Runners Rock Cupid’s Chase 5K Race in Westfield Saturday
The race in Westfield was one of 41 Cupid’s Chase races nationwide in which 10,000 people ran to raise funds for Community Options.
February 13, 2023 | tapinto.net online article
WESTFIELD, NJ — It was a lovely day for a 5K race at Tamaques Park.
Cupid’s Chase 5K Race for Community Options drew about 250 runners Saturday, the first time the nonprofit supporting people with developmental disabilities held the race in Westfield, said Jim Buckley, treasurer of Community Options’ Board of Directors. The race had previously been held in West Orange.
“This is our first time racing at this location, so we’re thrilled,” Buckley said. “We got lucky. It’s a pretty nice day. It’s not too cold, and people are having fun.”
The race in Westfield was one of 41 Cupid’s Chase races nationwide in which 10,000 people ran to raise funds for Community Options, which operates 650 homes that help people with developmental and physical disabilities, he said.
The race is so named because it comes in the lead up to Valentine’s Day, which is Feb. 14. Among the runners were people dressed in red and wearing tutus.
Kieran Stewart, 44, of Westfield, clad in blue shorts and a tank-top, crossed the finish, then turned around and flashed a double thumbs up while sporting a New York Marathon Cap.
“It’s good fun, good to spend time with the running community,” Stewart said. “Westfield is an awesome place to run — always love running around Tamaques.”
Victoria Jackson, 26, of Roselle, signed up with her husband, Johnathan. It was the first time she ran a Cupid’s Chase race. Jackson ran track through high school and college.
“I started running again recently and just wanted to get that competitive spirit back,” Jackson said. “Doing local 5Ks not only helps the community and helps the cause but also helps me get that step ahead again.”
Other Cupid’s Chase 5Ks in New Jersey were scheduled to be held in Bridgewater, Burlington, Glen Rock, Morristown, Princeton, Seaside Heights and Spring Lake, according to Community Options.
Afterward, runners were awarded medals, organizers said. Speaking from a microphone, race organizer Ayesha Patrick, of Community Options, rallied the participants.
“Everybody’s a winner of Cupid’s Chase,” Patrick said.