December 28, 2022 | tapinto.net online article

Organizers are putting their hearts into Cupid’s Chase, a 5K race set to happen Feb. 11.

WESTFIELD, NJ — A race to support people with developmental disabilities is coming to Westfield’s Tamaques Park this February.

Organizers are putting their hearts into Cupid’s Chase, a 5K race set to happen Saturday, Feb. 11, in support of the nonprofit Community Options, a nationally based nonprofit that supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

While it will be the 15th annual Cupid’s Chase, following races at South Mountain Reservation in West Orange, it will be the first time the race is being held in Westfield, after Community Options’ moved it’s Union County office from Springfield to Westfield, according to Executive Director Karima Boyd.

“I believe the dynamics will bring more awareness,” Boyd told TAPinto Westfield. “It’s a closer-knit community. I was super excited that Westfield had hosted so many other different races, which was attractive.”

Community Options provides housing and employment to people with developmental and intellectual disabilities, she said. Boyd is looking forward to the race at its new location.

“It’s always a good thing to have people that are involved and eager to understand what we do and how we do it,” she said.

The race comes three days before Valentine’s Day. Participants wear shirts that that indicate if they’ve “found Cupid” or if they’re seeking a match, Boyd said. Every person who participates receives a medal, she added.

“Whether you come in first, last or the middle, you’re a winner,” Boyd said.

Cupid’s Race is part of a national race series that Celebrates Community Options’ founding in 1989.

Check-in starts at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11, and the race begins at 10 a.m. Packet pickup is on Feb. 7 and 9 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Community Options’ Westfield Office, 200 East Grove St., Westfield.

The event is fully accessible and pet friendly, organizers said. A certified 5K, the event includes chipped timing results to be posted immediately after the race, organizers said. Every participant gets a Cupid’s Chase love theme Under Armour T-Shirt and Cupid’s Chase theme “swag bag,” organizers said.

With advance registration the cost is $35. Race day registration is $40. There are also opportunities for volunteering and sponsorship, according to the organizers.