Race Recap: Jingle Bell Run Cleveland – Supporting the Arthritis Foundation

This weekend we joined hundreds of runners at the Jingle Bell Run Cleveland, supporting the Arthritis Foundation, and it was one of the most festive, well-run local events of the season.

Hosted at Tri-C East Campus, the race delivered a smooth and enjoyable experience from start to finish. Parking was easy, and runners could warm up inside the Tri-C facilities, a huge perk for a chilly December morning. Clean restrooms, plenty of space indoors, hot coffee, and cheerful volunteers made the pre-race atmosphere feel welcoming and relaxed.

And of course, the Christmas theme never disappoints. Everywhere you looked, runners were dressed in festive socks, elf hats, lights, reindeer you name it. The energy was fun, lighthearted, and perfect for kicking off the holiday season.

The Race Course

The entire course stayed within the Tri-C campus, which kept things convenient and well-contained. The only real challenge? The hills.
You were either climbing a long incline or cruising down one, though it certainly felt like those uphill stretches lasted a bit longer! Still, it made for a fun challenge and a memorable run.

Race Day Extras

For a smaller local race, the event was impressively organized.

• Coffee stations

• Photo booths

• Local vendors

• A festive costume contest

• Holiday music and cheer everywhere

It was clear the team behind this event put a lot of heart into it.

Final Thoughts

The Jingle Bell Run is everything a community race should be, fun, festive, family-friendly, and created to support a meaningful mission. We had an amazing morning, and we’re already looking forward to being back next year.

See you there in 2026!