If it jingled, sparkled or screamed "Christmas," they wore it. And then they ran.

More than 180 runners and walkers — many dressed for the spirit of the season — turned out for the inaugural Downtown December Dash around Rochester on Saturday morning. The 5K course took them down the Paint Creek Trail and through Rochester Municipal Park.

The race was organized by the Social Philanthropists Foundation and sponsored by several area businesses; all but $1 of the $25 entry fee contributed to Paint a Miracle.

"I'm amazed at the number of people who came out for the inaugural event," said Paint a Miracle director Shelly Tyshka. "I am guessing this is going to make a huge impact in the number of people we're going to be able to serve this year through the studio."