The Jingle Bell Walk/Run for Arthritis officially kicked off Thursday during a luncheon at Alabama Power.

The event will take place Sunday, Dec. 4 at Ollie Park’s youth football field. Registration will open at 1 p.m., while the Santa Claus chase for kids 12 and under will take place at 2:15. A 5K Walk/Run will start at 2:30, and a 1-mile Fun Walk/Run will start at 2:45 p.m.

The event will be held in place of an Arthritis Walk that has taken place traditionally in October. This will be the seventh year for the event.

All proceeds go to the Arthritis Foundation, which supports research as well as people and families dealing with the condition.

During the kickoff, Makenzie Johnson, a sixth-grader at Jemison Middle School, spoke about her experience with arthritis. Also, United Way Chairman Curtis Smith and Campaign Chairman Bobby Martin presented the Arthritis Foundation with a check from the United Way.

Registration for the event will cost $20 for the Walk/Run events and $14 for the Santa chase. That price includes a gray, long-sleeve T-shirt.

For more information about registration, go online to 2011JingleBellRunChilton.kintera.org.