The 17th Annual Sleighbells on the Square 5k/1k/Tot Trot will be held this year on Saturday, December 9. This festive event for the whole family takes place on the Marietta Square where the 5k will start and finish. The race attracts more than 1000 participants each year, raising more than $30,000 for the Cobb Children’s Emergency Fund. The Fund provides emergency grants to Cobb County School Social Workers to help support student households facing financial emergencies or crises. The Fund provides support for Cobb families in need in areas that are often not addressed by traditional charities, assisting with utility bills, clothing, medicine, housing, etc. in order to help local families get back on track.

Race day activities include appearances by Disney Characters and Santa, face-painting for the kids and jingle bells for runner’s shoes. Festive holiday attire is encouraged. Strollers and dogs are allowed. The 5k starts at 8:30am, the 1k at 9:30am, Tot Trot at 9:45am and the awards ceremony is at 9:50am. Free Parking is available in the parking decks around the Marietta Square.

The 5k is a chip-timed Peachtree Qualifying race. Registration is available online at Active.com. The cost for registration is $20 for Youth (18 and under) and $25 for Adults through November 26. $30 for registration November 27- December 7. Tot Trot registration is just $10 through December 7. Race day registration is $35 for the 5k and 1k and $15 for the Tot Trot. There is also registration for Phantom Runners for $30 to support in spirit and get a t-shirt but not run. All participants who register before Nov 26 are guaranteed a long-sleeve technical t-shirt.

More information can be found on the Sleighbells on the Square page at Active.com or www.cobbcountybar.org.