2026 Jingle Bell Run - Cincinnati, OH 2026

Date: Saturday, December 12, 2026
Start time: 8:00 AM start (New York)
Location: Covington, Kentucky
Entry fee: From $40 · goes up to $50 on Nov 1, 2026
Included with entry: Includes a shirt
Fundraising: Takes optional donations when you register

Registration is open.

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Events and entry fees

Event	Distance	When	Entry fee	Cap
5K Timed	5K	Dec 12, 20268:00 AM	$45$50 after Nov 1, 2026	–
5K Untimed	5K	Dec 12, 20268:00 AM	$40$45 after Nov 1, 2026	–
Virtual JinglerVirtual	–	Dec 12, 20268:00 AM	$45	–

Entry fees exclude processing fees. Prices and dates come from the race's registration page and refresh nightly.

The 5K fee goes up to $50 on Nov 1, 2026.

Race day planning

Entry fee schedule

5K Timed: $45 until Oct 31, then $50 until Dec 11, then $55 until Dec 12.
5K Untimed: $40 until Oct 31, then $45 until Dec 11, then $50 until Dec 12.

Online registration closes Dec 12, 2026, unless the race fills first.

How the price compares

At $45, entry is about 50 percent above a typical 5K in Kentucky, which costs $30 right now.

What a typical finish looks like

A typical finisher at a 5K in Kentucky runs 35:51, about 11:32 a mile, based on 299 races with published results. Women typically finish in 40:30 and men in 31:06.

Light and altitude

Sunrise on race morning is at about 7:47 AM, and the 5K Timed starts at 8:00 AM. The start sits about 780 feet above sea level.

Fees exclude processing fees. Comparisons use current entry fees and published results from races nearby.

Start location and course

1 W Rivercenter Blvd, Covington, KY 41011

Directions to the start

The pin marks the address the race lists, which is usually the start. The organizers have not shared a course map with us yet.

Typical race-day weather

Around December 12 the day usually runs from 31°F at dawn to 47°F in the afternoon, with measurable rain on about 29% of days. Cold snaps dip to 21°F and hot years reach 59°F.

Based on 75 days within a week of the date over the last 5 years, from historical weather for the start area. Not a forecast.

Race details

Where: 1 W Rivercenter Blvd, Covington, KY 41011Map
Course: Road
Start elevation: About 780 feet
Included with entry: T-shirt
Donations: Accepted when you register
Distances: 5K
Editions: 2026 (Dec 12, 2026), 2025 (Dec 6, 2025), 2024 (Dec 7, 2024), 2023 (Dec 9, 2023), 2022 (Dec 10, 2022)

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Quick answers

When is 2026 Jingle Bell Run - Cincinnati, OH?: Saturday, December 12, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM.
How much does it cost?: Entry starts at $40 before processing fees, and rises to $50 on Nov 1, 2026.
When does registration close?: Online registration closes Dec 12, 2026, unless the race fills first.
Is the entry fee high for Kentucky?: At $45, entry is about 50 percent above a typical 5K in Kentucky, which costs $30 right now.
Do runners get a shirt or medal?: Entry includes a shirt, according to the race's registration page. Check it for sizes and whether kids' races get the same.
Can I donate to a cause when I register?: Yes. The registration form offers an optional donation, usually for the charity or nonprofit the race supports. The race's own page names the cause.
What distances can I run?: 5K.
Where does it start?: 1 W Rivercenter Blvd, Covington, KY 41011.

From the organizers

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!