On Dec. 3rd, the city of Lexington held its 10th annual downtown Jingle Bell run. Participants were able to choose between the 5k race or the 1.5 mile fun run. Additionally, dogs and strollers were allowed to accompany the runners. As a participation gift, those who signed up for the 5k were given either a headband or a pair of racing socks.

Austin Molitor won the race with a rapid time of 15:42, which is a pace of 5:03 per mile, he was also awarded number one Male Overall. This was Molitor’s second consecutive Jingle Bell win, as he won last year with a time of 16:34. Winning the number one Female Overall was Lucy Allbright with a time of 20:11, which is a pace of 6:30 per mile.

Additionally, the race was divided into age groups and the winners were awarded with a Christmas ornament and Lexington downtown gift card. For the 14 and under category, Rowe Carter won for male and Dorothy Lewis for female. The 15-19 category was won by Garrison Famiglio for male and Molly Biggs for female. The 20-29 category was won by Cian Bell for male and Emily Sansbury for female. The 30-39 category was won by Andrew Clouse for male and Jessy Crance for female. The 40-49 category was won by Jared Lee for male and Synthia Campbell-Spangler for female. The 50-59 category was won by Joseph Guse for male and Donna Gee for female. The 60-69 category was won by Steven Donald for male and Jim Campbell for female. Finally, the male winner of the 70 and over category, Brian Campbell.

After the completion of the race, a large giveaway was held and bib numbers were called out to receive random prizes. Winner of a random raffle prize and 5k participant, Dean Fafatas, said,

“I had a great time today, the weather was perfect and the atmosphere was very festive. I personally enjoyed dressing as an elf for the race. I also won a prize at the end so I gotta go get something from Sweet Treats Bakery soon.” 

Another participant and former RCHS cross country captain, Jacob Ivins, said,

“The race was a lot more hilly than I remember, but it was still super fun. I like that our community has events like this where everybody can come together and compete or just get some exercise,”

The Jingle Bell 5k had an incredible turnout of 148 runners, and 48 participants for the 1.5 mile fun walk. Spirits and heart rates were high on December 2nd, with the next Lexington race being the Hot Pursuit 5k on April 15, 2023.