More than 525 participants ran and walked when the 20th Jingle Bells 5K was held in downtown Toms River on Dec. 2.
The event was launched when the Kiddie Dash was held on a course of just less than 100 yards.
The 1-mile Fun Run/Walk followed and then the 5K race capped the day.
“The route for the 1-mile fun run/walk went from Washington Street to Hadley Avenue, then back from Hooper. The 5K race route went from Washington Street out to Water Street and then up by the country club that turns into Dickinson Avenue, then goes in amongst the houses decorated for Christmas, then comes back out to Hadley Avenue up to Hooper Avenue by St. Joseph Grade School, then back down to Washington Street,” said Jim Everett, who served as the race director.
In his 12th year as the race director, Everett revealed that the event takes 10 months to plan while the end result is the money raised for good causes.
“I am proud of the volunteers that come out here to make it happen. Every year we raise money for scholarships for the children. Since superstorm Sandy, we have done a lot of spotlight donations, this year we did Hope Sheds Light. Everyone comes out and they have fun. When I took it over 12 years ago we had 200 runners, we had 750 last year, this year we are going to be way over that. We had about 525 pre-registered before we walked in here Sunday,” Everett said.
He said the three Toms River regional high schools, East, North and South, and Donovan Catholic High School are the schools that receive the scholarships from the event.
“Seniors at each high school, that are members of the Toms River TEAM Program and the Donovan Catholic Interact program, are eligible and they have to participate in volunteering with our race to qualify. The selections are made through our race committee and with recommendations from the advisors at the schools,” Everett said.
Everret said the other funding that was raised goes to the Det. Mark Catalano Memorial Scholarship. Seniors from the four high schools in Toms River are eligible for this scholarship if that are planning to enter the field of law enforcement.
To be eligible, the seniors must write an essay and receive recommendations from school teachers or counselors.
“Jimmy Capone’s restaurant has been involved with the race for 12 years. He opens up for us specifically on Sunday. He gives out one serving of free pasta and salad to all the runners,” Everett said.
Toms River residents, Angela Palumbo and her mom Judy Palumbo, participated in the 5K race.
“My mom, dad and I run this race every year as something to get into the festive mood. All of the town getting into it too is great. When you run through the neighborhood there are a lot of people outside on their front lawn. It is just really fun,” Angela Palumbo said.
“We are here to also support the township police. This is our fifth year running in this event. It is just so fun and festive. Everyone is dressed up as well. It just is a lot of fun. I love watching the fireman walk for a mile with all their gear. You just feel that in your heart,” Judy Palumbo said.
Dana Simone, who is also a resident of Toms River, was pleased with the turnout.
“My husband is captain of Volunteer Fire Company No. 1. It is very heartwarming to see a lot of people out here participating in something that is for a good cause. There are a lot of young children. I am surprised by how many children are out here. It is good to see. It is very important that the community has an events like this. My children were just talking about participating in the event next year,” Simone said.
Ed Turnbach, a resident of Toms River, said the sense of a community event attracts him to the race.
“I am looking forward to a good race. It is just a good way to kick off the season. This is my second year out here. The event just brings out the spirit of the season it makes it all worth while. I am hoping to get through today’s race haha,” Turnbach said.
Betty Miller of Toms River said that the annual event gives her the old town feeling.
“It brings things back to what it used to be years ago where everyone is supporting the same causes. I love to watch the little ones in the Kiddie Dash, they are so cute. I like the idea of supporting the high schools and fundraising for different charities too. We have to keep that hometown feeling,” Miller said.
