Get your holiday spirit up to speed at Babcock Ranch’s third annual Jingle Bell 5K and Deck the Paws Fun Run

Calling all runners! Get your holiday spirit up to speed at the third annual Jingle Bell 5K and Deck the Paws Fun Run on Sunday, Dec. 15 at Babcock Ranch, Southwest Florida’s unique eco-centric, solar-powered town just northeast of Fort Myers on Babcock Ranch Road/State Road 31.

The 5K race begins at 8 a.m. near Founder’s Square, the heart of Babcock Ranch. The Deck the Paws Fun Run, a one-mile run or walk with your furry friend, begins at 9 a.m.

Afterwards, celebrate with live music, food and drinks near the community bandshell overlooking Lake Babcock. A 9:30 a.m. 5K awards ceremony will recognize the overall winner, masters, grand masters, senior grandmasters, and three deep in each age group in 10-year increments.

For more information and to register for the 5K online before race day, visit www.BabcockRanch.com/events. Race registration forms and early packet pick up are available at Babcock Ranch in The Hatchery at 42881 Lake Babcock Drive #200 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14. Packets will also be available on race day at Babcock Ranch starting at 6:45 a.m.

Deck the Paws Fun Run participation is free, and RSVPs are requested by emailing events@BabcockRanch.com.

Free parking is available for those arriving by 7 a.m.

Babcock Ranch was created by Kitson & Partners with respect for the natural environment and the philosophy that smart growth and sustainability work hand in hand. Half of the town’s 18,000-acre footprint is set aside as greenways, parks and expansive lakes, providing recreation and scenic backdrops for Babcock Ranch’s homes and the Founder’s Square downtown district.

For more information about Southwest Florida’s new hometown, located just northeast of Fort Myers off Babcock Ranch Road/State Road 31, visit the Woodlea Hall Discovery Center at 42850 Crescent Loop in Babcock Ranch, call 877-709-6620, or visit www.BabcockRanch.com.