Ronnie's Run Jingle Bell 5k is in
memory of our son Ronnie and our daughter Sharon.
We love and miss you!
06/20/1984 - 12/10/2014 Ronnie
11/06/1976 - 03/22/2026 Sharon
Countdown to Race Day
Events
Ronnie's Run Jingle Bell 5K
About the Run
Our Story
In a single moment, everything can change—and for our family, that moment came on December 10, 2014, when we lost our beloved son, Ronnie. Out of that heartbreak, Ronnie’s Run was established in 2015 as a way to honor his life, preserve his memory, and bring hope to others facing similar pain.
Ronnie was a compassionate, intelligent, and determined young man. He attended St. Petersburg College, where he earned his Associate of Arts degree and was just one semester away from completing his bachelor’s degree when his life was tragically cut short.
Then, March 22, 2026, our hearts were broken again when our daughter, Sharon, passed away from liver failure. Sharon was a Registered Nurse, a loving mother of two daughters, and a proud grandmother. She touched many lives with her compassion and is deeply missed.
After losing both Ronnie and Sharon, I knew it was time to bring Ronnie’s Run back—not only to honor them, but also to remember the many lives lost to addiction and alcoholism.
No parent should ever have to endure the loss of a child.
Today, Ronnie’s Run 5K Run/Walk honors Ronnie and Sharon, and every family affected by addiction.
Our mission is to bring awareness, education, hope, and resources to those struggling and to their families. We want people to know help is available, recovery is possible, and no one is alone.
Above all, our faith in Jesus Christ has carried us through. We believe He brings hope, peace, and strength, and has called us to share our story to help others find healing.
By participating in Ronnie’s Run, you are helping raise awareness, support families, and encourage recovery—ensuring Ronnie’s and Sharon’s lives continue to make a difference.
Ronnie's Jingle Bell 5K Run – Race Day Information
Saturday, December 19, 2026 | Race Starts at 8:30 AM
Get ready to jingle all the way to the finish line! We're excited to welcome runners, walkers, families, and friends to Ronnie's Jingle Bell 5K Run at Dorothy C. York Innovation Academy in beautiful Waterset, Apollo Beach!
Join us for a festive morning filled with holiday cheer, music, community spirit, and a meaningful cause.
Race Day Details
- Date: Saturday, December 19, 2026
- Start Time: 8:30 AM
- Location: Dorothy C. York Innovation Academy, Waterset, Apollo Beach, FL
- Race Distance: 5K (3.1 miles)
- Participant Limit: 1,500
- Event Type: Live, in-person race
Registration Information
Registration will remain open through Friday, December 18, 2026, unless the event reaches capacity.
There will be NO race-day registration. Please register in advance!
Packet Pickup Information
Early Packet Pickup Dates & Locations: To Be Announced
We will offer early packet pickup opportunities before race day. Dates, times, and locations will be posted as the event approaches.
Race-day packet pickup will also be available. However, we strongly encourage local participants to pick up their packets early to help avoid long lines on race morning.
Important Parking Information
Please plan ahead and allow extra time to arrive!
Because portions of the school property and surrounding roads will be used for the race course, parking at Dorothy C. York Innovation Academy will be extremely limited or unavailable.
We are arranging additional parking areas near the school, including a lot approximately 0.3 miles away. We anticipate approximately 200 parking spaces in designated areas, with exact locations and instructions announced closer to race day.
Street parking may also be available where permitted.
To help reduce traffic and make race morning run smoothly, we strongly encourage participants to:
- Carpool with family and friends.
- Consider Uber or another rideshare service.
- Walk to the event if you live nearby.
- Ride your bicycle if you live in the Waterset community.
Waterset Residents: Since many participants will be coming from within the neighborhood, we especially encourage you to walk or bike to the event whenever possible.
Bicycle Parking Available!
For those riding bicycles, we plan to provide a designated bicycle parking area inside the school track, with someone monitoring the area during the event.
Thank you for helping us keep race morning safe, organized, and enjoyable for everyone!
Race Morning Festivities
It's more than just a 5K — it's a holiday celebration!
Charlie Chase DJ Entertainment will keep the energy high with music and holiday favorites.
Special Guest: Santa Claus! Be sure to bring your holiday spirit and get ready for some festive fun!
Opening Ceremony: We'll begin with a prayer and the National Anthem before the race gets underway.
5K Race Start: 8:30 AM
Course Hydration: Water will be available along the race course.
5K Awards: Awards will be presented to the top three overall
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
**If you are interested in being a sponsor, please contact Jeanne Keeney at jeannekeeney@gmail.com or (813) 267-2998. Vendor opportunities available too.
Dorothy York Innovation Academy
Waterset Community in Apollo Beach
Dorothy York Innovation Academy
Apollo Beach, FL 33572 US
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