The Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis winds its way through the streets of Glendale on Sunday, Dec. 8. The run brings together competitive runners and families to raise funds for a cure for arthritis, the nation’s leading cause of disability.

The holiday-themed, certified 5K run/walk kicks off at 8:30 a.m. in front of the Alex Theatre, at 216 N. Brand Blvd. in Glendale. More than 1,500 participants will don festive holiday attire and tie jingle bells to their shoelaces as they race to the finish line for a cure. The Los Angeles Jingle Bell Run/Walk is sponsored by Abbvie and locally presented by Massage Envy Spa, Greater Los Angeles.

This year’s Jingle Bell Run/Walk honorees include youth honoree Ryan Janetzke, who was diagnosed with systemic juvenile rheumatoid arthritis at the age of 10. The orthopedic honoree is Dr. Neel Anand, M.D., M.Ch., Orth., director of spine trauma at the Cedars-Sinai Spine Center and a principal of the Anand Spine Group. Co-medical honorees are Dr. Dean Noritake, M.D., and Dr. Irene Tong, M.D., who are both board certified in rheumatology and internal medicine with practices at Huntington Memorial Hospital and Arcadia Methodist Hospital.

Those interested in participating are encouraged to form a team and register today by visiting www.lajbr.org or by calling Debbie Martin at the Los Angeles office of the Arthritis Foundation at (323) 954-5760 extension 259. The registration fee is $40 for adults and $10 for children under 12 years.