Cupid’s Chase 5k Draws 4,500 Runners Across the Country
February 15, 2022 | Press Release.pdf
Runners at the starting line at Cupid’s Chase in Philly 
Robert and Kiana Lopez at Cupid’s Chase 5K in Las Cruces, New Mexico Community Options’ Executive Director Alan Rose with Mayor John Tecklenburg in Charleston, South Carolina 
300 runners at the starting line at Cupid’s Chase in Baltimore, Maryland
PRINCETON, NJ – Cupid’s Chase 5k returned this weekend with an incredible turnout. Over 4,500 runners across the country participated in 34 races on February 12 and raised over $310,000 to benefit people with disabilities. The annual event is organized by Community Options, a leading national nonprofit organization that develops housing and employment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Now in its 14th year, Cupid’s Chase is held annually the weekend before Valentine’s Day and celebrates Community Options’ founding in 1989. With the pandemic limiting most races to virtual events last year, organizers and runners were excited to be back in-person.
“Cupid’s Chase is one of the most vibrant 5K races in the country,” said Robert Stack, Community Options’ President and CEO. “It was great to see all our communities come out and have a great time while helping us advance our mission.”
The race is both fun and competitive and includes chipped timing and awards for top finishers. In keeping with the Valentine’s Day theme, every runner chooses either a white shirt that says “AVAILABLE” or a red shirt that says “UNAVAILABLE.”
“Community Options does a remarkable job supporting individuals with disabilities and supporting their quality of life,” said Mayor John Tecklenburg of Charleston, South Carolina. “It was uplifting to have a big crowd at the starting line supporting Community Options. The organization provides assistance and guidance on best practices to many families and is so important to our community.”
Two runners who got engaged at Cupid’s Chase in 2018 participated in their fourth race this year. Robert and Kiana Lopez returned to Mesilla Plaza on Saturday. They are now married and expecting a child.
“It was great to get back out to Cupid’s Chase 5k and support people with disabilities,” said Robert Lopez. “The event will always be special to Kiana and me. We are going to make it a point to attend every year and make it a family tradition that we can share as our family grows.”
Funds raised at each Cupid’s Chase benefits people with disabilities in the surrounding community. For information on how to donate or get involved with Community Options, visit www.comop.org.
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About Community Options, Inc.:
For over 30 years, Community Options has developed housing and employment supports for people with disabilities – serving thousands of people from over 50 offices across 10 states. Community Options provides advocacy assistance to empower people with disabilities because all people – regardless of ability level – should live and work in the community with dignity, choice and self-determination. For more information please visit our website: www.comop.org and to follow along with the #AllItTakes campaign, search #AllItTakes on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.