The 16th Annual Jingle Bell
Run/Walk for Arthritis
by Chip Werner, Arthritis Foundation

The Arthritis Foundation is pleased to announce new wheel chair and hand-cycle race categories for its annual race through the streets of downtown Birmingham. The December 6th event will attract more than 1,500 runners, walkers, wheel chair racers and hand-cyclists.

The Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis plays an important role for the Arthritis Foundation, as it is a top fund raiser for the organization. Proceeds generated by the event will fund research grants, educational forums and "Quality of Life" programs for the 3 million men and women living with arthritis in the state of Michigan. Race participants who wish to raise additional funds for the Foundation will earn wonderful incentives and further aid the charity in supporting the community.

The race is open to athletes of all abilities and will provide awards to the fastest male and female in the run, wheel chair and hand-cycle categories as well as medals to top age group finishers. All race participants will receive a long sleeve t-shirt, complimentary food and beverages before and after the race including a post race chili party provided by Max & Erma's restaurants.

Early registration ($20) for the 16th Annual Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis will take place through November 26th, 2003. Race day registration ($25) will be available on site. To join in on the fun, please visit www.arthritis.org and click the Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis link, or call 800.968.3030