OIL CITY, Pa. (EYT) – The Oil City Main Street Program’s annual “Jingle Bell Run” has a new route this year. The 5K run/walk will be held on Saturday, December 6th, at 9:00 a.m. in conjunction with Oil City’s 14th Annual Christmas Past event.

The event will begin with a short Youth Elf Race at 8:45 am along Veterans’ Bridge.

The 5K Run/Walk will start at 9:00 a.m. on Seneca Street near the Town Square and proceed over Veterans’ Bridge, turn right onto Front Street, continue along Front Street to and beyond the Oil City Marina, then turn and return along the same route.

Registration and awards will be at the Oil City Salvation Army, 217 Sycamore Street, with registration beginning at 7:30 a.m. and awards following the walkers’ finish.

“The course for the Jingle Bell Run has evolved several times over the past few years,” noted Kathy Bailey, Main Street Manager. “This year’s course will enable us to run through both north and south sides of downtown, which is a bit challenging in terms of traffic control. Many volunteers are needed in order to make the race happen, and we encourage friends, family, and downtown businesses owners/workers to be standing on the sidewalks cheering on the participants.”

Several downtown streets will be fully or partially closed to vehicles during the race including Seneca Street (south of Center Street), Veterans’ Bridge, and Front Street (State Street to Wyllis Street).

Motorists are asked to drive slowly while in the vicinity of the race and proceed with caution.

In addition to the standard awards for runners and walkers, this race features prizes for the “Best Christmas-Themed Costume” award.

“Some of our participants dress in stocking hats, elf costumes, and more… we’re hoping that everyone shows their Christmas spirit with lots of colorful holiday garb,” stated Bailey.

Winners will be selected in both youth and adult categories, and each will receive a $25.00 gift certificate to a downtown restaurant.

Cost for the Jingle Bell 5K is $15.00 pre-registered (deadline is Monday, November 24), or $20.00 on November 25 or after.

Proceeds benefit the downtown revitalization efforts of the Oil City Main Street Program.

Registration forms are available on the Events page of the Main Street website, www.oilcitymainstreet.org as well as at the Main Street Office (Oil Region Alliance, 217 Elm Street), the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce, Oil City YMCA, and Oil City YWCA.

For more information, contact the Main Street Office at (814) 677-3152, extension 101.