Jingle Jog for Autism on Saturday

Saturday is the biggest funraising event of the year for FACES (Families of Autism/Asperger's, Care, Education, Support) – the annual This helps fund the FACES Summer Camp for children between the ages of 4 – 21 on the autism spectrum.

According to Teresa Johnson, founder of Walton FACES, this year 100 percent of the funds raised will be distributed to the FACES Autism and Stone Soup Camp for children of all disabilities.

The Jingle Jog, however, is a fun event for the whole community. It features a 5K Race as well as the 1K Reindeer Dash fun run. There also is a Playland for the kids with fun activities, such as face painting. Santa and Mrs. Claus themselves are expected to attend. There will be food and fun for the whole family as well as the opportunity to buy crafts (make great American-made Christmas gifts) from local vendors.

The race begins at noon at in with pre-registration until Dec. 7 at $21 each and $25 on the day of the race. Families and teams of four must register together to receive a discounted $50 registration price with each additional member costing $12.50. You can still register online at http://www.tinyurl.com/jinglejog2011. Walkers, Baby Joggers & Strollers welcomed. Optional: dress in holiday gear: Costumes, hats, antlers, whatever you like, it’s all about festive fun! Participants will receive a commemorative T-shirt designed by artist David Guzman, a young adult with autism, as well as jingle bells for their shoes. 

The runners leave from West Walton Park and will be running down Twin Lakes Road and through . Twin Lakes Road will be blocked from Next Generation Day Care to Tom Brewer, from 10 a.m. -2 p.m. You can still enter Meridian Gym from Highway 81 onto Twin Lakes Road and into the Meridian parking lot.

The Jingle Jog promises to be another fun event for the community. Participants and visitors are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to Faith in Serving Humanity (note – basketballs and footballs are in demand this year).

Race details

Finish line management and results provided by Classic Race Services with results posted to www.classicraceservices.com, www.active.com, www.runningintheusa.com and www.coolrunning.com. The race is part of the 2011 Run and See Georgia Grand Prix Series.

Race Route Map