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.
When will registration close?
Teams: On-line registration for creating and joining teams will close Friday, December 2 at 5:00 pm. (After 12/3 team packets will be pulled and your swag cannot be added to your team, BUT you may still register as an individual participant at jbr.org/Bellingham and pick up your shirt at packet pickup or on race day.)
Individuals: Individual participants may register on-line at jbr.org/Bellingham through event morning! Registration will not close until event day. If you registered before packet pick up, you can pick up your shirt there and after packet pickup you can pick up your shirt the morning of the event.
PACKET PICK-UP
Where and when do I pick up my shirt/bells/race number?
Individuals and Team Captains may pick up race packets:
• Tuesday, December 6 from 11:00 am- 6:00 pm*
• Wednesday, December 7 from 11:00 am- 5:00 pm*
Location:
Volkswagen of Bellingham
2200 Iowa Street
Bellingham, WA 98229
*Team Captains or a representative MUST pick up all swag for your team - please make sure all team members know that their swag (bib, bells and t-shirt) will be picked up and distributed to them by their Team Captains. Finisher medals they will receive at the finish line.
---or---
“Day of event” Packet Pick-Up
Saturday, December 10 from 7:00 am – 9:00 am
Bellingham High School
2020 Cornwall Ave
Bellingham, WA 98225
You may pick up for more than one person. Shirts/bibs/bells can be picked up 12/6 or 12/7 at Volkswagen of Bellingham or event day at the Bellingham High School beginning at 7:00 am.
I am on a Team what about my shirt/race number/bells?
Check with your Team Captain they have all your swag!
How does Team Packet Pickup work?
Team Captains will pick up their entire teams’ swag (shirt/bells/race numbers) together on Tuesday, December 6 or Wednesday, December 7 at Bellingham Volkswagen between 11:00 am and 6:00 pm Tuesday or 11:00 am and 5:00 pm Wednesday. Teams may also coordinate drop-off of their team swag by a volunteer. Team Captains will coordinate with their team members to get you your swag.
What about Team Registration?
Team Registration will close at Midnight on Friday, December 3. This will give volunteers time to put all the team swag together for the Team Captains.
You can still register for the Jingle Bell Run as an individual participant at jbr.org/bellingham.
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 area. 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. We are not able to absorb the cost of shipping to exchange shirts before the event.
TEAM TAILGATE AREA
What is a Team Tailgate area and how does my team qualify?
This year we will have a Team Tailgate area for teams raising $2500 and over. Results for team fundraising will be tallied at 11:59 PM - Friday 12/2 and teams will be notified of their access to the team tailgate area by Monday 12/5. Top teams will receive a 10x10 tent for your team to decorate and gather with all your team members before the race. Feel free to supply your tent with a banner and goodies for a fun festive winter morning Jingle Bell Run/Walk experience.
LOGISTICS
When will registration close?
Teams: On-line registration for creating and joining teams will close Friday, December 2 at 5:00 pm. (After 12/3 team packets will be pulled and your swag cannot be added to your team, but you may still register as an individual at jbr.org/Bellingham and pick up your shirt at packet pickup or race day.)
Individuals: Individual participants may register on-line at jbr.org/Bellingham through event morning! If you registered before packet pick up, you can pick up your shirt there and after packet pickup you can pick up your shirt the morning of the event.
Where is the course route this year?
Click here to see a map of our fun route! The start line is on Cornwall Ave.
Where does all the fun start?
At the Bellingham High School 2020 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham, WA. Join us for the Holiday Costume Contest before the race at 8:15 am near the event stage at the High School.
Where is the Kids Fun Run with the Elves?
The Kids Fun Run with the Elves will start and end in front of the High School on Cornwall Ave at 8:30 am. They will be escorted by Elfie and the elves. Parents are encouraged and welcomed to join the kiddos.
Is there a bag/gear check?
No
Where do I park?
There is free off-street parking on Saturday morning, the high school parking lot, or neighboring lots near the racecourse.
Do I have to fundraise?
The purpose of this Bellingham holiday tradition is to raise money for the Arthritis Foundation. While there is no fundraising minimum, we highly encourage each registrant to raise a minimum of $100. Participants can do this using their online fundraising headquarters (which is automatically created at the time of registration), Facebook fundraising page set up in your headquarters area, or by good old fashioned “asking your friends family or coworkers to donate.”
Other fundraising ideas are a letter writing campaign, jeans day at work, garage sales, Facebook fundraising and more!
How do I Turn in my donations?
Any donations that are not made directly online can be sent to the below address or or dropped off at the registration area the morning of the event:
Mailing address:
Please note that in your personal fundraising HQ (online) you have the opportunity to enter donations. This allows for all donations to be added to your fundraising total immediately. If you have questions, please email [email protected]. Donations can also be turned in at Packet Pick-up or the morning of the event at the Bellingham High School. Please note to qualify for Team Tailgate all donations need to be received Friday,12/2. All donations accepted through 12/31.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, dogs are allowed for the dog trot portion of the 5K WALK ONLY. In order to continue to allow for dogs to participate in our event we need all dogs to be with a walker participant, on a leash and must start in the back of the runners when we start the race. Owners are encouraged to be mindful of their leash length to ensure no walkers are compromised by the leash. We will provide a dog bandana for your dog and a poop bag for accidents. All dogs must be cleaned up after if necessary. Thank you for being mindful of your animal so we can continue to allow dogs at our event.
Are Baby Joggers allowed?
Yes, you are welcome to bring your little elves in your baby jogger or stroller. We do ask that you start after the faster runners for safety reasons.
Is there still a Costume Contest?
Yes! Please don your most festive snowflake, elf, Mr. & Mrs. Claus, or any other costume you like. Judging will occur after the race at the main stage area at approximately 8:15 am.
If my child is participating in the Kids Fun Run, do I need to register for the Kids Fun Run?
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/Walk.
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.
Are there awards for top finishers?
Yes – medals will be given to the overall top three male and females finishers.
Are there finisher medals?
Yes! We are excited to offer finisher medals for the 2022 event!
Finisher medals will be received at the finish line.
If I can't make the event will the Arthritis Foundation refund my registration fee?
No, if you are unable to attend the Jingle Bell Run/Walk (for any reason), your registration fee will be considered a donation to the Arthritis Foundation.
The Arthritis Foundation reserves the right to cancel the Jingle Bell Run/Walk, and in this event all registration fees will be used as donations to the Arthritis Foundation.
CANCELLATIONS OR ALTERNATE ROUTES
What happens in if there is inclement weather the day of the event?
Arthritis Foundation staff reserve the right to cancel or modify the course if deemed necessary to protect the participants, volunteers, spectators and/or host community.
The set up and staging of the event requires substantial upfront expenses. Regardless weather or not the race is completed, modified or canceled – it will not result in a refund of registration fees or donations.
In the case of inclement weather or a public safety issue, every effort will be made to receive input from local officials and the national weather service before making any changes to the event or course.
Should the event be canceled – Notification will be communicated through Facebook event page, email and Cascade Radio Group.
I will be out of town/busy on December 10 - can I still be involved and get a t-shirt?
Yes, you can still participate on a fundraising team as an individual if you can't attend the Jingle Bell Run/Walk. Just click the "register" button and when you are asked to designate a registration type, choose 5K Virtual as your registration type. You will receive a t-shirt and are able to jingle any time you like. Shirts can be picked up at Packet Pick-up. Must register for this race type by Sunday 11/27 at 11:59PM.
You didn't answer my question - what next?
Please email [email protected] or call our Arthritis Help Line at 1-800-283-7800 with further questions. It may take a day or two to respond, but we'll do our best to get your question answered in a timely manner. Thank you in advance for your patience!
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