Gwinnett Daily Post

LILBURN -- Participants in this event can run in time to the jingle of bells tied to their shoelaces.

Runners and walkers in the inaugural 2009 Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis on Saturday will make a joyful noise as they travel five kilometers over Gwinnett County trails in an event to raise money for the Arthritis Foundation. The nonprofit organization provides programs and services to Georgians living with the condition, and $13,102 had been raised as of Thursday afternoon, according to the event Web site.

A one-mile fun run and a reindeer dash for kids are also planned for Saturday, while teams, individuals and pets are invited to dress to impress and to enter costume contests.

Following the race, activities and food will accompany an awards ceremony.

Registration for the event, which will be held rain or shine, is $25 in advance and $30 the day of the race. Online registration will be open until 5 p.m. Saturday and race-day registration will be held. For more information on the Jingle Bell Run/Walk, call 678-237-4468 or visit www.arthritis.org/chapters/georgia.