Housing and employment opportunities can be limited for those with disabilities.

Community Options, Inc., a nonprofit organization with offices in 11 states, has a mission “to develop housing and employment supports for persons with disabilities.”

On Feb. 9, 76 versions of Cupid’s Chase 5k will take place in cities across the country to further this mission and to celebrate Community Options’ 30 years of service to those with a wide range of developmental and intellectual disabilities such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, physical disabilities, traumatic brain injury and dual diagnoses.

Locally, Butler’s Cupid’s Chase 5k celebrates its second annual run starting at 10 a.m. at Lake Arthur Country Club. This is race director and Executive Director of Butler’s Community Options office Tim Hawk’s second year as well, but he has experience with Cupid’s Chase 5k in Pittsburgh.

The Pittsburgh office was his first assignment in the area. He says that although their event is larger, Butler County runners enjoy the hometown, smaller event and the fact that they are supporting Butler County residents.

Nationwide, more than 5,000 are expected to participate. Tim isn’t sure at this point how many to expect on race day in Butler, but says that they are on pace to meet or exceed last year’s 90 registrations.

As for any winter event, weather may be a factor in runners’ decisions to register, especially on race day. Hawk says that the event won’t be cancelled for weather other than a sudden major blizzard and welcomes day-of-event registrations.

Hawk says that participants will have a good time regardless of weather conditions. Although some runners will be in it to win, a large number of runners, joggers and walkers will be there just for fun and in support of the cause.

Tim’s wife, Hannah, will once again push their son Thomas in a stroller, as the course is both wheelchair and stroller friendly. Dogs are also welcome on the course, but are not allowed inside the Country Club building for the post-race awards ceremony.

Tim calls the course T-shaped. Most of the race is out-and-back from the country club grounds onto Isle Road and back. For those not familiar with the area, there’s one long hill in the middle which makes it challenging for runners.

Those who choose to compete vie for trophies awarded to top three male and female finishers and medals to first male and female finishers in 12 age groups. All finishers earn medals as well as commemorative t-shirts and bags stuffed with items from various corporate sponsors.

All participants are encouraged to attend the post-race festivities in the Lake Arthur Country Club building. In addition to the awards presentation, those in attendance will enjoy music, food, hot and cold drinks and photo opportunities.

Photos will be posted and may be downloaded from the race Facebook page. There will also be a 50/50 drawing and drawings for various gift baskets donated to the cause.

Cupid’s Chase runs are Community Options, Inc.’s main fundraising event for the year. All proceeds from the 5k stay in the local area to benefit Butler County residents with disabilities.

Last year’s race raised $5,000 to install new flooring in one of Community Options’ buildings. This year’s event hopes to meet a $7,500 goal. Butler’s Community Options currently owns seven homes serving 11 clients and expects to add four more in the coming months.

If you’re going to Cupid’s Chase 5k on Feb. 9, registration opens at 9 a.m. at Lake Arthur Country Club for the 10 a.m. start. Save $10 by preregistering online at www.comop.org.

At the website, you’ll also find out more about what Community Options does nationwide and what you can do to help. For more information or questions about the race, contact Tim Hawks at 724-613-8133 or email timothy.hawk@comop.org

Upcoming events

Saturday, 10 a.m.: Zelienople Ground Hog Prediction Run, Zelienople. Choice of 7.77 miles, 3.33 miles, 1.11 mile or all three. No watches or timing devices allowed. www.getfitfamilies.com or www.active.com/zelienople-pa/running/distance-running/the-groundhog-day-prediction-race-2019

Saturday, 10 a.m.: Community Options Cupid’s Chase, Pittsburgh. Run on Northshore. 412-431-7079 or bridget.haney@comop.org

Saturday, 10 a.m.: PREP4PITT-1: Trout Island Tromp, Sharpsville. Run 4.6 miles on rail trail. First race in marathon series. 724-301-6775 or races@mctrails.net

Feb. 9, 8 a.m.: Cupids Chase, Latrobe. Supports adults with developmental disabilities. 412-302-7915 or lacie.parker@comop.org

Feb. 9, 9 a.m.: Cupid’s Chase 5k, Butler. Run at Lake Arthur Country Club. Walkers, baby strollers and wheelchairs welcome. 724-613-8133 or timothy.hawk@comop.org

Feb. 10, 10 a.m.: St. Valentine’s Day Run, Mt. Lebanon. Choice of 2 or 5 miles with Greater Pittsburgh Road Runners Club. 412-341-0684

Feb. 10, 10 a.m.: Valentine Prediction Run, Erie. Run distance of between 4 and 6 miles starting at Presque Isle State Park’s Rotary Pavilion. Runners finishing closest to predicted times earn chocolate awards. No watches or timing devices allowed. Erierunnersclub.org

Feb. 16: Cupid’s Undie Run, Pittsburgh. Charity run starts at McFadden’s on Pittsburgh’s Northshore. cupids.org/city/pittsburgh

Feb. 23, 10 a.m.: Spring Thaw, North Park. Choice of 10, 15 or 20 miles in loops around North Park Lake. 412-490-0881 or www.lightspeed-racing.com

Feb. 24, 11 a.m.: PCS Ugly Mudder 7 Mile Trail Run, Reading. rhornpcs@aol.com

March 2, 9 a.m.: PREP4PITT-2, Fredonia. Tropical themed rolling 8.5 mile course with post-race music. 724-301-6775 or races@mctrails.com

March 2, 11 a.m.: 10th Annual Ellport Borough Community Winter Wonderland 5k, Ellwood City. Scenic 5k with indoor award ceremony. 724-758-2506 or bonnherb@yahoo.com

March 9, 9 a.m.: Primary Health Network Charitable Foundation Shamrock ‘N’ Run 5k and 10k, Sharpsville. 724-981-2875 or www.phnfoundation.net/shamrock

March 9, 9 a.m.: March Mad Dash, Allison Park. Choice of 5k, 5 miles, 10 miles with post race party. 412-490-0881 or register.chronotrack.com/r/44782

March 16, 10 a.m.: Judith’s Jig 5k Memorial Run/Walk, Meadville. Starts at Diamond Park Square. 814-282-1-69 or judithsjig@gmail.com

May 5, 7:05 a.m.: Pittsburgh Marathon, Pittsburgh. Full, half or team relay. Also 5k on Saturday. www.thepittsburghmarathon.com

Sept. 29, 8 a.m.: City of Pittsburgh Great Race 5k and 10k, Pittsburgh. Registration is now open at www.rungreatrace.com

Race results

Fairmont Run to Read Half Marathon, Jan. 5: Ethan Kincell, 1st Overall M, 1:16:41; Kate Kokal, 1st Overall W, 1:30:01; Herb Cratty, 3rd 50-59 M, 1:33:48; Kevin Dixon, 1:40:30; Candace Kesselring, 1:45:37; Aimee Barclay, 1:57:00; Rachel Moffe, 1:58:01; Todd Ensign, 1:59:19; Christopher Hale, 2:04:17; Michael Utt, 2:12:28; Crystal Messenger, 2:15:10; Maria Branagan, 2:32:14; Kim Kemp, 3:03:54

14th Annual Frigid Five Miler, Jan. 13: Joe Pane, 1st Overall M, 28:27; Hayley Germack, 1st Overall W, 32:39; Heather Hudak, 2nd Masters W, 38:20; Jenna Rogerson, 1st 30-34 W, 35:35; Joey Mullen, 1st 20-24 M, 36:12; Elijah Shekinah, 3rd 40-44 M, 37:32; Amanda Temple, 1st 35-39 W, 39:53; Alexandria Shewczyk, 2nd 25-29 W, 40:39; Mitch Radella, 3rd 50-54 M, 41:41; Thomas Lynch, 2nd 55-59 M, 44:21; Pam Daugherty, 1st 50-54 W, 44:53; Ariel Epouhe, 2nd 20-24 M, 45:24; James Doyle, 3rd 25-29 M, 45:24; Denise Shearer, 2nd 45-49 W, 46:39; Rita Ciccariello, 2nd 50-54 W, 47:32; Dan McNary, 1st 65-69 M, 49:29; Robert Walker, 1st 70+ M, 50:21; Guiseppe D. Mascari, Jr., 3rd 65-69 M, 55:32; Kathy Sweeney MAttern, 2nd 55-59 W, 58:01; Ray Reinheimer, 35:48; Josh Flanhofer, 36:08; Jared Deible, 37:13; Gary Hayden, 37:55; Nicholas Stahlnecker, 38:08; Todd Carpenter, 38:41; Nariman Dastur, 39:01; Scott Casey, 39:17; Matthew Mallet, 39:31; Patrick Mondi, 40:16; Ben Ewing, 40:27; Brian Joy, 40:53; Mark Likoudis, 40:56; Tina Benedek-Grimm, 44:21; Robert Shay, 44:22; Kelly Rieger, 44:48; Brian Daugherty, 44:53; Suzette Cappola, 45:25; John Knight, 45:49; Daniel Mullen, 46:36; David Podnar, 47:29; Angela Stull, 48:02; Jim Trivoli, 48:26; Art West, 48:33; Dustin Soxman, 48:45; Jen Dilla, 49:12; Lori Fromlak, 49:19; Michael Tokar, 49:37; Jeff Scalo, 49:42; Thomas Mangan, 49:46; Chuck Wiedrich, 50:03; Bethany Mori, 50:09; Jodi Porterfield, 50:36; William Woods, 51:48; Catherine Hrach, 51:56; Kristy Marchinko, 53:28; Heather Kulbacki, 54:33; Barbara Ford, 54:37; Tim Tannert, 54:41; Becky Ponsonby, 55:21; Heidi Yeager, 56:10; Michelle Kratzer, 56:18; Alfred Schnabel, 57:49; Stephanie Moran, 57:53; Chrissy Taylor, 58:11; Heidi Fleming, 58:24; Sara Garside, 1:02:18; Lara Hudek, 1:03:24; Carolyn Debelak, 1:04:47; Janelle Fumerola, 1:04:51

Send comments and suggestions: Patricia Neubert. Phone 724-352-4395. Email lotzak@consolidated.netPat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle