Hundreds attend annual Jingle Bell Run

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) -- Hundreds of people turned out with bells on their feet and Santa hats on their heads for the 7th annual Jingle Bell Run/Walk Saturday morning.

The event took participants on a 5 kilometer course around the University of Saint Francis campus, starting and ending at the Hutzell Athletic Center.  This was the first year the race took place at USF, after several years at Franke Park.

Participants were also encouraged to get into the holiday spirit and dress for the event.  Contests were held for top team costume, top individual costume, and top dog costume.

The goal of the event was to raise money and awareness for the Arthritis Foundation .  Organizers said their goal was to raise $20,400.

"I think we'll get there," said Marcy Hawkins, Director of Special Events for the Arthritis Foundation's Northern Indiana chapter.  "We had 255 people pre-registered for the event, and we've had a nice crowd come in this morning to sign up as well."

But the show of community support was just as important for organizers.

"You can ask the person standing beside you, and they probably know somebody with arthritis, and it's not okay," said Hawkins.  "It's a very painful disease, and people shouldn't have to live with that, so it's wonderful to see so many people out supporting our important mission."