In spite of the winter storm that canceled Cupid’s Chase charity runs across New York City and New Jersey, the show went on in Syracuse this Saturday.

“Fortunately, the roads are clear now and we’re good to go,” said Cynthia Barnaby, executive director of the charity that runs the race, Community Options Inc. “It’s worse when it snows the day of the race.”

Cupid’s Chase, a 5K charity run held every year near Valentine’s Day, celebrated its fourth year in Syracuse on Saturday morning at East Shore Trail in Onondaga Lake Park. Community Options, the organization that sponsors the run, works to help people with traumatic brain injuries and other disabilities find housing and employment. Incorporated in 1989, the group now holds Cupid’s Chase in eight states and 23 cities.

A crowd of neon jackets and black leggings stood out boldly against the white snow. Runners, many with scarves pulled over their noses, did laps around the parking lot and stretched against the side of the Joseph A. Griffin Visitor Center, where registration was set up.

Runners turned out from across the Northeast and Canada to participate. Second-time participants Leslie Capredoni and Melayna Busca braved the weather to drive from Toronto and New York City, respectively. Despite a bumpy ride, neither minded racing in the cold.

“It feels wonderful to run in the snow,” said Busca.

Emlyn Goodman barely arrived in time to register, her mother’s car having broken down on the throughway as they drove from Waterloo, N.Y. With the help of AAA, state troopers and a last-minute ride from her father, Goodman was able to make it in the knick of time.

Many sectors of the community contributed to this year’s Cupid’s Chase.

Dr. Geoff Standish and Rose Fogarty of Chiropractic First in East Syracuse volunteered their services, helping runners stretch and giving free spinal scans.

Cisco Systems Inc., Chobani Yogurt and Rite Aid Pharmacy donated bagels, yogurt, fruit, power bars and water that grew steadily colder as they sat on tables outside of the door.

Liz Lanza, of A Step Above Hair Design in Syracuse, donated hair care products to be raffled off. Other raffle items, all donated, included two gift baskets of Syracuse University basketball paraphernalia, a signed poster of the 2012-13 SU men’s basketball team, a $50 gift certificate to Five Guys, wine, chocolates, granola and more.

Barnaby, executive director at Community Options and director of the Syracuse race, said she has seen participation slowly but steadily increase since Cupid’s Chase began operating in Syracuse three years ago.

When the race began at 10 a.m., fewer than 200 determined runners took off from the starting line.

After the last runner crossed the finish line, trophies were awarded to the first-, second- and third-place finishers overall, as well as to the fastest male and female competitor in each age group.

Michael Dee finished in first place with a time of 18:41. Shawn Davis and Joseph Darling followed with times of 19:52 and 21:42, respectively.

The trophies were awarded, the runners dispersed and the huge, heart-shaped decorations were packed up and put into vans. Barnaby said she is looking forward to returning next year for Syracuse’s fifth annual Cupid’s Chase.

“Nothing was going to stop me,” said first-time participant Kelly Kugler. “This’ll definitely become an annual thing for me.”

Published on February 10, 2013 at 11:44 pm

Contact Maggie: mmcregan@syr.edu