Donning holiday attire and lights, runners leading the pack make their way Thursday down the 800 block of Massachusetts Street during the Jingle Bell Run. Throughout the run, many participants spread holiday spirit by wishing glad tidings to passersby.

Bundled up in their warmest running gear with holiday lights draped all around them, 162 runners and 12 festive dogs made their way around downtown Lawrence as part of Don “Red Dog” Gardner’s Jingle Bell Run.

“I had a little time today to think about my outfit,” said Kyle Gerstner, who was running in his first event. “I slapped some lights on and a jacket and was good to go.”

Runners like Gerstner were joined by other faithful of Red Dog’s Dog Days community workouts in an event that certainly brings a lot of holiday cheer downtown. Much like the other Dog Days events, the run welcomes all age groups and offers a great way to get outside and enjoy the sights of Lawrence.

“I started running this year so I have been looking for reasons to run; it was a beautiful evening so I thought I would come out and run,” Gerstner said.

Runners donned holiday attire, battery-powered lights and, of course, their warmest Santa Claus hats.

Runners were encouraged to bring donations to the Boys and Girls Club, the Ballard Center and the Lawrence Humane Society.