Jingle Bell Run, Walk and Wheel sees hundreds help Community Living Essex County
A large number of people hit the streets to aid a local not-for-profit organization.
Over 700 people are estimated to have taken part in the Jingle Bell Run, Walk and Wheel, with proceeds helping Community Living Essex County (CLEC). The event started and ended at Ken Knapp Ford in Essex, went down the town’s main street and back with one of the shorter routes also involving the track at Essex District High School.
Last Sunday morning’s event was the 30th annual Jingle Bell Run, Walk & Wheel.
“It’s one of our premier events,” said Tony DeSantis, manager of community relations and resource development with CLEC. “Outside of the Detroit Free Press Marathon, this is the longest running event in Essex County – 30 years.”
DeSantis believed this year’s turnout was likely the largest they have seen in many years.
“We had 640 people as of race day and we had a lot of walk-ups,” he said, estimating it surpassed 700.
By comparison, last year’s Jingle Bell Run, Walk and Wheel had about 350 participants.
“I think it’s because people are back into running and they want to support Community Living Essex County,” said DeSantis. “It’s very heartwarming.”
The weather did not co-operate for Sunday morning’s event as the rain came down and damp conditions persisted, but that didn’t matter to the large number of runners and walkers. DeSantis said all proceeds will benefit CLEC’s general operations, though it was too early to know what the number will be.
Corporate sponsorship was “way up” in 2024, DeSantis added. He said he worked with James Knapp from Ken Knapp Ford to secure a lot of sponsors this year.
“It shows the community support,” he said. “It’s just outstanding.”
DeSantis added the event’s founding chair Bob Blair would be looking down with a smile at seeing how the event went this year. He said organizers thank the Town of Essex, Essex Fire and Rescue, the Ontario Provincial Police, the Essex 73’s, all other sponsors and the volunteers who came out.
The use of the track at Essex District High School was new for the 30th anniversary race. DeSantis said they wanted to shake things up for the runners and walkers and give them a new place to utilize.
“It’s nice to try something different,” he stated.
By Ron Giofu
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