Girl power: Jiggle Butt Run brings fun, fitness and philanthropy to Downtown

What began as an idea amongst friends, a small race with 46 participants has evolved into one of the most popular, all-female 5K’s in the area. Over 2,500 participants are expected to run, walk and stroll in 11^th annual Jiggle Butt Run on Saturday, January 7, 2017.

Founders Mary Hibbs, Shelley Tardy and Karen Bondurant credit the commitment of SafeHaven, the benefactor of the race, and the community for the event’s growth and success.

“The number of steadfast sponsors and returning runners and walkers,” Hibbs told the Star-Telegram, “continue to remind us that we are providing an important event for women to support women. And our committee is having a blast working together.”

But don’t worry, guys. You’re welcome to attend and cheer the ladies on.

Jiggling through Downtown

The 5K course, which begins and ends at the College Park Center at UT Arlington, winds through Downtown Arlington neighborhoods and the UTA campus. The flat fast course is designed exclusively for girls and women of all ages and abilities. ChampionChip Timing is available for those with a competitive spirit. Individuals and teams are welcome to enter, with a VIP upgrade option for both.

Check-in and pre-race activities begin at 7:00 a.m. in the E.H. Hereford University Center and include an Expo, sponsor and vendor booths, an exclusive merchandise shop, VIP pamper area, and massages. The race starts at 9:00 a.m.

Women helping women

Not only does the Jiggle Butt Run promote healthy lifestyles, it provides a platform for women to unite and help empower other women. Proceeds and donations from the event benefit SafeHaven of Tarrant County, a women’s shelter and advocate against domestic violence.

“We are excited to celebrate another great year of the Jiggle Butt Run 5K Race,” said Kathryn Jacob, President and CEO of SafeHaven of Tarrant County. “The donations received from this annual event are significant in achieving our mission to end domestic violence through safety, support, prevention, and social change.”

A tradition of fitness and fun

Friends Dara Newton and Gayonne Beavers have participated in the Jiggle Butt Run several times. “It’s one of the few 5Ks,” said Beavers, “where regular women can get in a little exercise right after the indulgences of the holidays, all in the spirit of having fun together.”

“The Jiggle Butt Run is a great way to kick off the new year!” said Newton. “It’s been amazing to watch how the race has grown and the course has changed over the years, just like Downtown Arlington itself.”

Learn more, get involved

Registration is still open, as are volunteer and sponsorship opportunities. Check out the Jiggle Butt Run website and race guide for details and maps.

Post, tweet and tag 

When you post or tweet as you jiggle, be sure to tag us with #authenticallyArlington, @dtArlington, and #jigglebuttrun.

About SafeHaven

As the largest and most comprehensive agency in Tarrant County, SafeHaven provides a comprehensive continuum of care to families fleeing domestic violence. Two 24-hour, holistic shelters in Arlington and Ft. Worth provide a comprehensive continuum of care for women and children. Additional services include a toll-free crisis hotline, free access to counseling, housing, education and support to help families establish and sustain self-sufficiency. 

About Downtown Arlington

Recently designated an official Cultural District by the Texas Commission on the Arts, Downtown Arlington, Texas blends a unique mix of activities, sights, tastes and sounds that attract visitors and locals alike. Within its less than a two-mile radius, Downtown is home to a top tier public university, prolific fine and performing artists and arts institutions, live entertainment, exciting NCAA and professional athletics, one-of-a-kind dining and retail, and a supportive business climate. Downtown Arlington brings together a plethora of cultures and inspirations with a character all its own.