Jingle Bell Run / Walk for
Arthritis
Frequently Asked
Questions
Updated
11/25/2009
Q1. What is the main Chicago JBR Website?
Q2. Can I sign up through the mail?
Q4. Why is an email address required?
Q5. Can I get directly to the registration webpage?
Q6. Are dogs allowed at the Chicago Area Jingle Bell Events?
Q7. Do I have to “Qualify” to do this 5k or RUN?
Q8. Do we just bring the money and checks to the event?
Q9. Does the Arthritis Foundation accept credit cards?
Q10. My employer matches my donation. Who should I send the matching grant form too?
Q11. Is there gear check at the Jingle Bell Run / Walk events?
Q12. Are there age group awards?
Q1. What is the main Chicago JBR Website?
A1. It is www.ChicagoJBR.org or just ChicagoJBR.org. That is so much easier to remember and share with others than where it takes you, which is http://www.arthritis.org/chapters/greater-chicago/jbr.php.
Q2. Can I sign up through the mail?
A2. Yes, but understand it takes time to be processed. You have to print the paper registration form (links below) and mail it with a check to the Arthritis Foundation Greater Chicago Chapter PO BOX 809247 CHICAGO IL 60680-9247. Please do not mail cash and allow 10 business days before your race packet is ready.
You can download the registration forms for:
12/5/2009 Chicago by clicking here
12/12/2009 Plainfield by clicking here
12/13/2009 Hammond by clicking here
Q3. Could I signup in person?
A3. Yes, the Arthritis Foundation can accept checks and cash in person but we and our auditors would rather it be a check.
Q4. Why is an email address required?
A4. It would be practically impossible to keep some people updated via email and some by USMail and it increases the costs which take away from the fundraising nature of this event.
Q5. Can I get directly to the registration webpage?
A5. Yes, which event did you want?
12/5/2009 Chicago by clicking here
12/12/2009 Plainfield by clicking here
12/13/2009 Hammond by clicking here
Q6. Are dogs allowed at the Chicago Area Jingle Bell Events?
A6. Unfortunately, no. We have several spring and fall Let’s Move Together Arthritis Walks all around the Chicago area that encourage dog owners to participate with their dogs. The Jingle Bell Run / Walk 5k for Arthritis is a USATF certified timed event. The USATF policy is not to have dogs in these events. Also it is held in the winter months. We are inside before and after the actual race for activities and our venues to this point that can accommodate our event do not allow pets.
Q7. Do I have to “Qualify” to do this 5k or RUN?
A7. No. Even though these 5k events are timed for those looking to put a number to their effort, it is a walker friendly event. We just ask walkers as a courtesy to line up at the start closer to the back. This benefits those trying to break records (mostly their own) and help you not get the feeling of being run over. Some of the walkers might actually finish before some runners – like the tortoise and the hare scenario.
Q8. Do we just bring the money and checks to the event?
A8. Sure you can. You can bring them to the event but the auditors and the accounting department here would really like if they can be mailed in. There is a spot on the Kintera web page called MyHQ. You can enter these donations there and it prints a form that you mail in with the checks. Deposit any cash given in your account and write a check for that amount – it is safer to mail. The mailing address for donations is Arthritis Foundation Greater Chicago Chapter PO BOX 809247 CHICAGO IL 60680-9247. The donors see their checks clear the bank in a timely fashion and it helps with the number of entries the data entry people have all at once with all the Jingle Bell Runs that happen in the November and December timeframes.
Q9. Does the Arthritis Foundation accept credit cards?
A9. Yes, but only for online registration. In person registration requires cash or check made payable to the Arthritis Foundation.
Q10. My employer matches my donation. Who should I send the matching grant form too?
A10. Thanks for going the extra step with the matching forms.
Send the form for the Plainfield, Hammond or Chicago events to:
Arthritis Foundation
Attn: Matching Forms - JBR
29 E Madison St, Suite 500
Chicago IL 60602-3205
If people are donating online (which is the easiest method), we can match them online too. There is a spot in the donation page on the web site to indicate matching forms will be sent in. If you are collecting checks from people, enter them in your “MyHQ” section of your webpage and send the checks with the offline donation form from so we can match them. Those should be sent to Arthritis Foundation Greater Chicago Chapter PO BOX 809247 CHICAGO IL 60680-9247
Q11. Is there gear check at the Jingle Bell Run / Walk events?
A11. Yes for the Plainfield, Chicago and Hammond JBRs. We ask that you use the gear check tearoff from your race bib to identify items being held in the gear check area while you are doing the 5k or watching your kids do the Kid’s Dash. All items will need to be picked up two and a half hours after the start of the race. Gear check closes at 11:30am for Plainfield and Hammond and at 10:30 for the Chicago event.
Q12. Are there age group awards?
A12. Yes there are award for first, second and third for both male and female in the following categories based on age on race day - 14 and under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, (5-year increments continue thru), 60-64, 65-69, 70 and over.