February 23, 2026 | cbsaustin.com online article

AUSTIN, Texas – The numbers are in, and the 2026 Cupid’s Chase 5K held on Valentine’s Day set a participation record both locally and nationally.

CBS Austin Chief Meteorologist Chikage Windler served as the Honorary Chair of the Cupid’s Chase 5K.

After helping to start the race, she also ran it.

The 3.1-mile race benefits Community Options, Inc., a nonprofit that supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Austin’s Community Options Executive Director Rebecca Tisthammer says the race proceeds are used to host celebrations for individuals, like parties to bring together host homes, group homes, and community support agencies. They celebrate holidays, have social outings, and take field trips.

Tisthammer says, “It’s important for individuals with disabilities to not be isolated in their sub-communities, but to be able to find a place in their larger society and to feel needed, wanted, and capable.” Several people being supported by Community Options helped distribute medals at the race. One individual named Asa greeted runners at the finish line and helped with the awards ceremony.

Tisthammer explained that “for him, being a part of the bigger community was such a valuable experience. All day, he had a purpose, and he had a chance to feel useful and included.” She adds, “He and the other individuals who got to help that day left with a deeper sense of belonging and connection. That’s what the race was really about: bringing that need into awareness.”

This year’s Austin race was held on Valentine’s Day, with 365 runners and walkers braving the damp weather at Camp Mabry.

The route led runners and walkers past several historic military aircraft on permanent display at Camp Mabry.

It was a record field locally and nationwide, with over 17-thousand participants in Cupid’s Chase races across the country.

Next year’s race is set for February 13th, 2027. The Austin race will once again be held at Camp Mabry.