2020 Jingle Jog goes virtual; race expands

JACKSONVILLE – Jingle Jog, a popular holiday 5K event sponsored by a local hospital has gone virtual in response to a national pandemic, but registration and results submission deadlines have been extended by a week.

According to a social post on Facebook by CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Jacksonville, organizers said that “given that the number of COVID-19 cases here in East Texas is currently growing in number, we have made the tough decision to fully convert the 2020 Jacksonville Jingle Jog to a virtual format.”

“We believe fully in keeping our community safe and healthy as possible during this pandemic,” the post added. “If you are currently registered to run with us in person, you will be receiving some email communications shortly and may choose to either run with us virtually or defer your registration to 2021 by emailing itri365meredith@gmail.com with your intentions.”

Participants in the 5K event will receive a Tshirt and finishers’ medal, while Kids Dash participants will receive traditional “swag.”

Meanwhile, virtual registration and results submission deadline for 5K participants has been extended through midnight on Dec.12 in an effort to raise more funds for the Jacksonville Rotary Club Scholarship. However, no new entries will be accepted in the Kids Dash category, officials said.

A drive through packet pickup will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, at the CHRISTUS Fitness Center in Jacksonville, with unclaimed packets be mailed out to participants.

“We thank you for your understanding and support in this matter. Please know that this was a tough decision and we would love more than anything to be running in person with you, and we look forward to being able to do that once again soon,” the site noted.

For more information, email to itri365meredith@gmail.com.