Jingle for Janet5K Run & 3K Walk
Grab your candy-cane socks and jingle bells — 9:00 AM sharp Central Time, rain, shine, or snow flurries. Run it, walk it, or jingle in from anywhere with our virtual option. Every stride keeps Janet's spirit of giving alive.
- Race Day
- Dec 19, 2026
- Start Time
- 9:00 AM CT
- Distances
- 5K & 3K
- Formats
- In-Person + Virtual
Est. 2018
Jingling Strong
More Than a Race — It's a Holiday Tradition
For nine years, the Jingle for Janet 5K/3K has brought runners, walkers, volunteers, and jingle-bell-clad families together to kick off the holiday season with energy and heart. What started as a small neighborhood run has grown into a beloved community celebration — proof that a little holiday cheer and a lot of determination go a long way. All proceeds go to our benefactor Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation.
Proud benefactor:
Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation
Choose your challenge: chase a new personal best on the 5K, enjoy the festive 3K walk with friends, or jingle in from anywhere on Earth with our virtual run or walk. However you celebrate, you'll be part of a tradition built on movement, community, and giving back.
9th
Annual Year
5K & 3K
Run + Walk
100%
Community Spirit
Janet Marie Parker
1961–2018
This race exists because of Janet's courage, joy, and unstoppable spirit as she battled Cholangiocarcinoma from 2014 to 2018. Every jingle bell, every mile, and every dollar raised carries her memory forward and celebrates the community she brought together. She is the reason we run to save lives and help families through the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation!
Choose Your Event & Register Today
Race in person, jingle in virtually, or grab the gear — there's a way for everyone to join the celebration. For those not up for running or walking, please consider a volunteer registration! We need 25 volunteers in varying capacities to make it all work!
Can't make it to the start line? A gift of any size helps us honor Janet's memory and support families facing Cholangiocarcinoma — thank you for considering a donation!
5K Run
Chip-timed 5K through the neighborhood — bring your holiday energy and your best pace.
Select & Register3K Walk
A festive, family-friendly walk perfect for jingle bells, strollers, and four-legged friends.
Select & RegisterVirtual 5K Run
Run your 5K anywhere on race weekend and log your time from wherever the holidays take you.
Select & RegisterVirtual 3K Walk
Walk your 3K on your own turf and celebrate with the Jingle for Janet community from afar.
Select & RegisterLS Shirt Only
Skip the race and grab the commemorative long-sleeve shirt to wear all season long.
Select & RegisterBeanie Cap Only
Just here for the swag? Snag the cozy Jingle for Janet beanie cap on its own.
Select & RegisterRegistration status: Published & Open
Know Your Route Before Race Day
5K Run Route
A scenic, mostly flat out-and-back loop through the neighborhood streets — fast, festive, and friendly for all paces.
3K Walk Route
A shorter, relaxed loop ideal for walkers, families, strollers, and leashed pups moving at a holiday stroll.
Course Support
Water stops, cheerful volunteers, and clear directional signage keep you jingling in the right direction.
Go Virtual, Anywhere
Prefer your own route? Complete your 5K or 3K wherever you are and celebrate with the crew from a distance.
Think You Can Beat These?
Take a look at the fastest times on record for the Jingle for Janet course — every year, someone chases these down. Highlighted in green are last year's updates!
Full course maps, turn-by-turn directions, and start/finish line details are available on the official registration page — view on RunTheDay.
Saturday, December 19, 2026
Here's how the morning unfolds — all times listed in Central Time (CT).
- 17:30 AM
Packet Pickup & Day-Of Registration Opens
Grab your bib, shirt, and beanie before the fun begins. Bid on items in silent auction in registration area. Check out our information on Sponsors and our benefactor the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation.
- 28:15 AM
Warm-Up
Stretch it out and do a warm-up run as a Team, Family, or Individual!
- 38:45 AM
Group Photo
Strike a pose on the hill with everyone in your Holiday best!
- 48:50 AM
Opening Announcements
Race updates, course reminders, invocation, National Anthem, and a countdown to the Fire Engine Siren Start!
- 59:00 AM
5K Run Starts
Runners take off from the start line — chip-timed and ready to jingle.
- 69:01 AM
3K Walk Starts
Walkers, families, and pups begin their festive stroll.
- 79:50 AM
Awards & Celebration
Top finishers and festive costumes celebrated with gift cards and prizes, medals to overall and age group winners, finalize silent auction, and hot cocoa for all.
- 810:00 AM
Clean Up & Celebrate
Clean up and head to Spanky's Sports Bar and Grill for post-race/walk celebration and brunch!
Moments From Past Jingles
Holiday sweaters, jingle bells, and finish-line smiles — a look back at the community spirit that makes this race so special.
Our Generous Sponsors
Jingle for Janet is made possible by the generosity of local businesses and organizations. Every level of support helps us cross the finish line for the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation.
Cure Warrior Sponsor
$1,000 +
Cause Warrior Sponsor
$750 - $999
Critical Aid Sponsor
$500 - $749
Relief Sponsor
$300 - $499
In-Kind & Service Sponsors
These generous partners donate goods and services that keep race day running smoothly.
Food and Beverage Sponsors
Printing/Screening Services Sponsors
Timing Sponsors
Gift Card Sponsors
Silent Auction Sponsors
Frequently Asked Questions
The race takes place on Saturday, December 19, 2026 at 9:00 AM (Central Time). Full venue and start-line details are available on the official registration page.
Questions? We're Here to Help
Whether it's registration help, event day logistics, or general holiday cheer — reach out and our team will jingle right back.
Race Snapshot
- Saturday, December 19, 2026
- 9:00 AM · America/Chicago
- 5K Run & 3K Walk
- In-Person + Virtual Options
Jingle for Janet 5K/3K© 2026 Jingle for Janet. All rights reserved.