Jingle Bell Jog attracts more than 1,000 participants

ALBANY — More than one thousand runners, walkers and joggers took to the historic streets of Albany on Saturday morning for a race that has become a holiday tradition.

The Jingle Bell Jog has been a part of the Christmas season in Southwest Georgia for 27 years. Participants and spectators alike were decked out in red and green, Christmas carols blared from the loudspeakers and the traditional sound of jingling bells could be heard from volunteers who lined the route to cheer on the participants.

There were races for all ages and experience levels, from a 10K for more experienced runners to a Toddler Trot for the youngest participants. Awards are presented to the top three male and female finishers in each of 16 age groups. Prestigious Masters Awards and overall awards presented to top male and female finishers over 40 in 5K and 10K races.

The run is one of the largest benefit events for Southwest Georgia’s regional Children’s Miracle Network hospital, Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital. All funds raised will be used to benefit children in Albany and in the surrounding 19 county region. Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital officials say 100 percent of every dollar raised through the Jingle Bell Jog is used to purchase equipment and provide education to help ill and injured children across Southwest Georgia.