RRT Neche / Pembina Assists at the December 2 Fargo-Jingle Bell Run

The morning of December 2, 2017, saw 17 RRT volunteers from Pembina and Neche, ND, heading to the Courts Plus Fitness Center in Fargo, to support the Arthritis Foundation’s 2017 Jingle Bell Run.  The Arthritis Foundation has many initiatives to help raise funds to find a cure for arthritis, but the Jingle Bell Run remains one of the nation’s biggest 5K fun run series!! Over 50 million Americans have arthritis, making it the number one cause of disability in the country.  That is equivalent to 1 in every 5 adults, over 300,000 children and countless families effected.  Registration for the event started at 8:00 a.m. with the first race beginning at 9:00 a.m.  Over 350 people participated in the race; many of them were part of teams supporting persons with the disease.  Temperatures were in the 30’s that morning, but the sun was shining, and spirits were high.

 

The 1K run for the little kids

The Jingle Bell Run is a fun, festive, holiday-themed event with participants of all ages.  Everyone is decked out from head-to-toe in holiday attire even including some of the pets that were brought along for the run/walk!!  RRT volunteers set up a tent and table at the halfway point along the route, serving hot chocolate, snacks and water bottles to the participants.

All lined up and ready to go

 

And they’re off!!!!

RRT volunteers also helped out with traffic control along the route making sure the runners and walkers were kept safe.  With the route weaving through residential neighbourhoods and crossing several busy roadways, this was a necessary task.  RRT pulled off the event with no accidents and everyone completing the course safely.

 

Even the 4-legged participants were dressed for the occasion

 

RRT traffic control making sure everyone got through the route safely

When everyone completed completed the course, they all returned to one of the gymnasiums at Courts Plus.  A complimentary meal was served.  RRT supported by providing water bottles, snacks, granola bars, and again, our signature hot chocolate – a must to warm the cold bodies and hands.

Handing out refreshments at the halfway stop

 

Serving the runners and walkers after they completed the race

There were a few speeches from some of the people living with arthritis, telling how they were diagnosed with arthritis and how they cope with the disease.  There were also prizes given out for the runners who had the fastest times and also for the teams with the best costumes!!

The gymnasium where everyone gathered before and after the race

RRT volunteers then helped the coordinators clean up after the event was completed.  Everyone had a lot of fun and RRT was happy to help support another great cause.  Thanks to everyone who took part and donated their time.  The event raised over $30,000 to help continue the fight to find a cure for America’s #1 cause of disability!