Once again Alzheimer’s research is the real winner at the Jingle Bell Jog

Van Munford might be 87 but she finished 3.1 miles in 45 minutes, 24 seconds Sunday at the Jingle Bell Jog.

You never know exactly what the weather will be like in Stanford for the annual Jingle Bell Jog 5K the first Sunday in December. However, there are some things that never change.

— The first mile is almost all uphill and I swear that hill gets a little bit longer and steeper each year.

— You are going to hear plenty of jingle bells because every participant gets bells to wear during the race.

— Some runners/walkers are going to be decked out in festive holiday outfits.

— You will have runners/walkers of all ages.

— You not only get a gift on the course, but the after-race goodies include chicken noodle soup and hot chocolate.

— The proceeds go to a great cause to raise money for Alzheimer’s research. Alzheimer is the sixth leading cause of death in America and is the only disease in the top 10 that cannot be prevented, cured or slowed. Thanks to sponsorship, a minimum of $20 from every entry fee goes to the Alzheimer’s Association and over $161,000 had already been donated before this year’s event.

This year’s event had 586 register and 482 complete the 3.1-mile course. That means at least $15,000 will be raised to raise the 15-year total to more than $176,000 — a goal not even organizers Jason and Angela Todd could have imagined when they planned the first Jingle Bell Jog.

“We have great volunteers, sponsors, participants and friends that make it all possible,” said Angela Todd.

Sunday’s 5K certainly provided a lot of inspiration from the two winners in the 85-plus age division.

“Radio Ron” Chilton, a one-time Danville radio personality, came from Louisville as he has before. At age 87, he looks great and participates in runs all year. A lot of folks recognize him and he loves chatting with others before, during and after the 5K.

He finished the 3.1 miles in 47 minutes, 56.7 seconds. He was worried if he could beat Bernie Cornett, 85 (50:44), and Leo McMillen, 86 (57:05).

“I was looking at the times. I was pleased with mine… 47 and change,” Chilton said.  “I thought I could beat Leo McMillen but I was worried about Bernie Cornette. He had just turned 85 and was close to my time last year.

“That three-minute win I owe to you for coming back and urging me to the finish line.”

I did go back to run the final 1/2-mile with Chilton but he needed no encouragement. He was rolling and chatting with him for a few minutes on the course was great.

However, I didn’t have the heart to tell Radio Ron that he was actually second in his age division because Van Munford, 87, finished in 45:24 — a 14:39 per mile pace. And she does it with her speed walk and a smile on her face.

It’s also great seeing so many families participating. Lincoln County football coach Josh Jaggers ran his first Jingle Bell Jog in 34:10 — and was 6:29 behind his wife Megan. Their two children also finished the course.

Jason Kilby, pastor at Counterpoint Church in Danville, and his family made my day with their various costumes, including Kilby in a pink Christmas Story onesie and green elf toboggan. You just had to be there to appreciate the big guy running and smiling like he did.

I finished in 37:19, just under a 12-minute pace. For the old guy, that’s about as good as it gets but as I learned many years ago, the Jingle Bell Jog is not about time. It’s about friendship, fun and a great cause to support.