Holiday races can, at times, be split into two categories - fun runs or competitive races. However, a few events can achieve that perfect balance of festive entertainment while still challenging the racers. The Jingle Bell Run in Pittsburgh has accomplished this feat fairly well.

The Jingle Bell Run is a national event sponsored by the Arthritis Foundation, meaning that registration was fairly simple through the charity's website and hosted in many cities. If participants choose so, they can participate in fundraising efforts in addition to racing and receive additional prizes based on the amount raised.

The event utilizes both national sponsors as well as local making the swag pretty awesome. Unlike most races where an envelope or drawstring bag contain all the race necessities, this race had everything in a reusable thermal bag. That's thinking outside the box if you ask me! Inside the bag was a long-sleeved shirt as well as a collapsible water bottle. Not too shabby of a stash in a time when swag can sometimes be limited. I was able to pick up my packet and swag the Wednesday before the race at one of the local running stores. The process was painless and gave me hope that the race itself would run just as smoothly. I was not disappointed!

Race morning I got all decked out in my race gear, pinned on my bib and made my way down to Heinz Field where the event would start. Parking garages are pretty much empty Sunday mornings, so parking was no problem. Since Pittsburgh weather can be unpredictable (like being 60 degrees in the middle of December), the original gathering point for participants was inside one of the stadium meeting areas. Great thinking ahead by the logistics planners! However, since the weather was so amazing, people were milling around a little bit of everywhere. Food tents were set up outside for anyone needing to fuel up prior to the run while inside registration and a small expo of local organizations were taking place. And yes, everywhere you looked was Christmas attire and jingling bells.

In addition and prior to the 5K, the event also features a 1 mile fun run. For someone too nervous about doing 3.1, this race would be a great way to get acclimated to running. Families could also cheer on anyone running this race while still participating in the main event, since the one finished before the other started.

When the 5K was ready to begin (1,600 people strong), volunteers held signs with various pacings on them so that people could organize themselves based on predicted results - genius! The gun then went off and the race began. Because of the way in which everyone was lined up, I found myself having to do much less weaving than can sometimes to be case.

The course itself was one long loop with runners making their way down the various roads that border the Allegheny River until they could pick up the Three Rivers Heritage Trail near the Heinz buildings. In this trail being used by a very large number of races, any glitches that may happen from its use have been worked out. In addition, any incline or decline tend to be minor making for a pretty fast course. Maybe to add a little difficulty, the run does conclude on an uphill making the last 0.1 something to conquer. Aid stations with water were at mile markers 1 and 2 if the need to re-hydrate arose.

After high-fiving the race elf (only so many chances to use that line), everyone was directed to head inside where computers were set up with real-time information on time and place. Fruit and water were also available for anyone interested. The awards ceremony occurred an hour after the race, not only for those who had great times, but also best costume.

This race provided a great festive experience and meets the needs of intense runners and casual walkers. Even the pet lovers will be happy in being able to bring their furry friends.