Gateway Jingle Jog 2026 — Fort Myers, FL

Here we go! Join us for the 3rd Annual Gateway Jingle Jog 5K hosted by Gateway Church and Gateway Services CDD Parks & Recreation! Whether you're a seasoned runner looking to get a new PR or a family looking for a fun and meaningful holiday tradition, this race has something for everyone. This year's certified 5K course takes participants along the beautiful, winding bike path through Linear Park, between Griffin Drive and Gateway Lakes Blvd, a scenic, car-free setting built for both competition and connection. Strollers are welcome, costumes are encouraged, and all ages are invited to join in the holiday spirit. Nearly 700 runners joined us last year, and this year we're capping registration at 450 spots. We're capping registration purposefully to create a better course experience for every participant and a more intentional and memorable family-friendly event for spectators. Spots are limited, so register early to guarantee your place! Mark your calendar for Saturday, December 5th, and kick off the holiday season with purpose, community, and a whole lot of jingle! Gateway Community Fund Hosting an unforgettable event for our community is something we're passionate about, but the true heartbeat of the Gateway Jingle Jog is the impact it makes through the Gateway Community Fund. This fund exists to bring joy, support, and encouragement to the Gateway area all year long, helping us show up for local families, schools, and organizations, and meet real needs as they arise. Thanks to last year's race, we were able to provide meals for local teachers, walk alongside a family navigating the unimaginable loss of a child with a $2,500 gift, support Gateway Soccer's league, and host a Fall Festival that brought together nearly 2,000 members of our community. Our heart is simple: we want Gateway to be a place where families feel seen, supported, and celebrated. Every registration, sponsorship, and donation goes toward being ready for what's next, whatever that looks like for the families who call this community home. Meet the Race Director! Hi, I'm Sam, and I still can't quite believe running turned into one of my favorite parts of life. I put on my first pair of running shoes in early 2024, mostly just trying to get healthier. A few months in, something clicked, and I was hooked. My first 5K was on the 4th of July that year, and by fall I'd somehow talked myself into running a full marathon on my own, with a buddy biking next to me holding my cooler of hydration and fuel! What surprised me most wasn't the physical change, it was everything else. Running cleared my head, steadied my mood, and gave me a habit I could build a better life around. These days I love showing up for other runners, but more than that, I love helping people get healthy. And personally, being healthy is a way I can set a solid example for my own family. I want them to see what it looks like to keep chasing your healthiest, strongest self. Outside of running, I'm all in on Southwest Florida, our local businesses, and finding ways to bring good people together. Getting to direct the Jingle Jog is one of the highlights of my year, and this time around I'm even more excited. Beginner, seasoned racer, or pushing a stroller with a little one along for the ride, there's a spot for you at the start line. Let's lace up, spread some Christmas cheer, and make this year's race one to remember.