Cupid’s Chase 5K on Saturday in Latrobe
February 09, 2024 | Online Article latrobebulletinnews.com
This Valentine’s Day, your heart won’t be the only thing racing. Participants at the annual Cupid’s Chase Saturday in Latrobe will be racing for a cause at the annual 5K, which benefits a nonprofit that provides support for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the region.
Community Options in the Westmoreland region have held the race for six years as the organization’s major fundraiser, according to Jeff Minkovich, race director for Community Options.
The race kicks off at 10 a.m. at Memorial Stadium and is vital to Community Options continuing their mission to help as many people as they can.
“This is extremely important to our mission of supporting individuals with developmental disabilities for the year,” said Minkovich, who added that another important thing about the fundraiser is it benefits individuals right here in Westmoreland County.
“The money we make directly goes to the individuals owe serve in Westmoreland County,” said Minkovich.
Community Options operates offices across the country in 12 states. The Westmoreland region is just one of eight regions in Pennsylvania. In addition to this event, Cupid events will be held at the same time and the same date at events in 38 regions in 10 states.
The goal is to raise $7,000 at this year’s event. Already, 70 runners have signed up to participate and Minkovich anticipates many more to sign up on Saturday. The fee is $45 for runners, walkers or those with baby strollers and wheelchairs, $15 for four-legged runners through Friday. While supplies last, human participants will receive a t-shirt and dogs a bib.
Check-in is at 8 a.m. near the concession stand. Advance registration is available online by visiting runsignup.com and searching for “Cupid’s Chase Latrobe.”
To sign up on the day of, runners can bring $45 in cash or check and register then.
In addition, Minkovich said there will be a DJ “warming” up the crowd, a gift basket/certificate raffle with donations from local businesses and a 50/50 raffle. Runners will receive medals for participating.
Check-in begins at 8 a.m., near the stadium concession stand. Advance registration is available online by visiting runsignup.com and searching for “Cupid’s Chase Latrobe.”
The race course for the event follows Jefferson, Oak and Ligonier streets to the city’s North side before returning to the stadium. The event is timed with awards given to top finisher in each of 13 age groups and top three overall male and female finishers.
Minkovich is pleased to hear that the weather on Saturday may also be something to love as temperatures are expected to be in the 50s.
“It should be a great day for the race.”