OREGON — Lace up your running shoes or strap on some snow shoes and join Pegasus Special Riders for the Jingle Bell Trot, a virtual 5k.

Race dates are Dec. 20 through Jan. 2 and registration runs until Dec. 30. Participants in the fundraiser for Pegasus can choose to run, walk or trot at their own pace and location. Groups and single runners of all ages are welcome. Registration is $25 and a Jingle Bell Trot T-shirt is included for $35.  

“This year was a weird one with lessons being postponed and therefore the season was shorter and we had half the usual number of riders,” Pegasus director Ellie Brauhn said. “Lessons are a big source of income for us. A few grants weren’t funded as money was directed to food banks, helping out folks with housing, etc. We just simply need funds to keep caring for the horses through the winter and paying the utility bills and equipment repairs.”

Pegasus Special Riders is a non-profit organization providing therapeutic horseback riding to northern Illinois residents with physical, mental and emotional challenges. Pegasus provides these services with the generous help of individuals, clubs, corporations, grants, fundraising and in-kind donations.

The organization is staffed by more than 70 volunteers who are involved with all aspects of the program from horse care, horse handling during lessons and barn chores to fundraising and special events. 

To register for the Jingle Bell Trot 5K and help support Pegasus, go to https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/Oregon/PegasusSpecialRidersFallTrot.