Annual Jingle Bell Jog Scheduled for December 2
By Julie Perine on November 21, 2023
The Jingle Bell Jog tradition continues. Starting its third decade, the Annual Jingle Bell Jog is happening Saturday, Dec. 2. Participants will meet at 8 a.m. at Benedum Civic Center. There is no registration fee, but runners and walkers are asked to donate a new unwrapped toy. The toys will collectively be distributed to area children in need through The Salvation Army.
Through the years, thousands of toys have been collected through the Salvation Army Holiday Toy Drive.
The 5K gets underway at 8:30 a.m. Participants will jog or walk across Bridgeport City Trail to City Park, making two loops around the park and returning to the Civic Center. Runners often dress in festive attire, bringing even more spirit to the event. This is the 21st year for the event, co-chaired by Mary Ann Renzelli-Koger and Stacy Bolle.
The co-chairs said they typically collect about 100 toys each year.
The co-chairs said they typically collect about 100 toys each year.
“The Salvation Army Headmaster comes to do our blessing and collects the toys.” Renzelli-Kiger said.
The Jingle Bell Jog 5K isn’t about competition; it’s about giving and the start to the community’s Christmas season.
“It’s our little community event – a fun walk/run/jog; a lovely festive morning to kick off the season. We have people of all ages,” Renzelli-Kiger said. “People come with baby strollers and bundled up toddlers. The nice thing is they don’t have to do the whole course. They can start out walking, experience a little bit of atmosphere then come back if they want.”
As always, the Jingle Bell Jog 5K takes place the same day 
as the Bridgeport Christmas Parade, which gets underway at 10 a.m. Sat., Dec. 2 is also the Lions Club Pancake Feed which runs 8 a.m. through noon at the Benedum Civic Center.
as the Bridgeport Christmas Parade, which gets underway at 10 a.m. Sat., Dec. 2 is also the Lions Club Pancake Feed which runs 8 a.m. through noon at the Benedum Civic Center.
All Jingle Bell Jog participants will be treated to free pancakes.
