2026 NIA Jingle Bell Run - 38th Annual

Saturday, December 5, 2026
9:05 AM EST
Trumbull, Connecticut
Free–$34.92 · 4 races
5km

Starts in 21 days

Event summary

Get ready to celebrate the holiday season with the 38th Annual NIA Jingle Bell Run on Saturday, December 5, 2026, in Trumbull, Greater Bridgeport! This festive event features a scenic 5K race that winds through the picturesque Nichols community, making it a perfect way for runners and walkers of all ages to join in the fun. Participants can look forward to the JBR Fun Run for younger runners, allowing kids to get involved and spread the holiday cheer.

The day promises excitement with a costume contest, a special visit from Santa, and plenty of post-race snacks to enjoy at the Jingle Mingle. With registration fees starting at just $23 for youth and $32 for adults, there’s no better way to kick off the holiday spirit while supporting community initiatives. Don't miss out on this wonderful opportunity to run, walk, and celebrate together on a beautiful December morning!

Races

  • 2026 NIA Jingle Bell Run 5k 19 yrs & older

    Incl. $2.92 Fee & Long Sleeve Sport-Tek Shirt

    Our 5k course starts next to the church, runs down Shelton Rd, up Huntington Rd, and into the Nichols neighborhood. We have eliminated the first of the hills on Primrose but a couple more remain as you jingle up and down. The finishing mile is a FAST net downhill with the greatest drop the last half mile! Participants will receive an official bib, race shirt (guaranteed to registrations on or before November 24th) http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7313802

    9:30 AM EST

    $34.92

    Register
  • 2026 NIA Jingle Bell Run 5k 18 yrs and younger only!

    Incl. $2.38 Fee & Long Sleeve Sport-Tek Shirt

    This registration button can ONLY be used for 18 yrs AND YOUNGER. NO COUPON CODES CAN BE USED FOR THIS AGE RANGE! Our 5k course starts next to the church, runs down Shelton Rd, up Huntington Rd, and into the Nichols neighborhood. We have eliminated the first of the hills on Primrose but a couple more remain as you jingle up and down. The finishing mile is a FAST net downhill with the greatest drop the last half mile! Participants will receive an official bib, race shirt (guaranteed to registrations on or before November 24th) http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7313802

    9:30 AM EST

    $25.38

    Register
  • 2026 NIA JBR 1.25mi Health Walk

    Incl. $2.50 Fee & Long Sleeve Sport-Tek Shirt

    Start at the same time and place as the timed 5k run. The 1.2 mile health walk is NOT TIMED Participants will receive an race shirt (guaranteed to registrations on or before November 24th) http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7313802

    9:30 AM EST

    $27.50

    Register
  • 2026 NIA JBR Junior - 1/3mi Kids Fun Run

    Recommended ages are 6th grade and under. It's a non competitive, festive atmosphere where EVERY kid is a winner! Participants should meet at the Nichols Firehouse on Shelton Rd by 9am. Every participant will receive a commemorative Jingle Bell Jr race bib and medal.

    9:05 AM EST

    Free

    Register

Organiser's description

Join us on Saturday, Dec 5th as the Nichols Improvement Association presents the 38th edition of our holiday classic. The NIA Jingle Bell Run takes place on a scenic, rolling hill 5K course through the heart of the Nichols community. Walkers are encouraged to participate as well. For our younger runners, we will have our JBR Fun Run prior to the 5k! Our costume contest and a special visit from Santa will elevate the holiday festivities!

Get inspired by viewing our 2025 JBR PHOTO ALBUM https://robertnormanphotography.shootproof.com/gallery/5598f7a0-620f-46a7-af76-9d6893d05123/home!

OUR 5K COURSE MAP https://onthegomap.com/s/kbukgpo4

OUR 1.2 MILE HEALTH WALK MAP http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7429270

EVENT FEES:

JINGLE BELL RUN 5K (19 YRS & OLDER) $32 before 11/16, $36 11/16-11/23, $38 11/23-12/5

JINGLE BELL RUN 5K (18 & YOUNGER) $23 before 11/16, $26 11/16-11/23, $28 11/23-12/5

NIA JBR 1.25MI HEALTH WALK (UNTIMED) $28 before 11/23, $33 11/23-12/5

NIA JBR JR. 1/3MI KIDS FUN RUN FREE! (Recommended for 9yrs & under please)

_PLEASE NOTE: ONLY 5K & HEALTH WALK PARTICIPANTS REGISTERED BY 11:59PM PM NOV 22ND ARE GUARANTEED TO RECEIVE A COMMEMORATIVE JBR SHIRT._

All JBR Jr participants will receive a complimentary race bib and a medal.



BIB & SHIRT PICKUP SCHEDULE:

NIA STARKWEATHER HOUSE - 1773 HUNTINGTON TURNPIKE (ACROSS FROM THE NICHOLS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH)

THURSDAY 12/3 5:00PM - 8:30PM
FRIDAY 12/4 3:30PM - 8:30PM
SATURDAY 12/5 7:30AM - 9:30AM

YES, YOU CAN PICK UP FOR OTHER PEOPLE! WE ENCOURAGE THIS TO SAVE TIME AND REDUCE LINES!



EVENT PARKING:

Parking will be available in the NIA field behind the gazebo at 1773 Huntington Tpke. Limited parking will also be available behind the Trinity Episcopal Church at 1734 Huntington Tpke. Volunteers will be on site to direct you towards both parking areas.

RACE DAY SCHEDULE:

NICHOLS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH - 35 SHELTON ROAD

PLEASE COME DRESSED TO RUN - There are no indoor changing facilities!

8:45am - JBR Junior participants - meet at the 5k finish line & walk up to the Nichols Fire Station with volunteers.
9:00am - _JBR JUNIOR ASSEMBLE IN FRONT OF FIREHOUSE_ (1/10 mi north of the church)
9:05am - _JBR JUNIOR STARTS _(we recommend Ages 9 & under- parents can accompany the kids)
9:15am - NEW! Warm Up with Refine Fitness https://refinefitnessct.com!
9:20am - All 5k Runners & 2 mi Walkers assemble at the same start line for announcements & Anthem
9:30am - _5K & HEALTH WALK START TOGETHER AT THE SAME TIME/PLACE._ Runners with Strollers & Dogs must go towards back of the pack please.
9:45am - Post-race snacks & fluids at the Jingle Mingle!
10:15am - AWARDS PRESENTATION AT THE RADIO TENT FOR THE TOP THREE MALE AND FEMALE CHAMPIONS, PLUS COSTUME CONTEST WINNERS. ALL AGE GROUP AWARDS (LISTED BELOW) WILL BE DISTRIBUTED FROM THE TENT NEAR THE FINISH LINE AS SOON AS OUR TIMER GIVES US THE RESULTS!

AWARDS:

ALL PARTICIPANTS IN THE TIMED 5K ARE ELIGIBLE TO WIN.

Awards top overall male & female finishers are:
- 1st Place: $100 Fleet Feet gift card, plus a Kane Footwear package including shoes, hoodie, waterbottle & socks
- 2nd Place: $75 Fleet Feet gift card
- 3rd Place: $50 Fleet Feet gift card

Awards for 5k male & female age group categories are:
- 1st Place: Santa Bobblehead & $20 Marathon Sports gift card
- 2nd & 3rd Place: Medals

AGE CATEGORIES
9 & under
10-13
14-18
19-29
30-39
40-49
50-59
60-69
70-79
80+

BEST COSTUME AWARD DETAILS TO COME!

SPONSORSHIPS:

RACE SPONSORS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME!
There are multiple ways to support our great event! Become a sponsor by visiting our online signup form https://pci.jotform.com/form/252635193048055, or email us [email protected] to discuss becoming a sponsor.

BECOME A FAMILY SPONSOR AND GET YOUR NAME ON THE JBR SHIRT!
The 1 Bell sponsor level is a great way to show you support of the NIA, plus your family name will be printed on our commemorative shirt.



The Nichols Improvement Association is volunteer-run 501c3 nonprofit organization. Proceeds from the Jingle Bell Run go back into supporting our community events, maintaining our historic property including our Moore ball fields, the NIA playground and Starkweather House.

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Location

1773 Huntington Turnpike, Trumbull, 06611, CT, United States

Event data

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