Beautiful day, colorful costumes highlight Jingle Bell Jaunt 5K

Funds raised in annual event benefit downtown projects
Posted 12/10/19

EURA holds cold 5K

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Beautiful day, colorful costumes highlight Jingle Bell Jaunt 5K

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EVANSTON — It was a bright, crisp morning in downtown Evanston Saturday, as runners of all ages (and festive attire) braved the chill to participate in the annual Jingle Bell Jaunt 5K Fun Run/Walk, hosted by the Evanston Urban Renewal Agency.

Runners set out from in front of The Strand Theatre on Main Street down past the Roundhouse, and finishing up in front of City Hall under a decorated arch set up as the finish line.. There were prizes for the first, second and third-place finishers in the men’s and women’s categories, and participants were encouraged to wear costumes and clothing befitting the season.

Santa Claus was even on hand to officially start the race and pose for selfies before, during and after the event. Winners in each category were awarded $50 in Main Street Cash, and every participant was entered to win prizes.

“The event is a fundraiser for the EURA, with funds generated going to our great projects in the downtown area,” said EURA board member Kimberly Chapman. “It’s an event that’s grown every year, and so far, we’ve been extremely lucky with the weather. As long as the roads are good and the sidewalks are mostly clear, people will turn out for it.”

Evanston High School juniors Siler Weaver and Degory Day crossed the finish line with their arms linked to win the men’s division in a time of 21:45. It was the first time running the event for both students, who are members of the EHS track team.

“It was awesome,” Weaver said. “I got to run with my friend Degory, so that was cool. It was a lot of fun.”

Day, who finished 21st at the 4A State Cross Country Meet in October for the Red Devils, said the Jingle Bell Jaunt was his first run since competing at state.

“I haven’t ran since October, so I felt pretty good, for being out of shape,” he said, laughing. “Plus, it was a great way to support the community. A lot of people showed up, so it was pretty cool.”

Not content to run in her big brother’s shadow, Eliza Day, Degory’s younger sister, finished first in the women’s category with a blistering time of 23:48. The 13-year-old is a member of the cross country team at Evanston Middle School; it was also her first time participating in the event.

“I like running,” she said after the race. “I just heard about it this year, so I thought I’d try it. I was really surprised when they told me I won. I would definitely like to run it next year.”

After the race, participants met back at the Strand for treats, photo-ops with Santa and to talk about the event; all agreed that it was a great way to spend a Saturday morning.

“People always seem to have a good time, it’s a lot of fun for them,” Chapman said. “They come out with their kids, they come out with their pets. People really seem to enjoy it. It’s a lot of the same runners every year, with plenty of new faces as well.”