Jiggle All The Way: Popular 5K Returns to Downtown Arlington

What began as an idea between three friends, a small race with 46 participants has evolved into one of the most popular, all-female 5K’s in DFW. Over 2,000 participants are expected to run, walk and stroll in the 13th annual Jiggle Butt Run on Saturday, January 26, 2019.

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 in 2016, “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.”

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

Jiggling Through Downtown

The USATF-certified 5K course, which begins and ends at the E.H. Hereford University 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, and there’s also VIP registration which includes breakfast with SafeHaven and sponsors, valet parking, and a JBR tech shirt in addition to the official 2019 JBR race shirt.

This year, a new way to Jiggle is by registering as a virtual runner, perfect for those who are out of town or physically unable to participate in the 5K.

Check-in and pre-race activities begin at 7:00 a.m. in the 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.

Leah Brady is a teacher at Miller Elementary in Arlington and is co-chapter leader of an Arlington running club called "Arlington Moms Run This Town".  This coming year will mark the group's fourth year to participate in the annual Jiggle Butt Run. "Our group and this run have a natural connection since it's a ladies-only event. It's an empowering and supportive environment, encourages staying in shape, and the fact that it supports SafeHaven is huge," Leah said.

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.

About SafeHaven

SafeHaven is the largest and most comprehensive agency in Tarrant County providing services at no cost to victims of 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.

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About Downtown Arlington

Designated by the State of Texas as the Arlington Cultural District, Downtown Arlington 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 research 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.