Now that December has finally reared its chilly head, join the Jingle Bell Run in Richmond, Virginia, this Saturday to ring in the holiday season – literally. On December 6, runners will flaunt their winter spirit through 5 kilometers of jingle-jangle fun.Richmond’s annual Jingle Bell Run has been voted “one of the Most Incredible Themed Races nationwide,” and just one look at the crowd will show you why. Forget about those nice running tights and fancy sweat-wicking shirt: Santa hats and elf costumes take the stage instead. The dress-code calls for your best holiday costume, so leave your athletic gear at home and suit up! Plus, celebrate with every step by tying jingle bells to your shoelaces and give those 3.15 miles a special soundtrack.In addition to spreading some good holiday cheer, the Jingle Bell Run has yet another good deed up its sleeve. Proceeds from the event go toward Arthritis aid, in the form of research funding, scholarships, trainers, medical fees, and public education. With a huge goal of $45,000 nationwide, every dollar makes a difference. Plus, if you raise $100 on top of your registration, you’ll walk away with both a Sport Tec wicking shirt and a coveted “Fundana”. We’re sure that the Jingle Bell Run itself is incentive enough for BRO’s , but hop on board with these extras and give the Arthritis Foundation even more of a boost! Santa’s watching…The race begins at 7 a.m. on Saturday, December 6, at Stony Point Fashion Park just outside the city. Register online anytime before race day, or on-site the morning of, for just $30. Bring the kids and your pets, too – the event is stroller- and leash-friendly, and children can run themselves for half-price. Release some cabin fever, get a head start on your New Year’s goals, or just come have fun at the Jingle Bell Run!
The Irishman beat Tjaart van der Walt on the first play-off hole in northern France after the pair finished on five under par after 72 holes. That meant they had to go back up the 18th and while Thornton claimed a routine par with a tap-in, Van der Walt bogeyed the hole for the first time this week to hand him the title. ”Hopefully this is a stepping stone for me,” said Thornton. ‘I’ll go home this week now and celebrate, take a week off, and then play in the Irish Open. ‘To come here and play like I did is incredible. What happens now with this category is fantastic, it’s mad how things have changed. It’s surreal.” It was an emotional victory for Thornton who dedicated the win to his late father. ”It’s so big for me,” said a tearful Thornton. ”On Father’s Day too, he passed away three years ago and it still hurts, but they are happy tears today. This is dedicated to him. ”I didn’t play particularly well today in perfect conditions but I got up and down when I had to and holed good putts.” Thornton had got off to a flying start with birdies at the first and third before a dropped shot at four. The Irishman dropped a shot at seven but quickly recovered it at the next before a further bogey on nine got him to the turn in level-par 36. He then birdied 10 and parred all the way home to finish on five under. Van der Walt also birdied the first but dropped the shot at five before a double bogey at eight sandwiched by two birdies kept him level for the front nine. A further birdie on 12 followed but a run of pars saw the South African into the play-off. Simon Thornton is hopeful his maiden European Tour victory at the St Omer Open will be a catalyst for future triumphs.
Press Association
The six-month long NCC Tennis League is poised for a fitting climax at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club with playoff for third and fourth places preceding the championship match.The third place tie scheduled for Thursday and Friday Dec. 7 and Dec. 8 will be between Team Ndoma-Egba of Abuja and Team Offikwu, last year’s winners who were dethroned by Team Civil Defence in the second semifinals.The championship tie kicks off on Saturday Dec. 9 and ends on Sunday Dec.10 withthe presentation of prizes and awards. Organisers of the marquee competition have promised to make it rewarding and fun forspectators with refreshments and raffle draws for state of the art phones.“Matches are going to start at 10 am each day -Thursday to Saturday – at the Lagos Lawn Tennis club and matches would usually last through the evening with four matches following each other on the centre court. We therefor expect tennis followers to consider it a picnic where they get refreshments and possibly walk away with a smart phone.” Godwin Kienka of the ITA which coordinates the event said.Meanwhile, top players for the third place match are already in Lagos.Sylvester Emmanuel, Henry Atseye and Sarah Adegoke of Team Offikwu are expected to make up for their botched title defence by winning the consolatory third spot which attracts a N3 million prize money.They will have to contend with Team Ndoma-Egba’s Thomas Otu, who recently won the Dala Hard Court Championship, Emmanuel Paul and Aanu Aiyegbusi who all have their eyes on the bigger prize.Share this:FacebookRedditTwitterPrintPinterestEmailWhatsAppSkypeLinkedInTumblrPocketTelegram