NIA 25th Annual Jingle Bell Run

The Nichols Improvement Association (NIA) will hold the 25th Annual Jingle Bell Run on Saturday, December 6th. This holiday classic attracts hundreds of runners for the scenic 5K course runs that through the heart of historic Nichols and features one of the best downhill finishes in Fairfield County.

The race begins at 9:30 AM on the Nichols Green and continues through the Nichols community streets lined with friends and neighbors ringing jingle bells and cheering on participants. The morning also includes the Jingle Bell Jr., a free kids fun run, starting at the Nichols Firehouse on Shelton Road at 9:15 AM. A favorite for area race enthusiasts, this festive holiday tradition attracts hundreds of race participants from around the tri-state region and is open to runners and walkers. Awards will be given to top finishers in each age category.

This year the NIA is proud to be partnering with Community Plates, a volunteer driven food rescue organization helping people in need. To learn how you can become food runner or food donor, go to www.communityplates.org.

Proceeds from the NIA Jingle Bell Run will go toward the restoration of 5 Pennies Park playground.

The registration fee is $20 before December 4th ($25 afterward) and includes a long sleeve race t-shirt celebrating 25 years of the NIA Jingle Bell Run. A limited number of a tech-dri version of the race t-shirt is available for an additional $10. Advance registration is strongly recommended. Early number pick-up for all pre-registrants will be held on Friday, December 5th from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM at the Nichols United Methodist Church Hall in Nichols; registration may also be done at this time. Race day registration and number pick-up will take place from 7:30 AM to 9:15 AM at the Nichols United Methodist Church Hall. For more race information to register online go to www.niajinglebellrun.com.

This great Nichols race tradition would not be possible without the support of volunteers and sponsorship from our community. We thank our generous sponsors, including Subway, Colony Grill, Fairfield County Bank, Quatrella & Rizio LLC, Chabaso Bakery, Rockin Jump , Pepper’s Landscaping, Connecticut Fallen Heroes, and Orange Theory Fitness, and other area businesses and organizations. T o volunteer or become a sponsor, please contact Fred Palmieri at fpalmieri6134@earthlink.net.