Spokane Jingle Bell Run & Walk FAQ

What is the Registration Fee and Deadline?

Online registration is $20 for adults through November 20.  This fee increases to $30 on November 21 (Event Day).  Mail-in registration deadline is November 13, and In-Store registration ends on November 19.  Please note that the best way to secure your event t-shirt is by registering online - online registrants will receive priority when shirts are distributed.

Do I have to fundraise?

The purpose of this Spokane holiday tradition is to raise money for the Arthritis Foundation.  While there is no fundraising minimum, we highly encourage each registrant to raise $100.  Participants can do this using their online fundraising headquarters, which is automatically created at the time of registration.  Other fundraising ideas are a letter writing campaign, jeans day at work, garage sales, Facebook fundraising, and more!  Did you know that you can earn incentive prizes by raising money?  Starting at just $100 raised (this includes your registration fee), you can win great items like a running hat, long sleeve performance tee, or stainless steel water bottle.  Top individual fundraiser wins a roundtrip ticket on Alaska Airlines!

How do I Turn in My Donations?

Any donations that are not made directly online can be sent to: Arthritis Foundation, Pacific Northwest Chapter, Attn: Spokane JBR/W, 3876 Bridge Way North #300, Seattle, WA 98103.  Please note that in your personal fundraising HQ (online) you have the opportunity to enter these donations pledges.  This allows for all donations to be added to your fundraising total immediately.  If you have questions, please email kbirnbaum@arthritis.org.  Last minute donations can be turned in at the Last Window of Opportunity as well as event day inside River Park Square.

Where and when do I pick up my shirt/bib/bells?

Whether you registered at Bloomsday, online, or at the registration party in October, you can pick up your shirt/bib/bells on November 20 at River Park Square on the first floor between 10am - 6pm (NEW TIME - EXTENDED), or the morrning of Jingle Bell at River Park Square beginning at 7:30am. 

If my child is participating in the Run with the Elves, do I need to register for the Run with the Elves?

No - if your child is participating in the Run with the Elves and you would like to escort them, you do not need to register for this event.  This goes for any relative or guardian of Run with the Elves participants.  However, if you would like to participate in the 5k event or/and would like an event t-shirt you will need to register as an adult for the Jingle Bell Run/Walk.

Is the 5k timed?

Yes - this event is timed using tear tags on bibs. 

Why did you change the Team Registration benefits?

After thoughtful consideration, the Jingle Bell Run/Walk planning committee made a few changes to the 2009 event they hope will increase fundraising and enhance the event for everybody!  The option to form and/or join a team was created to make fundraising fun and to get everybody into the holiday spirit.  With that in mind, our committee re-structured teams and the Team Challenge with the hope that individuals who form or join a team commit to recruiting their friends, family and co-workers, and to raising funds for the Arthritis Foundation.

Do I have to run/walk with my teammates?

No!  It's wonderful if you all want to run/walk together, but we understand that everybody  has a different pace.  Whether you are on a team or not, you are free to register for any of the race waves or the Run with the Elves.

If I form a team, can I still do Team Captain Pick-up?

Yes - however, you must email or call to let the Arthritis Foundation know you will be picking up your team's packet, and this option will only be available to teams with 10 or more members and/or $1000 or more raised.

Are there awards for top finishers?

Yes - medals and prizes will be awarded to the overall top three male and females finishers

I will be out of town/busy on November 21 - can I still be involved and get a t-shirt? 

Yes - you can still participate on a fundraising team or as an individual if you can't actually attend the Jingle Bell Run/Walk.  Just click the "register" button and when you are asked to designate a registration type, choose "Snooze".  You will receive a t-shirt, and your registration fee will be greatly appreciated by the Arthritis Foundation!

What if it snows on November 21 and the roads are icy and the weather person is telling us to stay inside?

Chances are Jingle Bell Run/Walk is still on!  We won't shut this event down unless the City of Spokane tells us to.  For updates from the Spokane Jingle Bell Run/Walk, become an Arthritis Foundation fan on Facebook by searching "Arthritis Foundation, Pacific Northwest Chapter".  We will also post all extreme weather updates on www.spokanejinglebellrun.kintera.org.

If I can't make the event will the Arthritis Foundation refund my registration fee?

No - if you are unable to attend the Jingle Bell Run/Walk (for any reason), you're registration fee will be considered a donation to the Arthritis Foundation and you can still pick up your t-shirt at Runners Soul (t-shirts are not guaranteed).  The Arthritis Foundation reserves the right to cancel the Jingle Bell Run/Walk, and in this event all registration fees will be used as donations to the Arthritis Foundation.

You didn't answer my question - what next?

Please email kbirnbaum@arthritis.org with further questions.  It may take a day or two to respond, but we'll do our best to get your question answered in a timely manner.  Thank you in advance for your patience!