Early January is one of Mary Hibbs’ favorite times of the year. For the past decade, it’s when she hands out racing packets and learns the “colorful” team names runners have come up with for the 5K she helped create – a race that also has an interesting name.
"We thought wouldn’t it be funny if we called it the Jiggle Butt Run," said Hibbs.
She figured it was appropriate coming off of the holidays – and frankly, she wanted the name to catch people’s attention. Wouldn’t you know, it has.
"We now, ten years later, are looking at 2,000 runners," said Hibbs. "And they come out dressed up. We’ve got snowmen, pajama mamas, even Zumba dancers in full gear."
She says it’s hard to believe it all started when she and two friends decided they should spend time outside, exercising. During one walk they took, they started chatting about 5K’s and how it would be fun to start one. Almost immediately after they had that conversation, they came across an object on the ground.
"It was a $100 bill," said Hibbs. "We stopped and we looked at each other and said okay, I think we’re supposed to do this."
They used that money for the first race and haven’t looked back since. Through the years, they decided this jiggling good time should support a good cause.
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"Last year they raised more than $30,000 for SafeHaven of Tarrant County," said Keeli McNair, Director of Marketing and Communications for the non-profit, which helps abused women. "That was just momentous in helping us at our shelter."
Because the Jiggle Butt Run is a women only run, they felt it should bring hope to local women who need it the most.
"We are a community that is fighting against domestic violence together," said McNair.
The Jiggle Butt Run will take place Saturday, Jan. 9 at 9 a.m. Runners will start at UT-Arlington’s University Center.
Any women interested in participating can register in-person Friday at The Runner, which is located at 3535 West Pioneer Pkwy. in Arlington. They can also sign up prior to the race at the start line.
