Laura Bond, Reporter
11-27-2006
Not all walking and running this month is tied to Christmas shopping.
Before taking off for Saturday gift shopping on Dec. 9, adults and youth can reserve the morning for a little recreation and exercise for a good purpose.
This day marks a fund-raiser for the Junior Auxiliary of Ruston called “Jingle Bell Run,” which includes a 5K, 10K and one-mile fun run.
“This is our eighth year for the fund-raiser,” event coordinator Jana Beck said. “It was called the Harvest Run in the past because it was held in October.”
She is hopeful the weather will be suitable for running.
“I’ve talked to some runners, and they say they prefer to run in the winter months,” Junior
Auxiliary President Heather Pullen said.
She added the race will begin and end at Railroad Park in Ruston.
“We will go in front of The Ruston Daily Leader and toward Louisiana Tech University and back,” she said. “Orange juice and water will be available, along with light refreshments from Super 1 Foods in Ruston.”
Jingle Bell Run participants are advised to wear tennis shoes, athletic pants and a sweatshirt with a T-shirt underneath in case they get hot after walking for a while.
Check-in and late registration is planned from 6:30-7:30 a.m. The 5K and 10K races will begin at 8 a.m., and the one-mile fun run will start at 9:15 a.m.
“This is open to everybody,” Beck said, “including children of all ages. We’re trying to get everyone in the Christmas spirit, and we are hoping everyone will support it.”
The JA is supported by local businesses and fund-raisers, and proceeds from the race will go toward its various projects. The JA’s purpose is to serve the children of Lincoln Parish.
JA projects include reading to children at Lincoln Center and Head Start, the purchase of books for recreational reading for students at local schools, the presentation of puppet shows at preschools, elementary schools and daycares in the spring, Christmas parties and birthday parties for youth at the Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home, a girl’s camp for MCH in the summer and a Christmas Clearinghouse, where the JA purchases clothing and toys for local children.
Race fee for the 5K, 10K or one-mile run is $15 before the race and $20 the day of the race.
Checks can be mailed to the Junior Auxiliary of Ruston, P.O. Box 1762, Ruston LA, 71273. For more information contact Beck at 251-3783.
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