3rd Annual Gateway Jingle Jog 5K

Saturday, December 5, 2026

Here we go! Join us for the 3rd Annual Gateway Jingle Jog 5K, hosted by Gateway Church and Gateway Services CDD Parks & Recreation.

Whether you're chasing a new PR, running your first 5K, or looking for a fun holiday tradition with the family, the Gateway Jingle Jog is a great way to kick off the Christmas season in Southwest Florida.

This year's 5K course takes runners and walkers along the beautiful, winding bike path through Linear Park between Griffin Drive and Gateway Lakes Blvd. The car-free course provides a scenic setting for both competition and a great community experience.

Strollers are welcome. Costumes are encouraged. All ages are invited.

Nearly 700 runners joined us last year, and this year we're intentionally limiting registration to 450 participants. The smaller field will create a better experience on the course while allowing us to make the entire event more intentional, memorable, and family-friendly for runners and spectators alike.

Registration is limited to 450 spots, so register early to guarantee your place at the start line.

Mark your calendar for Saturday, December 5th, and join us for a morning of running, community, Christmas cheer, and a whole lot of jingle.

Gateway Community Fund

Hosting an unforgettable event for our community is something we're passionate about, but the true heartbeat of the Gateway Jingle Jog is the impact it makes through the Gateway Community Fund.

The Gateway Community Fund exists to bring joy, support, and encouragement to the Gateway area throughout the year. It allows us to support local families, schools, organizations, and other community needs as they arise.

Thanks to last year's Gateway Jingle Jog, we were able to:

• Provide meals for local teachers

• Walk alongside a local family navigating the unimaginable loss of a child with a $2,500 gift

• Support Gateway Soccer's league

• Host a Fall Festival attended by nearly 2,000 members of our community

Our goal is simple: we want Gateway to be a community where families feel seen, supported, and celebrated.

Every registration, sponsorship, and donation helps make that possible and allows the Gateway Community Fund to be ready for whatever need comes next for the families who call this community home.

Finisher Medals & Race Swag

All registered participants will receive:

• Commemorative Finisher Medal

• Official Race T-Shirt

• Professional Chip Timing

• Post-Race Celebration

Overall Awards

Awards will be presented to:

• 1st Place Overall Male

• 2nd Place Overall Male

• 3rd Place Overall Male

• 1st Place Overall Female

• 2nd Place Overall Female

• 3rd Place Overall Female

Overall awards will be determined by Gun Time.

Age Group Awards

Age group awards will be presented to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place Male and Female in each age group.

Age group awards will be determined by Net Chip Time.

Age Groups:

0–10 | 11–19 | 20–29 | 30–39 | 40–49 | 50–59 | 60–69 | 70+

Packet Pickup

Friday, January 22, 2027

5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Fleet Feet Bell Tower
13499 S Cleveland Ave, Suite 209
Fort Myers, FL 33907

Saturday, January 23, 2027

7:00 AM – 7:45 AM

Gateway Community Church

Race Start: 8:00 AM

Race Courses

The official 5K course map will be added soon.

Please check back as race day approaches for the finalized course map and additional course information.

Race Location

Gateway Community Church

Meet the Race Director

Hi, I'm Sam!

I still can't quite believe running turned into one of my favorite parts of life.

I put on my first pair of running shoes in early 2024, mostly because I was trying to get healthier. A few months later, something clicked, and I was hooked.

My first 5K was on the Fourth of July that year, and by the fall I'd somehow talked myself into running a full marathon on my own—with a buddy biking alongside me carrying a cooler full of hydration and fuel.

What surprised me most wasn't just the physical change. It was everything else.

Running cleared my head, steadied my mood, and gave me a habit I could build a better life around. These days, I love showing up for other runners, but even more than that, I love helping people get healthy.

For me personally, being healthy is also a way to set a solid example for my family. I want them to see what it looks like to keep chasing the healthiest and strongest version of yourself.

Outside of running, I'm all in on Southwest Florida, supporting local businesses, and finding ways to bring good people together.

Getting to direct the Gateway Jingle Jog is one of the highlights of my year, and I'm even more excited about what we're building this time around.

Whether you're a beginner, a seasoned racer, or pushing a stroller with a little one along for the ride, there's a spot for you at the start line.

Let's lace up, spread some Christmas cheer, and make this year's Gateway Jingle Jog one to remember.

See you out there!