Cupid’s Chase race draws crowd
By ANDREW THOMASON, BG Daily News article – Saturday, February 13, 2010
Cupid’s Chase race draws crowd
A group of people huddled in and around a pavilion at Kereiakes Park, trying to escape a bitingly cold wind Saturday morning. Some people were wearing shorts, long-sleeved shirts and not much else. Others, sporting sweats, stocking caps and coats, dressed a little more in accordance with the weather. No matter what the clothing option, all were there to participate in the first Community Options Cupid’s Chase 5K Run in Bowling Green.
The race in Bowling Green was one of 24 that took place in nine states Saturday as part of a fundraiser for Community Options, a nonprofit organization that helps people with developmental disabilities find homes and employment.
At Kereiakes Park, 68 people ran and walked the five-kilometer course to help raise money for Community Options.
“Not a bad turnout for the first time,” said Tim Hunt, one of the race’s volunteers.
One of those participants was Tim Hunt’s father, Warren County Fourth District Magistrate Tommy Hunt. Tommy Hunt, one of the walkers in the event, said he tries to make it to several a year. Tommy was joined in the event by his wife, Gracie.
As the race clock ticked past 19 minutes, a lean, bearded man in running shorts and a long-sleeved shirt turned the corner toward the finish line. Clocking in at 19:19, Brad Schneider, 37, of Bowling Green, was the overall winner of the event.
“It’s good considering I already did 14 (miles this morning),” Schneider said.
Schneider said he used Saturday’s race, and the 14 miles beforehand, as training for eventually running a marathon.
Jonathan Howard, executive director for Community Options in Bowling Green, said he was pleased with the turnout, and hopes to make the race an annual fundraiser.
Participants were treated to hot coffee, cupcakes and a bounty of other treats after the race.
Results
Men: Brad Schneider, of Bowling Green, 19:19; Jason Schwab, of Woodburn, 20:21; Brian Packard, of Bowling Green, 20:30.
Women: Hayley Doty, of Whitehouse, Tenn., 21:58; Cara Nichols, residence unavailable, 22:55; Monica Houchens, of Bowling Green, 24:14.