Jingle Bell Run - Springfield, MO

Jingle Bell Run - Springfield, MO is held on December 5, 2026 in Springfield, Missouri, with a timed 5K and a 1 Mile (1.6 km) both starting at 9:00 AM. The event supports the Arthritis Foundation and is aimed at all ages: you can run or walk, in holiday dress, and registration comes with a t-shirt, jingle bells and a medal.

On a 5K, the most common mistake is going out too fast, and the crowd effect at a friendly race like this makes it worse. A simple rule is to cover the first 500 meters at a pace you could hold for 10K, then step it up in stages. The mile is more for kids and family members, or for anyone who wants to test their speed over a short distance without committing to a full 5K. Either way, warm up before the gun; there is no room to ease into a race this short.