Miami Lakes Jingle Bell Jog has raised, so far, $30,000 and attracted major sponsors since the Miami Lakes Veterans Committee announced the 5k run and walk event in July.
Committee chairman Nayib Hassan said he expects 1,500 people, which is the limit for the number of participants, to take part in the event, which is scheduled for 7:30 a.m., Saturday, December 1.
The event, which honors and shows appreciation for military soldiers and veterans, replaces Miami Lakes Chamber of Commerce’s Jingle Down Main Street, which was one of the town’s biggest Christmas holiday themed event for years.
The five-hour race and walk starts on Main Street, where participants will follow the route that includes N.W. 67 Avenue, N.W. 154 Street near Shula’s Golf Course, through the west side of Miami Lakes, then back east and the participants cross the finish line near Victoria’s Secret.
After the 5K event, children ages 3-10 can participate in distances ranging from 25 meters to 400 meters, broken down into age groups, Hassan said. “Children are also welcome to participate in the 5K,” he said.
Hassan said Cuban country singer Ricky Valido will be performing on stage during the event.
Each participant will receive a holiday-themed medal, and a Santa suit costume, featuring a hat, beard, jacket, pants and a belt after they cross the finish line. All runners will receive a pair of Jingle Bells to tie to their running shoes.
Kids can take pictures with Santa Claus and write letters to soldiers aboard expressing their appreciation and gratitude for their services to the country.
“It’s a family event for everyone during the Christmas holiday,” Hassan said. “It’s great for every one to get together.”
Hassan said he got the idea for the Jingle Bell Jog after he ran in the Boston Marathon this year. He said he was impressed with runners who participated in a race to honor and raise money for the military and broached the idea to his committee. Though Hassan has never served in the U.S. military, he said America can do more to honor soldiers and veterans for putting their lives on the line for their country.
The money raised for this year’s jog will benefit veterans who are suffering from PTSD.
Hassan said his group agreed to split the proceeds with MPS Superkids, a foundation for children with Hunters disease.
“We will split the proceeds for one year to help them reach their goal,” he said.
The holiday event is expected to bring revenues to Miami Lakes’ Town Center, as participants and spectators will shop and dine on Main Street and other restaurants and shops in the area, Hassan said.
“Besides bringing awareness to the veterans in the town, we want to make it an event to generate people toward Main Street,” he said. “We are encouraging people to come back to Miami Lakes and reminiscing about spending their dollars in the town.”
He said Split Second Timing agreed to host the event for the next three years. Wildside Online and Exclusive Sports Marketing are also involved in the event.
Some of the sponsors for Jingle Bell Jog include title sponsor Headquarters Toyota, Responsive Auto Insurance, A and P Air Conditioning, Orange Theory, Vista Memorial Gardens, Amaize and Vicky Bakery.
After the events, the committee will host a Festive party where participants can enjoy Egg Nog, holiday cookies, and fruit.
Online registration is now available by visiting http://jinglebelljog.net/miami-lakes/.