The 12 Quarter-Miles of the NYRR Jingle Bell Jog 5K: A Festive Carol for Festive Runners

Well, the weather outside was frightful, but the races were delightful. The NYRR Jingle Bell Jog 5K took place this morning under drizzly skies in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park. But for the 4,115 adult finishers and the 918 children who ran in the three stages of the Rising New York Road Runners at the Jingle Bell Jog races, many of whom were decked out in Santa hats, ugly Christmas sweaters and reindeer antlers, holiday spirit was the takeaway of the day. “I love it every year,” said Stacy Cloutier of New York, a regular finisher. “I love the holiday cheer.” 

A 5K race contains 12 quarter-miles (plus that bonus tenth of a mile at the end!) and so today we bring you the 12 Quarter-Miles of the NYRR Jingle Bell Jog.

On the first quarter-mile of the Jingle Bell Jog, New York Road Runners gave to me, one very well-decorated racing wheelchair. It belongs to a participant in one of the Rising New York Road Runners at the Jingle Bell Jog races. 

On the third quarter-mile of the Jingle Bell Jog, New York Road Runners gave to me, three stages of the Rising New York Road Runners races. These runners toed the start line of the competitive Stage 3 race, which was one mile long. 

Zack Grider, 17, of Brooklyn, won the boys’ Stage 3 race in a blazing 4:28. 13-year-old Delahni Shaw of New York won the girls’ race in a blistering 5:17.

All proceeds from the Jingle Bell Jog will help fund our children’s programs.

On the fourth quarter-mile of the Jingle Bell Jog, New York Road Runners gave to me, four volunteers serving red and green bagels to runners at the finish line. Runners were also treated to hot chocolate! 

On the fifth quarter-mile of the Jingle Bell Jog, New York Road Runners gave to me, five kilometers to run around beautiful Prospect Park.

On the sixth quarter-mile of the Jingle Bell Jog, New York Road Runners gave to me, six cats in Santa hats on this family’s festive pants.

On the seventh quarter-mile of the Jingle Bell Jog, New York Road Runners gave to me, seven rows of ornaments on this tree costume.

That is Heather Burns inside the tree costume. “This is my favorite race of the year,” she said—and this year, she has extra reason to celebrate as she checks off her final race in her 9+1 to gain entry to the 2020 TCS New York City Marathon.

The elf next to her is Esther Jean Gilles, who said, “I think it’s so fun to dress up.”

On the eighth quarter-mile of the Jingle Bell Jog, New York Road Runners gave to me, eight carolers treating finishers by the baggage claim line.

On the ninth quarter-mile of the Jingle Bell Jog, New York Road Runners gave to me, nine reindeer, with Rudolph in the lead, ready to pull Santa’s sleigh across the finish line.

On the 10th quarter-mile of the Jingle Bell Jog, New York Road Runners gave to me, 10 total races that our 9+1 finishers—one of whom is pictured here ringing the bell to celebrate her accomplishment—have participated in this year to earn guaranteed, non-complimentary entry into the 2020 TCS New York City Marathon. These folks complete nine races as a runner and one as a volunteer. Congratulations! 

On the 11th quarter-mile of the Jingle Bell Jog, New York Road Runners gave to me, 11 volunteers in Santa hats. Our volunteers are out for every race, rainy ones included, to offer support to our runners.

On the 12th quarter mile of the Jingle Bell Jog, New York Road Runners gave to me, 12 start corrals. Runners began the race in a staggered start, assigned according to their best pace to corrals A through L, to limit congestion on the course. Santa and his reindeer eagerly anticipated their start from corral J. 

And for the final tenth of a mile (a 5K race is the equivalent of 3.1 miles), a surprise for finishers!

New York Senator Chuck Schumer was on hand to high five everyone who crossed the finish line. First across the finish for the men was Scott Easey of New York in 16:08. Kate Gustafson of Brooklyn took the women’s title in 17:53.