
  • Elf Village - Opens at 7:00 a.m. before the race, so stop by with your kiddos to write letters to Santa and participate in holiday crafts.
  • Food Trucks will be available during and after the event this year!
  • VIP Winter Wonderland - See above for qualifications. Enjoy special VIP perks.

You didn't answer my question - what next? Please email us with further questions at [email protected] or call our Arthritis Help Line at 1-800-283-7800. It may take a day or two to respond, but we'll do our best to get your question an