HERALD-CITIZEN Article .pdf – 01.22.14 – 01:50 pm By MEGAN TROTTER

COOKEVILLE — The seventh annual Cupid’s Chase 5k will be held Saturday, Feb. 8, and start from a new location this year — the Tucker Stadium parking lot at Tennessee Tech. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the race kicks off at 10 a.m. The event benefits Community Options, which provides housing and employment opportunities for those with intellectual disabilitites.

“Of course, it’s a Valentine’s theme, and we always have people dress up in (things like) cupid’s wings and pink tights, ” Kristi Allen, grant project director, said. “Two years ago we had a marriage proposal at the end of the race. … We’ve had people tell us that they don’t like to run, but their spouse does, so they did this with them for a Valentine’s Day present — or the opposite: they want to get their spouse or loved one into running and so they did it as a Valentine’s gift. It’s a lot of fun.”

The cost to participate is $30 for those who pre-register or $50 the day of the race. Race participants get a goodie bag and a long sleeved t-shirt, as well as a chance to win a romantic getaway in a cabin in the Smoky Mountains that includes a dozen roses and dinner for two. Those who are not sure they are up to completing a 5k can run in the eaiser mile-long course.

Last year, the race raised about $6,500 for Community Options, 88 percent of which went directly to the people they serve to pay for things such as furniture, therapy equipment, appliances and recreational activities.

“And we spend all of that money here in the community for those things,” Jeanette Preece, executive director, said.

Those interested in participating in the run can pick up a form at the Community Options office at 4 West 2nd St. in Cookeville or by visiting www.comop.org. Those who pre-register can pick up their race packets from 4-6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6 at the Community Option office and from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7, at Foothills Running Company at 25 W. Broad St. #5 in Cookeville.