For the thirteenth annual time, Shelby Township is hosting the Jingle Bell 5k! Starting at nine a.m. on Sunday, December 18th you can enjoy a brisk three-point-one mile run, jog, or walk. The race fees are only thirty-five dollars a person, and pets are welcome to come, free of charge! The race starts and ends at the Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center at River Bend Park (4101 River Bends Drive, Shelby Twp., MI). Day-of registration and check in begins at 7:30 am, with early registration available the day before from 12-5 at the Hanson’s Running Shop in Utica. Not only is this a fun and active way to spend a Sunday, but the proceeds go to noble causes! They benefit the Penrickton Center for Blind Children, the Macomb County Special Olympics, Cat Tail Acres (a sanctuary for feral and unwanted cats), the Great Lakes Burn Center, Azteca Youth Program, and K9 Rescue. They also give out awards to the top male/female, the master male/female runner, and the senior master male/female runner, so if you are a serious runner this is a great way to add another medal to your collection! Don’t be intimidated though- many unexperienced and untrained runners participate every year, including children. There is an option during registration if you want a timed run, with your time posted and published at the end or an untimed run where your time will not be recorded. Registration can be done online through the website linked HERE or via mail.