First launched in 2015, the Monroe Jingle Bell Run has become a festive Main Street tradition, bringing a mix of holiday cheer and community support to Forsythe Park each December. Presented by the Louisiana Purchase Council and Boy Scouts of America, the event benefits regional Scouting—including at-risk youth programs and scholarships for Camp T.L. James and Camp Attakapas.
The half-marathon kicks off at 7:00 am CST, followed by the 5K at 8:30 am. The scenic loop begins and ends in Forsythe Park, guiding runners through paved urban lakeside paths and leafy park settings. The mostly flat route with minimal elevation gain makes it beginner- and PR‑friendly, while holiday-themed cheer—bells, music, and volunteer-staffed aid stations—creates a joyful, festive atmosphere . Families are encouraged to join; bring an unwrapped toy for the Christmas for Kids drive and snap a picture with Santa & Mrs. Claus onsite.
Attendance has grown steadily, with a few hundred half-marathoners crossing the finish line in recent years. No elite field—this event is about community, holiday spirit, and supporting Scouts more than podiums. As one local recap put it, this race is “fun-filled…for the whole family” .
