
From the Organizer
Get ready for this year’s Jingle Bell Run, the original festive race for charity brought to you by the Arthritis Foundation. Wear your favorite holiday gear, and let's jingle all the way toward a cure!
Whether you're running, walking, or strolling, bring your friends, family, and coworkers along for the ride. Together, we're spreading joy and making strides towards a brighter future — saying "YES" to life, despite arthritis.
Don't miss out on this special occasion to make a real difference while celebrating four decades of impact with the Jingle Bell Run. Let's lace up, hit the pavement, and jingle our way toward victory over arthritis!
Events
Weather
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
41°
Typical Low
25°
Chance of Rain
30%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Kankakee Metro Wastewater, 2 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
24,384
as of 2023
City Elevation
608 ft
Nearest Airport
GYY
Gary/Chicago International Airport · 42 mi
Major Hub
MDW
Chicago Midway International Airport · 47 mi
Time Zone
Central Time
From Endurance Grid
A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at 2026 Jingle Bell Run - Kankakee, IL, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
172
Days to train
Coming Up
Beedles Braving Batten 5k Walk
3 miles away
Run For Autism 5k
Less than a mile away
Bourbonnais Friendship Festival 5K Run or 1.5 Mile Fitness Walk
3 miles away
2026 Beecher Freedom 5K Run/Walk
20 miles away
From Endurance Grid
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it’s the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer’s event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
2026 Jingle Bell Run - Kankakee, IL
Dec 6, 2026