2026 NIA Jingle Bell Run – 38th Annual — Trumbull, CT

Join us on Saturday, Dec 5th as the Nichols Improvement Association presents the 38th edition of our holiday classic. The NIA Jingle Bell Run takes place on a scenic, rolling hill 5K course through the heart of the Nichols community. Walkers are encouraged to participate as well. For our younger runners, we will have our JBR Fun Run prior to the 5k! Our costume contest and a special visit from Santa will elevate the holiday festivities! Get inspired by viewing our 2025 JBR photo album ! Our 5k course map https://onthegomap.com/s/kbukgpo4 Our 1.2 mile health walk map http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7429270 EVENT FEES: Jingle Bell Run 5K (19 YRS & OLDER) $32 before 11/8, $36 11/8-11/23, $38 11/24-12/6 Jingle Bell Run 5K (18 & YOUNGER) $23 before 11/8, $26 11/8-11/23, $28 11/24-12/6 NOTE: NO COUPON CODES CAN BE USED FOR THIS AGE GROUP. NIA JBR 1.25mi Health Walk (UNTIMED) $28 before 11/24, $33 11/24-12/6 NIA JBR Jr. 1/3mi Kids Fun Run FREE! (Recommended for 9yrs & under please) All 5k & Health Walk participants registered by 11:59pm pm Nov 22nd are guaranteed to receive a commemorative shirt. JBR Jr participants will receive a complimentary race bib and a medal. BIB & SHIRT PICKUP SCHEDULE: NIA Starkweather House - 1773 Huntington Turnpike (across from the Nichols United Methodist Church) Thursday 12/3 5:00pm - 8:30pm Friday 12/4 3:30pm - 8:30pm Saturday 12/5 7:30am - 9:30am YES, you can pick up for other people! We encourage this to save time and reduce lines! EVENT PARKING: Parking will be available in the NIA field behind the gazebo at 1773 Huntington Tpke. Limited parking will also be available behind the Trinity Episcopal Church at 1734 Huntington Tpke. Volunteers will be on site to direct you towards both parking areas. RACE DAY SCHEDULE: Nichols United Methodist Church - 35 Shelton Road PLEASE COME DRESSED TO RUN - There are no indoor changing facilities! 8:45am - JBR Junior participants - meet at the 5k finish line & walk up to the Nichols Fire Station with volunteers. 9:00am - JBR Junior assemble in front of firehouse ( 1/10 mi north of the church) 9:05am - JBR Junior starts (we recommend Ages 9 & under- parents can accompany the kids) 9:15am - NEW! Warm Up with Refine Fitness ! 9:20am - All 5k Runners & 2 mi Walkers assemble at the same start line for announcements & Anthem 9:30am - 5K & health walk start together at the same time/place. Runners with Strollers & Dogs must go towards back of the pack please. 9:45am - Post-race snacks & fluids at the Jingle Mingle! 10:15am - Awards presentation at the radio tent for the TOP THREE MALE AND FEMALE CHAMPIONS, plus costume contest winners. All age group awards (listed below) will be distributed from the tent near the finish line as soon as our timer gives us the results! AWARDS: All participants in the TIMED 5k are eligible to win. Awards top overall male & female finishers will be announced soon! Awards for 5k male & female age group categories are: - 1st Place: Santa Bobblehead & Marathon Sports gift card - 2nd & 3rd Place: Medals AGE CATEGORIES – 9 & under – 10-13 – 14-18 – 19-29 – 30-39 – 40-49 – 50-59 – 60-69 – 70-79 – 80+ BEST COSTUME AWARD DETAILS TO COME! SPONSORSHIPS: Race sponsors are always welcome! There are multiple ways to support our great event! Become a sponsor by visiting our online signup form , or email us sponsorships@niatrumbull.org to discuss becoming a sponsor. Become a Family sponsor and get your name on the JBR shirt! The 1 Bell sponsor level is a great way to show you support of the NIA, plus your family name will be printed on our commemorative shirt. The Nichols Improvement Association is volunteer-run 501c3 nonprofit organization. Proceeds from the Jingle Bell Run go back into supporting our community events, maintaining our historic property – including our Moore ball fields, the NIA playground and Starkweather House.