This is probably my 5th year running the Arthritis Foundation's Jingle Bell 5K at the Cantigny estate in Wheaton, IL. This is a fundraiser for the Arthritis Foundation, a great cause. There is early packet pickup but race day pickup is so easy and parking so readily available that it really isn't necessary to make a trip and do it early. This year's shirt is a bright green, long sleeved cotton t-shirt. I know that a lot of people want tech shirts, but I love that this is a cotton shirt that I can wear throughout the holiday season. The goody stocking also included a key ring with a light and a couple jingle bells for the run.

This year's weather was perfect with temps in the low 30's, a heavy cloud cover, little or no wind and no precipitation. The course is a loop, run twice, around the beautiful Cantigny estate. Nothing particularly exciting about the course but there is a pretty big (by midwest standards) hill that appears near the end of each loop.

This race is so well run and everyone is so happy that it is a must do. There are a lot of snacks available before and after, age group awards, costume awards and this year, photos with Santa. My run club always has a big group attend and it seems very festive. This year, I finally got 2nd place in my age group!