Event Description

**Jingle Jog Details**

**Date:** Saturday, December 6th, 2025

**Time:** 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

**Location:** Gateway Church, Fort Myers

13241 Griffin Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33913

**Start your December strong at the Gateway Jingle Jog 5K!**

Lace up and join us for the 2ND Annual _Gateway Jingle Jog 5K -_ a festive race hosted by Gateway Church and Gateway Services CDD Parks & Recreation. Whether you’re a seasoned runner aiming for a new PR or a family looking to enjoy a fun and meaningful holiday event together, this race offers something for everyone.

The certified 5K course weaves through the beautiful roads of the Gateway community, creating the perfect environment for both competition and connection. Strollers are welcome, fun costumes are encouraged, and all ages are invited to participate. Last year we SOLD OUT. We expect to double in size and sell out again this December. Get your registration in because it's no fun having to turn people away once we hit capacity!

Mark your calendar for **Saturday, December 6th** and kick off the holiday season with purpose, community, and a whole lot of jingle!

**Gateway Community Fund**

While hosting an unforgettable event for our community is something we’re passionate about, the true heartbeat of the Gateway Jingle Jog is the impact it makes through the **Gateway Community Fund**.

This fund exists to bring joy, support, and encouragement to the Gateway area all year long. It helps us create family-friendly events, partner with local schools and businesses, and step in to meet tangible needs when families are facing hard times.

Thanks to last year’s race, we were able to partner with Gateway Services CDD to host multiple community events, provide meals and gifts for local teachers, launch a huge Fall Festival, and most importantly— **bless families in need** , like Cole’s. (You’ll read more about his story below!)

We’re excited and expectant for what’s to come in 2026—and it all starts with your support in this year’s race.

**This Year's FEATURE Fundraiser: Supporting "Courageous Cole"**

This year, 20% of all funds raised through the Gateway Jingle Jog will go directly to support Cole, a courageous 9-year-old from our community who was recently diagnosed with a rare and aggressive brain tumor. Cole’s family is walking this road with faith and hope, and we want to surround them with practical support and encouragement.

By registering for the race, you’re already supporting their family. If you'd like to go above and beyond, additional donations can be made easily by clicking the **"Donate Now"** button on this page. Write out "Courageous Cole" in the box meant for a personal message, and we will ensure your additional donation is given to Cole's family!

Let’s run with purpose—and make a difference together.

**Meet the Race Director!**

My name’s Sam! I’m just a regular guy who picked up running in early 2024 for some health reasons... and ended up addicted :) What started as a way to get in shape quickly turned into something that is now part of who I am & the life I want to live. I ran my first marathon in the fall of 2024, and now I’m training for my first ultra and the Chicago Marathon this October.

Running has taught me so much—it’s not just good for the body, it’s life-changing for the mind and soul too. These days, I find real joy in encouraging other runners, promoting healthy habits, and doing my best to set an example for my wife and kids to keep striving to be their healthiest and strongest selves.

Directing the Gateway Jingle Jog last year was a total highlight for me, and I can’t wait to do it all again. Whether you’re an experienced runner or just getting started, I’d love for you to join us. Let’s lace up, spread some Christmas cheer, and make this year’s race the best one yet!

Oh—and if you're a runner, connect with me on Instagram! I'd love to meet you and encourage one another along the way.

@rnnrsam & sam_ _mcdowell

**Race Timing**

Chip timing will be provided by Southern Timing, LLC. All participants will receive live results with an individual results page complete with your results, pace breakdown, finisher certificate & a 20-second video of you crossing the start & finish line! Results will be streamed live on race day to https://www.southerntimingfl.com/results