This Sunday 40th Annual Jingle Bell Run for Arthritis, Tampa Bay

The 2024 Jingle Bell Run for arthritis returns to Tampa Bay at 9 a.m. Sunday, December 15, 2024. The Arthritis Foundation is celebrating 40 years of this family-friendly fundraiser taking place at George M. Steinbrenner Field 1 Steinbrenner Drive, Tampa, Fl. 33614. More than 1000 runners, walkers and cheering fans are expected to gather and fuel the fight to conquer arthritis and raise $112,500.

All are welcome to this annual, holiday-themed 5K fun run/walk and one-mile walk that encourages participants to dress in festive costumes and get moving to raise awareness and funds to cure America’s #1 cause of disability.

Nationwide in more than 100 cities, the Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bell Run benefits the nearly 60 million Americans (1 in 4 adults), including 300,000 children (1 in every 250), living with arthritis every day. Monies raised help fund cutting-edge research for new treatments, advocating for health care access, and helping those living with arthritis attain everyday victories.

New this year, the Tampa Bay Jingle Bell Run introduces a canine honoree along with distinguished human honorees. Auto-immune and orthopedic arthritis can affect humans of all ages and beloved pet family members. Acknowledging the importance of the human-animal intersection, the richness pets bring to families, the Arthritis Foundation Florida is celebrating pet arthritis warriors this year too.

The following people, pup and partners will be honored at the event:

• Vedashree Panthulu, MD Jingle Bell Run Rheumatology Honoree, Sunshine Rheumatology
• Kevin Cronin, MD Jingle Bell Run Orthopaedic Honoree, Florida Orthopaedic Institute
• Hannah Pugh, Jingle Bell Run Juvenile Arthritis Adult Honoree
• Mila Munchel, Jingle Bell Run Juvenile Arthritis Youth Honoree
• Raleigh Roo, "Tripawd" (tripod-3 legged canine) Dog Honoree

Locally, the Arthritis Foundation and the Purple Playas Foundation have partnered to create a Holiday Hurricane Hope Tree. Attendees are invited to bring unwrapped toys and new this year, holiday decorations, for families with a chronic illness who lost so much during the Hurricanes. Items may be placed under the tree at the Jingle Bell Run.

The Jingle Bell Run is nationally presented by Zoetis with signature sponsor, Novartis. Locally sponsored by Tampa General Hospital. Other sponsors include Sunshine Rheumatology, HCA Florida Healthcare, IV Solutions Rx and WellMed. All participants receive an official Jingle Bell Run T-Shirt, finisher medal and jingle bells. There is an in-person and virtual participation option. To learn more and register for the Tampa event, visit http://JBR.org/Tampa or contact the Arthritis Foundation at Florida@arthritis.org.

About the Arthritis Foundation

The Arthritis Foundation is the Champion of Yes. Leading the fight for the arthritis community, the Foundation helps conquer everyday battles through life-changing information and resources, access to optimal care, advancements in science and community connections. The Arthritis Foundation’s goal is to chart a winning course, guiding families in developing personalized plans for living a full life – and making each day another stride towards a cure. Learn more at www.Arthritis.org

Event Schedule

Sunday, December 15, 2024

• 9:00 a.m. - Registration & Check-In Opens and Festivities Begin
• 9:00-9:50 a.m. - Costume Contest Entry
• 9:30 a.m. - Warm Up & Opening Ceremonies
• 10:00 a.m. - 5K Run Start
• 10:05 a.m. - 1-Mile Walk Start
• 10:30 a.m. - Post-Race Party
• 10:45 a.m. - Juvenile Arthritis Family Meetup
• 11:00 a.m. - Winners Announced
• 11:15 a.m. - Kid’s Dash
• 11:30 a.m. - Silent Auction Closes