Registration open for Jingle for a Cure 5K ‘Your Way’ event

Distance runners still wanting to support a good cause are invited to register for the annual Jingle for a Cure 5K organized by staff at MercyOne Newton Medical Center.

Traditionally, the 5K race is held in-person and while that was the original plan for this year’s event, organizers have decided to a more virtual format.

“We had to switch from a live in person event to a ‘5K and 1 mile Your Way’ event. This is to assure we stay in compliance with Gov. (Kim) Reynolds’ State of Iowa proclamations,” race organizer Robyn Friedman said.

This year’s 5K is set for Dec. 5 and was originally planned for a new location at the Legacy Plaza instead of MercyOne Newton, where it has been held in the past. With the format change, people registered for the race can go to Legacy Plaza anytime between 8 a.m. and noon on Dec. 5 to run the marked courses that will be available.

“We encourage people to try out the new course we created this year in small family or friend groups on their own,” Friedman said.

Runners can also complete the race at their own favorite course or on a treadmill. Friedman asks anyone who finishes the event, wherever they are, to submit a photo of themselves to Leisa Zylstra at lzylstra@skiffmed.com. All who register for this year's 5K will receive a medal in the mail.

“We strongly hope people still feel compelled to support the event and participate in the way that works best for them,” Friedman said.

The Jingle for a Cure 5K was first held in 2017 and has been a fundraiser for the Cancer and Infusion Center at MercyOne Newton. From the very beginning, it has encouraged community engagement and support and to help raise awareness about this service that is offered at the local hospital. The event was created with the help of the local Pink Ribbon Support Group.

“The volunteer base has been made up of primarily staff from my department, the physical medicine and rehab department at MercyOne Newton,” Friedman said.

The money raised helps to purchase a variety of items the cancer center may need. Friedman said the majority of the funds raised after the 2019 event went toward a blanket warmer.

Those wanting to register for this year’s race, visit getmeregistered.com and search for Jingle for a Cure. Registration is open through Dec. 5. People can also fill out a paper registration and send it in or drop it off at packet pickup. Pickup will be from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 4 at Gezellig Brewery. Runners or walkers can still register the day of packet pickup and still receive their T-shirt and other material provided by event sponsors.

Early registration numbers included more than 30 people. Friedman is hoping more will register for the event.

“Our largest participation year we had close to 100 people,” she said.

For more information about the upcoming Jingle for a Cure, visit the event’s page on Facebook or contact Friedman at rfriedman@skiffmed.com or 641-791-4380.

Contact Pam Pratt at
641-792-3121 ext. 6530 or pampratt@newtondailynews.com