By RODNEY HART
Herald-Whig Staff Writer

Serious runners, casual walkers and everything in between can be found at Saturday's 19th annual Arthritis Foundation Jingle Bell Run/Walk.

The event starts at 10 a.m. at the Quincy Mall. Participants can either walk inside the Quincy Mall at 33rd and Broadway or brave the cool but hopefully dry weather and run or walk 5 kilometers up Columbus Road into Moorman and Upper Moorman parks.

Nora Baldner, director of the West Central Illinois Branch of the Arthritis Foundation, says a timing system using small computer chips inserted into shoes will speed up posting times, with participants not having to wait as long for the awards ceremonies.

"We are trying to make this as fun and as pleasant as possible for everybody," Baldner said. "We know there are people who are very serious about running, and this electronically records your time as you come through the finishing chute. It's very accurate."

The entry fee is $25. Advance registration takes place from 5 to 7 tonight in front of Bergner's at the Quincy Mall. Runners and walkers can also pick up T-shirts tonight.

The run and walk raises money for local Arthritis Foundation programs, with some of the proceeds going to the national foundation and used for research.

Runners and walkers will receive necklaces with bells, and there's also a costume contest for teams and individual participants. The race usually attracts between 400 and 450 people, and the goal is to raise between $25,000 and $30,000, Baldner said.

"It depends on the weather, but a lot of people wait until the last minute," she said. "We have some new things this year, so we hope people will come out."

The route through the parks will offer firsthand glimpses of the Avenue of Lights displays, though the the lights aren't turned on during the day.

Trophies are awarded to first-place finishers in several age categories, with medals also being awarded for second- and third-place finishers.

-- rhart@whig.com/221-3370