Sights & Sounds Calls All Runners For Annual 5k, Jingle Bell Run

Motorists are asked to be alert for runners on West San Antonio Street, Bishop Street, Belvin Street and Hutchison Street from 9-10 a.m. as those streets are along the race course.

Staff Reports

The Sights & Sounds of Christmas 5K and 1K Jingle Bell Run, powered by Favor, will be held on Saturday, Dec. 8 at 9 AM.

Over 1,000 walkers and runners are expected to participate in this year’s race, featuring a certified course through downtown San Marcos and the Historic District.

Participants come back year after year, and the numbers continue to grow annually. When the event was brought back to the festival 8 years ago, there were 36 runners, and in 2015, they had 817 runners.

Brian Olson was president of the board for Sights & Sounds of Christmas in 2011 when they decided to bring the 5K back to the 27-year-old festival and add the Kids K.

The board and organizers try every year to make the festival better than before; over the last several years, they’ve kept the event full of fun for families.

The race will begin and finish at San Marcos Plaza Park at Hutchison & CM Allen and will feature Christmas music throughout the course.

Motorists are asked to be alert for runners on West San Antonio Street, Bishop Street, Belvin Street and Hutchison Street from 9-10 a.m. as those streets are along the race course. Police officers will be at all major intersections to direct traffic. The 5k race will begin at 9 AM, and the kids 1k Jingle Bell run will begin at 10 AM.

Participants who are registered by December 3 will receive a t-shirt; anyone registered after is not guaranteed a current year race shirt or size. The cost is $30 now through December 7 and will be $40 the day of the race.

Registration for the Jingle Bell run before December 7 is $10 and will be $15 on race day.

Participants are encouraged to dress up in holiday attire and will be given jingle bells for the race. Complete details and a route map are available at http://sights-n-sounds.org/5k/. Those interested in participating in the races can register here as well.

Whether you’re a participant in the 5k or Kid K, or an encouraging neighbor cheering on your fellow citizens; this is an event you won’t want to miss.