Run Off The Cookies

Story By Natalie Salvatore Photos Contributed By Maura Toohey

In a few short weeks, the holiday season will be in full swing. To kick off the celebratory spirit in December, Active Auburn will host its annual Jingle Jog 5k on Dec. 4. from 7 to 9 a.m. Participants can enjoy the cooler weather while running through downtown Auburn, right on College Street. This fundraiser is a family-friendly event open to all ages and skill levels.

Maura Toohey, the coordinator for Active Auburn, has been hard at work planning and executing the event’s administrative duties. This is her first year working with this particular fundraiser.

“For Jingle Jog, we actually partner with Auburn-Opelika Running and Track Association (AORTA), and they become the race-day directors,” she said. “AORTA assigns each runner a bib number, executes all timing services, sets up the finishing line and chute and much more.”

She said the race started when Active Auburn was created in 2017. Active Auburn, presented by Auburn Parks and Recreation, is a health and wellness campaign available for residents in the Auburn area. In its first year, the event consisted solely of the 5K. Now, there is a one-mile Santa Stroll Fun Run/Walk that citizens can also participate in.

Despite the pandemic, the race was still on last winter, mainly because it was an outdoor event. Operating on a shorter schedule allowed the fundraiser to continue its success even under different circumstances.

“However, for timing purposes, we did not have the Santa Stroll Fun Run. Some participants chose to wear masks, but that was about the only noticeable change from past years,” Toohey said.

The 184 runners in 2020 started by Toomer’s Corner as their family and friends gathered for support. One of the race’s traditions is for runners to show their holiday spirit by wearing different accessories, such as ugly Christmas sweaters or Santa hats.

Toohey encouraged participants to gather their holiday accessories in preparation for the event. Registering on race day will be $25 for the fun run and $30 for the 5K. A t-shirt is not definite on this date, however. Runners may receive an accessory or two in their registration packets. The pre-race

packets will be available for pickup on Dec. 3 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Dean Road Recreation Center, located at 307 S. Dean Road.

To register or learn more about this fundraiser, visit www.runsignup.com/Race/AL/Auburn/ ActiveAuburnJingleJog5kandSantaStrollFunRun. Or, visit www.activeauburn.org for more race information, as well as more on Active Auburn.

Whether you are competing in the timed race or participating in the fun run, this event overall is a great way to get active and stay connected to fellow community members during this festive time of year.