BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WBKO) – For the past four years, the Bowling Green Jingle Bell Run has been a 5K staple as the holiday season approaches.

The annual run is part of a 40-year national campaign that raises money for the Arthritis Foundation, which works to promote awareness of the disease and fund research for more effective treatments.

“The great thing about the Bowling Green Jingle Bell Run is that everything is given to this event,” said David Rhoad, executive director of the Arthritis Foundation KY & Cincinnati. “Our expenses are basically zero, so we’re able to reinvest all of that money into mission, research, local resources and local programs. »

Amy DeCesare, the organizer of the Bowling Green Jingle Bell Run, said the event is special to her family because her husband has had a form of arthritis since he was 19 and their daughter since she was is only four years old.

“My husband and daughter are still on medication today, so it’s a cause close to our hearts. We have worked hard to raise awareness and funds for research, as well as to make more rheumatologists available to people in rural areas. This has been a big problem over the years.

145 runners participated in this year’s 5K, a new record for the Bowling Green event.

Those who ran were encouraged to dress in their best party attire for the occasion.

Many chose to wear bells during the race, bringing a percussive jingle with every step and joy to the faces of those watching the competition.

According to Rhoad, arthritis affects one in four Americans and is the leading cause of disability in the United States.

“Cold weather can really contribute to hurting people, so we’re trying to give people an opportunity to come together and have fun while getting information,” Rhoad said.

DeCesare said she estimates this year’s Jingle Bell Run raised about $30,000, which was another record for the event.

All proceeds from the race will be donated to the Arthritis Foundation.

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