Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Jingle Bell Run? (JBR)

The Total Jingle Bell Run and Walk allows individuals and families to celebrate the holidays while raising funds and awareness for the Tellepsen Family Downtown YMCA. More than 5,000 runners, volunteers, sponsors, individuals, children, and families, at all fitness levels will make their way through the streets of Downtown Houston on December 9, 2012. This event is open to persons of all fitness levels. Participants may choose the kid’s fun run for 13 and under, the 5-mile adult run and walk or the 3-mile family run/walk.

Who does it benefit?

All proceeds from the Total Jingle Bell Fun Run and Walk benefit the Tellepsen Family Downtown YMCA's Partner's Campaign. This program provides financial assistance for people in need of YMCA programs who may not have the ability to pay. YMCA programs help improve and enrich the lives of youth, individuals and families in our community. The YMCA is proud to bring people together for an event that helps strengthen our community.

How do I register?

Online - Register at www.jinglebellrun.org.
You can register online until 4 pm on Saturday, December 8.
In Person – At the Tellepsen Family Downtown Y through race day. 

Register before December 3, 2012 to avoid late fees.

Registration for Corporate Teams: Teams must register together with entire payment. The fee is $100 for a team of 4 and $20 for each additional team member.

How Do I Pick Up My Race Packet?
Packet pick up is at Luke's Locker, located at 1953 West Gray, Houston, TX 77019 (map), at the following times:

Race Day Packet Pick Up will take place on site at the Tellepsen Family Downtown YMCA from 11:00am-1:00pm.

Corporate Team Packet Pick Up will take place Monday-Wednesday at Tellepsen Family Downtown YMCA by appointment only. Please contact Laura Wilson to schedule your packet pickup at laura.wilson@ymcahouston.org

Parking?
Complimentary parking available on race day in the KBR Garage (500 Jefferson entrance on Louisiana), the 1600 Smith Garage (entrance on Bell), and at the LAMB parking lot at Pease and Travis.

What if the weather is bad?
The run will continue as planned, rain or shine. This year, however, we expect great weather and a wonderful race.

Is there a discount for families?
You can register for the race as a family and receive a discount. Also as a corporate team, discounts are available for groups of 4 or more.

What is the route?
The five mile race begins in front of the Tellepsen YMCA and travels through Allen Parkway, turning at Dunlavy, and returning to the YMCA for the finish. For more details on the route, please visit the website.

How far is the Kids' Fun Run?
The Kids' Fun Run is less than 1 mile. They start just north of Pease, run up Milam to Lamar and turn around and run back. 

What is the price?
5-mile Run - $35 thru Dec 2; $45 after Dec 2
3-mile walk/run - $35 thru Dec. 2; $45 after Dec. 2
3-mile Family Walk - (a family of 4, minimum 1 adult over 18) $70 thru Dec 2; $80 after Dec 2
Kids Fun Run - $15 thru Dec 2; $20 after Dec 2
5-mile Corporate Team of 4- $100 thru Dec 2; $120 after Dec 2.  Additional team members over 4 are an additional $20

Can I register as a volunteer?

There are plenty of volunteer opportunities. If you would like to volunteer for this event, please contact Damitra Myles via e-mail at JBRinfo@ymcahouston.org. For more information about the Jingle Bell Run, please see the Welcome Center.

Chip and Timing Questions

Q: Do you time all of the 5 mile participants?
A: No, only those that select competitive run are chip-timed.

Q: I have my own ChampionChip. May I wear it in the race?
A: No. Because of the new disposable timing system, runners may no longer wear their own ChampionChip in the race if they wish to be timed.

Q: I want to run in the 5 mile race and be chip-timed. Can I wait and register the day of the race?
A: Yes, we have race day registration and chip timing will be available.

Q: I already picked up my packet for running the 5 mile run, however there is no chip inside. Was I supposed to get one at packet pick up?
A: Your chip is now integrated into your race bib number.

Children Running in 5 mile Questions

Q: My child is 7, can he/she participate in the 5 mile Run?
A: Yes.

Q: My child is 7; does he/she have to pay the adult fee to walk with his father in the 3 mile?
A: No, he can pay the Kids' Fun Run fee and participate in the 3 mile walk.

Q: If the parent is not doing the 5 mile run/walk, do they still need to pay $28 if they only do the Kids' Fun Run with the child?
A: Parents are welcome to walk with the child during the Kids' Fun Run, but they do need to pay the adult entry fee to do so. Parent may also participate in the 5 mile or 3 mile if they choose to do so.

Parents with Strollers Questions

Q: Can I walk with my child if he/she is in a stroller or baby jogger?
A: Strollers and baby joggers may be used in the walks only and participants must stay to the back of the pack as to not impede faster participants.

Q: Do I have to pay for my 2-year-old to ride in a stroller in the 3 mile walk? I am paying the adult fee for myself.
A: No, children in strollers are free, however, every person, no matter what age, MUST HAVE SIGNED A RELEASE FORM. Parents must fill out a form for the child in the stroller and write "child in stroller with parent in 3 Mile", etc. The child will not receive a t-shirt, unless you decide to purchase one for $15.

Contact information
If you have any additional questions or concerns, please email us at JBRinfo@ymcahouston.org for more information.