Cupid's Chase charity race in Latrobe adds virtual option

The annual Cupid’s Chase charity race that benefits people with special needs is set for Feb. 13, beginning at Latrobe’s Memorial Stadium.

This year’s event also will have a virtual option, as organizers hope to draw more participants during the covid-19 pandemic.

Last year’s foot race attracted about 75 participants. The sponsoring nonprofit, Community Options, would like to increase that to 100.

Pandemic health precautions will be followed, according to race chairperson Jeffrey Minkovich, senior community integration counselor for the chapter of Community Options in Hempfield.

Hand sanitizer and face coverings will be available at the event, with the coverings required for volunteers and for participants gathering at the stadium before the 10 a.m. start, Minkovich said.

“I think people are looking to get out and do some socializing safely,” said Minkovich. “The entire event will be held outdoors, to ensure the safety of our runners and volunteers.”

Runners will proceed from the stadium parking lot through Latrobe on a 5K course that reaches its midpoint in the city’s North Side before returning to a finish on the stadium track.

“They could be a virtual runner if they want to be even safer,” Minkovich said of participants. He noted pledging funds on behalf of someone else who is running is another option.

The 2020 race raised more than $7,000, a figure Minkovich would like to match this year. As of Monday, a little more than 1,000 was pledged.

That money will support Community Options in its mission of providing housing and job opportunities for those with developmental disabilities. The Latrobe event will be joined on the same day by 30 other similar races across nine states, organized by other chapters of the nonprofit.

“This is the 13th annual race for Community Options,” said Minkovich.

February isn’t the most hospitable month for an outdoor race. But, one year, when an ice storm arrived the day before the event, “the City of Latrobe did a good job of getting out and salting for us,” said Stephen Hall, executive director of the local Community Options office.

In keeping with the race’s Valentine theme, those who are registered will receive a T-shirt reading either “available” or “unavailable” and a backpack. Both in-person and virtual participants can pick up the items on Feb. 12 at the Greater Latrobe-Laurel Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce office, 811 Ligonier St., Latrobe.

Visit cupidschase.org to register. For more information, contact Minkovich at jeffrey.minkovich@comop.org or 724-221-6119, ext. 6252.