Every year since 1992, runners have preemptively burned off some of those holiday calories during one of the most joyous yuletide competitions on Hilton Head Island. The Jingle Jingle Bridge Run has been a consistent draw, taking racers on a 5K and 10K route that has wound and changed as the island has grown over the past 32 years.
The past few years have seen this event make its greatest leap in evolution, as it joined together the Jingle Run and the Bridge Run to create a course that stretches from Palmetto Bay Road up and over the Cross Island Parkway bridge.
“We’ll run the 5K over the bridge – now that the toll booths are completely gone, the course is a little more attractive,” said event organizer Mark Weisner. “Because they were under construction last year, we routed some of the race down Powerline Road, and now we’ll have the 10K come down that way. It’s such a nice, tranquil course.”
Runners who have competed over the years will know what to expect. Decked out in festive holiday garb from matching Christmas jammies to vibrant elf costumes, competitors will join in the spirit of the season vying for top honors in men’s and women’s overall, top men’s and women’s masters, and winners in various age categories.
Decked out in festive holiday garb from matching Christmas jammies to vibrant elf costumes, competitors will join in the spirit of the season vying for top honors in men’s and women’s overall, top men’s and women’s masters, and winners in various age categories.
What has changed this year is the date. Generally held on Christmas Eve, this year’s Jingle Jingle Bridge Run will be held December 22 starting at 8 a.m.
“We’ll do it on Christmas Eve next year, because this year Christmas Eve falls on a Tuesday,” Weisner said. “Last year it fell on a Sunday and the race was hugely successful, so why force it to change? Particularly when it means our volunteers can spend Christmas Eve with their families.”
All participants will receive a colorful long-sleeve Jingle Jingle Bridge Run T-shirt.
That spirit of volunteerism is a big part of what drives the event, partnering with the Hilton Head Island High School Track Team to provide the team with a portion of the proceeds. They join organizations like The Rotary Club of Hilton Head and Children’s Relief Fund.
“It’s so great to have people come out and support what we do. It’s important for us to be able to put on a family-oriented community event that supports local students and gives people something to look forward to,” Weisner said.
And ultimately, those people are what drives the Jingle Jingle Bridge Run.
“We also get to see many local friends, including runners like John Duberley, who has run the race for the past seven years, typically with a group of about 10. Additionally, Lynn Sheppard has made it a yearly tradition with her son since 2012, planning their Christmas visit around the Jingle Bell race. They have participated together for 12 consecutive years, which is very cool. Plus, Santa usually stops by for a visit during the event,” Weisner said.
All participants will receive a colorful long-sleeve Jingle Jingle Bridge Run T-shirt. And this year, the post-race party and awards ceremony will also give racers a chance to carbo load after the race, with popcorn and doughnuts a new addition to the festivities.
Registration fee for the 5K race is $34 until December 1, $40 every day after, and $50 on race day. There is a special $5 discount for kids 16 and under for the 5K. Registration fee for the 10K is $44 until December 1, $50 every day after, and $60 on race day. Visit bearfootsports.com to register.
