Hickory – We are pleased to announce the 4th Annual Mel’s Jingle Run and we’re excited to invite you to participate. A holiday themed 5K race that supports various charitable causes in our community, Mel’s Jingle Run is becoming a Christmastime tradition. Join us on Saturday, December 8 at 9am on Union Square in Downtown Hickory to celebrate the season with the most jolly, fun-filled, festive 5K in our region.

Mellow Mushroom Hickory has teamed up with RunTimeRaces to continue the area’s premier Christmas themed 5K run/walk. The timed race is family friendly, with all ages invited to participate. Not only will medals be awarded to those who place in the race, there will also be awards given for the most “jingled out” or festive costumes and race apparel.

All race proceeds will benefit the Family Guidance Center, an indispensable organization that offers a variety of counseling services for both individuals and families, as well as provides domestic violence services and a shelter for battered women, giving safety and compassion to those who need it most. The Family Guidance Center’s services reflect their belief that families are the cornerstone of society and that strong families build strong communities. To learn more about the Family Guidance Center, visit www.fgcservices.com.

Race participants will also be asked to bring an unwrapped, new toy on race day for a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card. The toys will be presented to Santa Cops, a charity of the Conover Police Department.

It is only with the generosity of our sponsors that this event can take place. Thank you to Dr. Jeffrey Knapp of OrthoCarolina, Catawba Valley Health System, Broome Insurance, Commscope, Brown & Neuwirth Oral and Cosmetic Surgery Center, Lowes Foods, Dr. Tom Wiley and MaryJo Wiley, and Dr. Don Bias and Karen Bias.

The race will begin on December 8 at 9am at the Sails on the Square in Downtown Hickory and will finish at the same location. As a RunTimeRaces produced event, this event will be well organized and leave participants with an awesome race experience.

Online registration for this event can be found at www.RunTimeRaces.com.