Jingle Bell Run in Lake Como Raises $45,000 to Fight Arthritis

Nearly 700 runners in full-fledged holiday spirit participated in the Jingle Bell Run in Lake Como on Saturday, organizers said.

The annual run is a national event to raise awareness and funds for the Arthritis Foundation, spokeswoman Katy Bazerque said. Some participants in the 5k and 1 mile race were equipped with bells on their sneakers, santa hats, and red and green shirts and high socks.

The event raised roughly $45,000 to go toward programs and services that the Arthritis Foundation provides to those living in New Jersey, Bazerque said. Participants that preregistered paid $25 each, while those who signed up on Saturday paid $30, she said.

Surprisingly, Bazerque said, arthritis is a disease that affects not just the elderly.

“It affects more people than people realize. There are over 9,000 children living with it in New Jersey,” Bazerque said. Overall, 1.7 million people in the state are living with arthritis, she said.

One of those is 12-year-old West Long Branch resident and race participant Grace Matier, who was accompanied by over 20 family members and friends in the race.

Matier said she’s had arthritis for two years and it started with a lot of swelling, pains and stiffness. To cope with it, she takes a shot every week.

Known as 'Gracie' to her friends, Matier is well supported. Not only did her loved ones join her in the race, but they were also equipped with printed shirts marked “Gracie’s Little Helpers.”

While most people did it for fun and to support the cause, overall women’s winner Lisa Namath, 39, of Wall, said the race was part of her training program.

“I have one year left of training before I become a masters level runner,” Namath said.

Every day Namath runs the race's course -- which started at , on 16th Avenue, and went around Lake Como -- but Saturday's run, she said, was a bit more fun than normal. Namath finished in 19 minutes and 58 seconds, according to the official time sheet.

“Everyone is out cheering. The conditions this time of the year make it tough. It was tough, but it was fun,” Namath said.

Namath has won several small races in the past and is just getting back into running after an 11 year hiatus due to an unexpected health issue, she said.

“I’ve always been into running and soccer since I was in grade school. I’m happy to be back running again,” Namath said. “I enjoy the thrill of pushing myself to the limit and realizing I can do more.”

Jeff Propert, 31, of Wall, was the overall men's winner with a time of 16 minutes and 46 seconds. Propert, a self-described casual runner, said he was happy to have won.

“It’s a nice course. I like how it goes around the lake. It’s very scenic,” he said. “I enjoyed it and it feels good to win.”

Following the race, Bar Anticipation hosted the participants for breakfast.