This year’s Jingle Jog 5k Run/Walk will begin at 8 A.M. and will be held on Saturday, December 7th, 2019. Contestants will complete a course starting from the New Haven Elementary School, and it will be a timed 3.1 mile run/walk course on the streets of New Haven. The Jingle Jog has been held for 6 years now and is a great way for everyone to come out and enjoy a nice run or walk with friends.
The entry fee for the jog is $20 if postmarked on November 22. The fee will be $25 if the entry form is postmarked after the deadline. Goodies will include a long-sleeve cotton T-Shirt guaranteed for all entrants. Prizes will be awarded for the Ugliest Christmas Sweater, Most Festive Holiday Attire, and Best Group/Couple Attire. The link to register online is below.
Alexis Sidwell, senior, designed the shirts for Jingle Jog and was asked if she could tell us anything about the shirts.
“Last year I made the design for the shirt. It was a reindeer and it said ‘Eat my snowflakes.’ I made it this way because I really like puns, and I wanted it to be different than all the years before it,” said Alexis Sidwell.
Designing a shirt for a race is a big thing and many people have a hard time coming up with something. Alexis Sidwell shared what the hardest part about her design was by saying, “The hardest part of this year was that my design was chosen again…. The pun on the [original design] was ‘Sleigh the Course,’ and it had a sleigh with Santa, and it was black, which is what we loved because it was different.” After some revisions, the official design was approved, and the shirts were produced.
Mrs. Oelrichs and Mrs. Menke were also questioned on what they like most about Jingle Jog.
Mrs. Oelrichs responded by saying, “What I like best is seeing the National Honor Society members and the community come together to support people in need. It's especially cool to see the members interacting with the athletes from All Abilities Athletics, who will again be benefitting from the Jingle Jog proceeds this year.”
Mrs. Menke replied with, “I like the community atmosphere this event inspires. I also like that the proceeds from the Jingle Jog benefit a local charity that our NHS students have gotten to serve in the past. This year's proceeds go to benefit All Abilities Athletics in Washington. All Abilities Athletics is a first-class sports program for kids with special needs.”
They were later asked about last year’s Jingle Jog and how it went.
“This is the first year that I am the NHS advisor, so I don't have a ton to say about last year's Jingle Jog. I can tell you that my family and I ran in the event last year and had a great time,” replied Mrs. Menke.
Mrs. Oelrichs said, “Last year's Jingle Jog was very well attended, and we raised the most money we've ever raised - close to $3000. We had around 20 business sponsors and around 85 participants who made this possible.”
When asked if they have any favorable moments they would like to share, Mrs. Oelrichs responded by saying, “Probably my favorite moment was last year, when a portion of the proceeds went to Melanie Duvall, an NHHS graduate who lost her fiance in a construction accident earlier in the year.” She continued by saying, “A large group of her friends (also NHHS alumni) came to participate and support her in the 1 mile walk. It was touching to see a group come together to support their friend in a time of need.”
“I like that everyone gets a jingle bell to wear (if they want) and so most of the runners jingle as they run down the road. I also love the dressed up pairs and groups that really get into the celebration,” replied Mrs. Menke.
Lastly, they would like to say a few words to the Jingle Jog runners and the students of NHHS.
Mrs. Menke responded with, “I would like to say good luck to all of the runners/NHHS students out there that will compete in the Jingle Jog. I hope they find it to be a fun experience.”
“The Jingle Jog is not about who runs the fastest, it's about people helping people. So do your best, and have fun!” replied Mrs. Oelrichs.
Good luck to all the runners who are participating in this year’s Jingle Jog. Do your best and we hope you have a great time!
Link to register online:
www.GetMeRegistered.com/NHSJingleJog5K