Up to 1,000 people are expected to take part in the annual Jingle Bell Jog at Iwakuni Marine Corps Air Station, a Christmas-themed costumed jog around the base set for 10 a.m. Wednesday, base officials said.
The 2K-run/walk, open to all base personnel, will be led this year by the NFL’s Chicago Honey Bears cheerleaders.
Last year the event had 965 participants, officials said.
“This is kind of a wacky event on base where everyone comes out and just relaxes and has fun,” said Master Sgt. Lesli Coakley, base spokeswoman. “It’s going to be good for the base this year, allowing participants a chance to just blow off some steam and have a good time.”
Marine Corps Community Services and Semper Fit sponsor the event. Semper Fit will award $200 and $100 respectively for the party funds of the best-dressed and most motivated military units.
The best civilian team costume wins a $200 gift certificate; the best family team, a $100 gift certificate. Individual age group winners also are to receive from $30 to $75 gift certificates.
After the run, a free lunch, drawings and door prizes are scheduled at Iron Works Gym for run participants, capped by a special Honey Bears performance.
Prizes include a Canon digital camera, Xbox, stereo, CD player and a six-foot Christmas stockings filled with toys and MCCS gift certificates. All participants under 17 will receive a $5 MCCS gift certificate and a gift from Santa.
The grand prize is an MCCS Information, Travel and Tours trip for two adults to the Sapporo Ice Festival.
Groups and individuals interested in taking part should e-mail Billie Scott at Billie.Scott@usmc-mccs.org or call 253-6883 by the end of the day Friday.
