Jingle Bell Run to benefit Harriet’s House

Published 2:43 pm Wednesday, November 20, 2013

The 2013 Jingle Bell Run/Walk 5K will be held Saturday, Dec. 7 in downtown Demopolis with registration beginning at 8 a.m.

Registration is $20, and all proceeds will go to Harriet’s House. Runners can register at the Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce up until the day of the race. Runners can also register the morning of the race. The race will begin at 9 a.m.

Last year, the race had more than 150 registrations with the proceeds going to Harriet’s House.

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Ashton King was the overall winner of the race last year with a time of 19:06.

Harriet’s House is a shelter for victims of domestic abuse. Emergency shelter services are available free of charge to women and their children who are victims of domestic violence, and non-residential services are available free of charge to all victims of domestic violence. They have a 24-hour crisis line along with many other services for victims of domestic abuse.

“This has turned into our biggest fundraiser,” said Susanna Naisbett, director of Harriet’s House. “Some years there are more runners than others, but it’s always great for us as far as cash flow.”

Naisbett said the Alabama Power Service Organization sponsors the event, and they pay any fees associated with the event so that Harriet’s House can receive all of the proceeds.

The Tuscaloosa Track Club helps at the run by setting up all of the timing equipment and determining the winners for each of the age groups.

“This is a certified, sanctioned grand prix event, so this race counts for those who run for points,” Naisbett said.

She added that Johnny Brooker has helped organize the event for many years.

“Johnny has helped us out for a long time,” she said. “This event is always a huge help for us.”

The first 75 people to register will receive a T-shirt on race day, and any extra shirts will be given out at the race as well.