The Student Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics will conduct its first Jingle Bell Jog at 9 a.m. Dec. 6 on the Lunsford Trail.

SAND promotes professions in nutrition and serves students and the wider public by providing valid nutrition information and services. The group has a fall fundraiser each year, and this year it is transitioning from the traditional Zumbathon to a 5K.

The money raised will go toward SAND students and their admission to the statewide nutrition conference which will take place in Houston this year.

“We fundraise for both the state and national convention each year because it gives us great opportunities to learn about what is happening in our field and to network with professionals,” said Shanleigh Clinton, senior nutrition major from Fort Worth.

Clinton said she expects the Jingle Bell Jog to be popular among the ACU community, especially since it will be Christmas-themed.

Each participant will receive jingle bells to wear the day of the race and is encouraged to wear festive socks, accessories and the holiday-themed clothing.

“We think this is a great way to get students active right before finals week and to ring in the holidays,” Clinton said.

The Jingle Bell Jog will have a one-mile option, half a lap around the Lunsford, as well as the 5K, one and a half laps around the Lunsford.

Kristen Wells, a junior nutrition major from Frisco, is helping with the race as well as participating.

“The thing I am looking forward to the most will be seeing everyone decked out in Christmas attire and hearing the jingle bells on everyone’s shoelaces,” Wells said.

She also said there will be hot chocolate at the finish line.

SAND will be in the Campus Center for registration weekdays from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Credit cards are accepted and the first 100 runners to sign up will receive a free long-sleeve T-shirt.

“We want this to be a fun event and are really excited and look forward to a great turnout and we hope this will become a fun, annual tradition,” Clinton said.