Join the Jingle Bells Dash

The Christmas Spirit is coming to Palmy with a festive run and all the feel good factor that goes along with a charity event!

The running options are 3km up to Ultra distance on our ‘out and back’ course. Scenic river views, limestone trails and Christmas Cheer along the way.

The Jingle Bells Dash is fun for all ages with four great event options: 3km, 12km, 24km and the 48km Ultra.

The complete entry fee goes to our Charity - ‘Hands across the Water’ to make a big difference in children’s lives.

Event Details

  Date: 15th December 2024

   Location: He Ara Kotahi Bridge - Palmerston North

  Time:

6.30am: Jingle Bells Ultra - 48km

9.00am: The 12kms of Christmas 

9.00am: The Jingle Bells Dash - 24km

9.30am: The Santa Sprint 

What to Expect

This isn’t just a run; it’s a day of celebration, remembrance, and connection. Enjoy the laid-back community vibe, with plenty of options to relax, refuel, and have fun between races. Here’s what’s on offer:

  • Festive Treats: Indulge in delicious snacks and refreshing drinks to keep you fueled throughout the dash.
  • Kids' Activities: Keep the little ones entertained with exciting activities just for them.
  • Team & Family Areas: Relax with a picnic setup or enjoy the cheering section while supporting friends and family.

Be Part of Something Big! Sign up Today.

By participating, you’re supporting Hands Across the Water’s mission to create opportunities and provide vital resources for children in need.

Come for the run, and leave with the joy of making a difference this holiday season.

3km: The Santa Sprint

Join the 3km run


Chase after and run along with Santa… The perfect fun run for kids of all ages (adults are welcome too).
Santa will lead the way!
Start line: He Ara Kotahi bridge - 9.30am
Distance: 3km
Fee: $20

The 12kms of Christmas

Join the 12km run

A scenic run or walk on our trails ‘out and back’ to Linton. A great distance to share with friends. You are welcome to push the pace or wander happily along!
Distance: 12km
Start line: He Ara Kotahi bridge - 9.00am
Fee: $30

24km: The Jingle Bells Dash

Join the 24km run

A long run to celebrate the festive season… Pack a couple of extra Christmas treats in your pocket to get you through this event. A double ‘out and back’ challenge on the Linton trails!
Distance: 24km
Start line: He Ara Kotahi bridge - 9.00am
Fee: $50

48km: The Jingle Bells Ultra 3

Join the 48km run

This is like the Christmas gift that keeps on giving! Do you have what it takes to keep running on our ‘out and back’ course and tick off that ultra distance? Christmas treats will be waiting for you at the finish and this will be a ‘Run to Remember’.
Distance: 48km
Start line: He Ara Kotahi bridge - 6.30am
Fee: $65

Share your fundraising to social media.

Tag @handsacrossthewater_anz #runtoremember.

 

FAQs

Do I have to run with my child?

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Our Santa Sprint is a family friendly event and we encourage you to register and accompany your child if you can. You are welcome to run, jog or walk. We will have a ‘lead’ Santa setting the pace for the event and a couple of Christmas inspired ‘Tail End Charlies’ to make sure everyone returns safely. You choose whether you wait at the Start / Finish line or grab an entry and run along too.

Is it a push chair friendly event?

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Yes - the hard packed lime trails make the 3km Santa Sprint great for push chairs. Our longer events that include a few small hills might take a bit more endurance pushing a little one.

Can we bring bikes or scooters?  

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No thanks - save these for exploring the river pathways on another day.  

Can I bring my dog? 

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No dogs - thank you!  

Can I walk or do i have to run? 

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You are welcome to go at your own pace!  Simply register and give it a go.  Walkers are welcome.  

How much elevation is there?

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The Linton trails have some nice undulations but it’s not overly hilly!  

Can I sign up on the day?

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Yes there will be the chance to register on the day - please bring cash.  However so we can best plan for the logistics of this event please aim to register online.  (Ultra runners must register online).  

Is there a cut off time?

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Our ‘Jingle Bells Ultra’ has a cut off time of 8 hours for 48km

What time do the events start?  

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6.30am: Jingle Bells Ultra - 48km
9.00am: The 12kms of Christmas 
9.00am: The Jingle Bells Dash - 24km
9.30am: The Santa Sprint 

What time do I have to arrive? 

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Please arrive 20-30mins early to collect your Race Number.

Can I change my mind and get a refund if I can’t make the event? 

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No sorry - please consider your entry a donation or ask a friend to use it on the day.

Do I need to carry my own water?

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 If it’s a hot day this might be a great idea.  

Are there toilets?

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Yes - You will find toilets at He Ara Kotahi Bridge, 2km from the Bridge and at the turn around point at Linton (6km from the Bridge). 

Where do I park?

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There is plenty of Street parking near He Ara Kotahi Bridge.  You are also able to park in the Esplanade and walk down onto the river pathway.  

Will the event still happen if it is wet? 

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While we hope for sunshine and clear blue skies - but this event will be run even if it’s rainy.  

 

Are there medals? 

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This is a charity event with your complete entry fee being donated to ‘Hands across the Water’.  We hope to have a few sponsored ‘surprises’ but at this stage there are no medals - however you will feel an amazing sense of achievement.  Our Ultra Runners will receive a momento to keep and recognise the distance you have run!