Snowfall didn't stop the 2010 Jingle Bell Run from taking place Sunday in downtown New Baltimore.

In fact, more than 1,200 people pre-registered for the 5K run and one-mile walk while others joined in at the eleventh hour, according to event co-director Ric Wellman.

"I'm giddy about the race today," said Alexandria Schwink, an Anchor Bay High School senior. "This is the first time in a while that it has snowed at the event."

Eleven-year-old William Martin of Macomb Township participated in the run for the first time this year.

"I'm excited but nervous about the snow," William said.

Chesterfield Township resident Chuck Robinet, who's been involved in the Jingle Bell Run for the past 26 years, said a lot goes into planning it.

"This is a great one-day event for the community, but it's an all-year event for us," Robinet said.  

Organized by the Anchor Bay High School DECA, which is comprised of marketing students, the Jingle Bell Run is in its 28th year, he said.

The one-mile Fun Walk began at 4 p.m. followed by the 5K run at 4:15 p.m. Participants trekked over a snow-covered path that began at the MacDonald Public Library and wound around to the New Baltimore Recreation Center.

The entry fee for the 5K run was $25 with a sweatshirt and $15 without. The cost to join the walk was $15 with a sweatshirt and $5 without. Proceeds are to benefit the local DECA Club chapter activities and student scholarships, said club member Schwink.

Sponsors included the New Baltimore Downtown Development Authority, Anchor Bay Pharmacy in New Baltimore, Cass Collision, Inc. of Mt. Clemens and Shelby Township and Kohl's, which has a Chesterfield Township store. Each participant received a sponsor bag filled with items, such as jingle bells to tie on running shoes, local business coupons, water bottles, Christmas tree ornaments and candy canes.

Spectators cheered on the sidelines then warmed up inside Stahl's Bakery, Moon River Soap Company and other open businesses downtown. A disc jockey spun holiday music while Christmas superstar, Santa Claus, made an appearance.

The overall male winner was Jules Winfield of Lake Orion with a time of 17 minutes and 23 seconds. The overall female race winner was Crystal Garrett of New Baltimore with the time of 21 minutes and four seconds, according to event organizers.