February 18, 2026 | myspiritnews.com online article

Snow, ice diverts national race event to Havertown on Valentine’s Day

For 18 years, Cupid’s Chase 5K, a national race series recognizing the founding of Community Options, Inc., has been a nationwide option for people that wish to celebrate Valentine’s Day and make a difference in their communities. One of its races was held on Feb. 14 at Haverford High School, 200 Mill Road, Havertown.

A total of 49 cities in 12 states took part in the event this year as the race made its way to Havertown for the first time. Community Options, Inc.’s local office approached Haverford Township about an inaugural run for its community on Valentine’s Day. Presented with several options for race routes, it decided the location beginning at the high school was the best choice. A residential neighborhood with volunteers on patrol would help keep runners safe.

“It’s a safe venue,” said Axel Rosado, executive director of Community Options, Inc. of Delaware County. “We knew we would have people on the premises.”

With snow and ice still on the ground in Montgomery County, where Cupid’s Chase 5K King of Prussia was set to take place, those registered runners joined those in Havertown on Saturday morning. With approximately 100 people registered in Havertown and 150 more in King of Prussia, an estimated 250 came out and hit the streets of Haverford Township, merging both communities.

“There was too much ice in Norristown,” said Ed Gibson, a Community Options, Montgomery County board member. “It was a great turnout.”

People of all ages from Delaware, Montgomery, and neighboring counties came out and participated including parents with babies in strollers. It was a pet-friendly event and some canine friends got into the spirit, too. All proceeds were used to help disabled folks find essentials including housing and job support services.

“That’s what Community Options is about,” said Rosado.

Representing Montgomery County, Ryan Bradley, of North Wales, prevailed as the overall winner in 17:52. While Bradley has a history of running in high school and college, this was his first time taking part in this event as he is gradually getting back into the sport, he said.

“It’s cold,” said Bradley. “The course was nice and flat. It’s always better to run in a group. Everyone’s competing against one another.”

Bradley was not the only runner that found this course convenient.

Jiyun Sung, of Bala Cynwyd, who placed fourth among the Havertown runners and was the overall female winner in 20:34.80 ran Cupid’s Chase 5K at the Philadelphia Zoo the last two years. She said she decided to switch locations this year as she liked this particular course after participating in Havertown’s annual Reindeer Romp in December.

“I decided to come back for this run,” said Sung. “There was way more people than I expected.”

William Donovan (17:52.93), of Glenside, Colin Bodels (18:40.29), of Drexel Hill, and Donovan Rebbechi (19:30.96), of Narberth, finished first, second and third in the Havertown event.

“Thank you for what you do in your community,” said state Rep. Greg Vitali (D-166), who came in first in the 65-69 male age range.

Cupid’s Chase 5K is the largest one-day race in the country that drew over 16,000 participants.