San Antonio RRT helps at the 2016 Arthritis Foundation Jingle Bell Run

On December 10, 2016, once again, the Valero Energy Corporation Campus Headquarters came alive with activity as volunteers prepared for the 2016 Jingle Bell Run Event. It was a cold, misty, and overcast afternoon in South Texas, but despite the dreary weather, volunteers and participants alike had big smiles and cheerful spirits. Little jingle bells could be heard through the air as participants began arriving and pinning their number tags on their shirts and lining up for the race.

Happy Running Participants!

The Rapid Relief Team volunteers from San Antonio assisted the event organizers with setting up different activity and food booths in addition to measuring the trail for the 5K run. As the time grew closer to the start, a group of RRT volunteers headed to set up the rest stop at the half way point along the trail. As this was a race, the volunteers needed to fill hundreds of small cups with cold water so the runner could quickly grab them as they ran past the tent.

Setting Up The RRT Tent At The Start / Finish Line

 

Measuring The Track

 

The Water Station At The Half Way Point

The race began at 4:30 pm. As the announcer counted down and shouted “GO”, the crowd surged past…. and everyone wondered who would be the lucky winner this time? The Jingle Bell 5K Run is one of the most spirited and fun runs in the nation, based around the end of the year holidays so most participants turn up in holiday themed costumes and tie jingle bells to their running shoes.

RRT Handing Out Water Cups

 

Providing Water Bottles To The Walkers

The Arthritis Foundation helps conquer everyday battles through life-changing information and resources, access to optimal care, advancements in science and community connections. Funds raised at events like this help support people living with arthritis overcome barriers such as high costs of treatment, difficulty accessing medications, scarcity of specialists and much more. The Arthritis Foundation’s social media communities and fundraising events bring everyone together, so that patients, families, caretakers, and specialists alike can form meaningful connections and ensure an easy access to life-changing resources, community, and care.

Cheerful Children Making A Difference!

After the event, the sun began to set and the crowd was dwindling down. The RRT volunteers began dismantling the stands and cleaning up.  The Arthritis Foundation hosted another successful event! The RRT team would like to thank the Arthritis Foundation for allowing them to volunteer and be a part of an amazing day!