2026 Jingle Bell Run - Birmingham, AL

Get ready for this year’s Jingle Bell Run, the original festive race for charity brought to you by the Arthritis Foundation. Wear your favorite holiday gear, and let's jingle all the way toward a cure!

Whether you're running, walking, or strolling, bring your friends, family, and coworkers along for the ride. Together, we're spreading joy and making strides towards a brighter future — saying "YES" to life, despite arthritis.

Don't miss out on this special occasion to make a real difference while celebrating four decades of impact with the Jingle Bell Run. Let's lace up, hit the pavement, and jingle our way toward victory over arthritis!

Pre-Race Packet Pickup: 
Individual & Team
Wednesday, December 2, 2026 - 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, December 3, 2026 - 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Trak Shak – Homewood
2839 18th Street South
Homewood, AL 35209
[Directions | Map]

Race Day Location:
Saturday, December 5, 2026
Patriot Park
710 Oak Grove Road
Homewood, AL 35209
[Directions | Map]
Start / Finish Line Roads Blocked [PDF Map].

Schedule: Saturday, December 5, 2026
7:30 a.m. – Registration and Packet Pickup Open
8:30 a.m. – Opening ceremony
8:45 a.m. – 5K Registration and Packet Pickup Close
8:45 a.m. – Warm Up
8:50 a.m. – Line up for the 5K
8:55 a.m. - Wheelchair and Frame Runners Start
9:00 a.m. – 5K Starts
9:02 a.m. – Line up for the 1 Mile Fun Run or Walk
9:05 a.m. – 1 Mile Fun Run Starts
10:15 a.m. – 5K Awards Ceremony

Virtual Runner T-shirts will be mailed to the address provided during registration after the race date.

5K & 1 Mile Course:
5K Course Map: [PDF Click Here]  5K Course Map: [Online Click Here]  
1 Mile Course Map: [PDF Click Here]  1 Mile Course Map: [Online Click Here] 

5K Finisher medals provided.
Top Fundraiser and costume contest winner awards
Fun Zone for the Kids.

5K – Awards (for runners who paid to be Chip Timed):  
Top 3 Overall Male / Female
Top 3 in Age Groups Male / Female:
0 – 14,  15 – 19, 20 – 29, 30 – 39, 40 – 49, 50 – 59, 60+

5K - Awards Wheelchair / Frame Runners (for runners who paid to be Chip Timed):
The overall winners will receive an award.

NOTE: If you would like to be eligible for awards, the purchase of the Timing Chip is required, $5/participant

Tips on Running in COLD weather [Click Here]

It can be cold, so make sure you have the right clothing.
35209 (Weather Forecast – Homewood, AL)

How to wear your Bib Number:
5K participants (who paid the $5 extra) will be Chip Timed to process race results, and your 5K finish time will be posted for you to see. Please wear your Bib Number on the FRONT of your shirt during the race. [Example] Remember to bring your Bib Number on Race day. No Bib Number means no recorded time. The timing chip is located on the backside of your Bib Number.

Race Day Parking:
Parking and restrooms are available on-site at Patriot Park. Suggested parking: the pool parking lot, paid parking lot by the church.  If you need to leave early, do not park on Oak Grove Rd, as we will be blocking the road for the start/finish line.  Start / Finish Line Roads Blocked [PDF Map].

Bandit Policy: 
Bandits are unregistered runners or walkers attempting to participate in the run or walk events. Running without registration is not permitted in the 5K or 1 Mile events.  Please be sure to register for the Jingle Bell Run 5K or 1 Mile so that you can enjoy all that the race has to offer. Everyone in the 5K and 1 Mile will need to wear their Bib Number, which shows you are a registered participant. All proceeds of the event go to the Arthritis Foundation. 

Pets at the Race:  If you choose to bring your pet, please be sure to follow Homewood City Ordinance and Patriot Park Rules.  All pets must be on a leash.  Please clean up after your pet.  The actions of the pet are the responsibility of the pet owner/caretaker.

Strollers at the Race: If you are participating with a stroller and/or children, we ask that you keep your children with you at all times and that you start from the back of the starting line. This will allow your family members and our other participants a safer race experience.

Bib Number Transfer and Cancellation Policy:
There are NO refunds of registration fees.  **If you need to make changes to your registration or transfer to another participant, [Click Here] for instructions on how to change your registration. This event will occur rain or shine, warm or cold. We reserve the right to cancel in extreme circumstances. In that event, there will be no refunds; rather, your entry fee will be used as a donation to the Arthritis Foundation  (501c3).

Join fellow runners on December 5, 2026 for the 2026 Jingle Bell Run - Birmingham, AL. It's a fantastic 5K, 1.6K featuring a flat and fast course in Homewood.