Jingle Bell Run/Walk
for Arthritis
Oregon Events — Portland and Bend
Washington Events — Bellingham,
Mt. Vernon, Seattle, and Spokane

Imagine the sound of thousands of bells jingling as people run, walk, and cheer in the Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bell Run/Walk. Across the country, people like you tie jingle bells to their shoelaces, don festive holiday costumes, and join friends and neighbors in support of the Arthritis Foundation’s mission to prevent, control, and cure arthritis and related diseases.

The Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis kicks off during the holiday season in communities nationwide to raise awareness of America’s leading cause of disability, while raising desperately needed funds for research, health education, and government advocacy to improve the lives of people with arthritis.

As the nation’s largest holiday run/walk event, the Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis accommodates all levels of fitness with a 5k fun run/walk and kids run. Nationwide nearly 125,000 runners and walkers run individually or in teams of 10 or more each year to help raise money. Teams are forming now for the Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis in Oregon and Washington. Participants can run or walk in honor of a friend or family member with arthritis, or to show that they are taking control of their arthritis.

With the prevalence of arthritis or chronic joint symptoms surging — now 46 million people or one in five adults and 300,000 children suffer — the Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis is a fun and festive way to support the Arthritis Foundation in the prevention, control, and cure of arthritis.

To participate in the Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis, to find dates in your location, volunteer, or to form a team, contact at the Arthritis Foundation at 1-877-282-2898 or visit www.arthritis.org for online registration and event details.

2009 First Run
December 31, 2008

Tired of sitting at home waiting for the ball to drop? Why not start a new tradition and go for a walk. Grab your date, friends, family, and the kids and head to the World Trade Center in downtown Portland, OR on this New Years Eve. The event will offer a 1.5 mile Walk/Run and a 5k Walk/Run.

The party starts at 10:00 pm and the Walk/Run starts at the stroke of midnight. It’s a tradition for many and you can make it yours. What a better way to enjoy an evening with hundreds of like-minded fitness freaks that welcome in the new year with a walk. The event will offer food, beverages, music, dancing, and don’t forget a lot of fun!

The entry fee includes a long sleeved T-shirt. Parking will not be a problem and you can always jump on the MAX with the other partygoers.

For more information on participating or volunteering, email event@racecenter.com or visit www.racecenter.com/firstrun.

Oregon Zoo Hosts
Annual Turkey Trot
November 27, 2008

The Oregon Zoo invites runners and walkers of all ages to the annual Turkey Trot. The Thanksgiving Day event, organized by the Oregon Road Runners Club (ORRC), includes a 4-mile run and fitness walk beginning at 8 am and a 1-kilometer Tot Trot beginning at 9:30 am.

A portion of the proceeds from the Turkey Trot will go to the Oregon Zoo to fund animal care and conservation programs. “For over 37 years the ORRC has encouraged thousands of people to take steps to improve their health by walking and running,” said Dave Cook, ORRC president. “The Turkey Trot has become an annual tradition for Oregon families and their relatives visiting from out of town. It’s a great thing to do prior to sitting down to a big Thanksgiving Day meal,” he added.

All events are noncompetitive and do not include awards. There will be a clock at the start and finish line for self-timing. Each event will start across from the zoo at the World Forestry Center and finish inside the zoo by the concert amphitheater.

Parking is limited, so participants are encouraged to ride MAX. TriMet’s Washington Park light rail station is just steps from the registration area and the start and finish lines. TriMet timetables are available at www.trimet.org. No pets or rollerblades are allowed in any of the events. Strollers and child carrier backpacks are allowed only in the 4-mile fitness walk and must start at the back of the group.

Participants are encouraged to bring non-perishable food and personal care items for needy families and individuals. The Arc of Multnomah-Clackamas will have collection barrels at the zoo’s entrance during the event. The Arc provides essential services to adults and children with developmental disabilities. For more information or to register visit www.orrc.net/races.