Cazenovia — The annual Chilly Chili 5K event will return to Cazenovia in just under three weeks and, for the first time, the location of the race’s start and finish lines have been changed.
The race will begin and end this year on Liberty Street, near the intersection with Union Street, which will allow runners to start and finish closer to both the registration and the after party locations at the Cazenovia College Athletic Center.
“The idea is to keep everything located in the same spot. … This will be more convenient for runners,” said Cazenovia Children’s House Executive Director Torrey Lansing.
The race, scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 24, is the biggest fundraiser of the year for Cazenovia Children’s House. And, as with every year, after participants complete the 5K course through the village and town of Cazenovia, there will be an after party with live music, a chili tasting contest and local beverages.
This year, CCH expects the event draw close to 1,500 runners, walkers, volunteers and spectators, said Race Director Sara Way. CCH officials will also seek to expand participation by offering discounted ticket rates to Cazenovia College and Bryant and Stratton college students, and will be going door-to-door on Liberty and Union streets to try to involve the neighbors.
“We want to give them an incentive to get out and support the race and join the after party, whether as spectators, cheerleaders or participants,” Lansing said.
Start time for the 5K is 1 p.m. Registration and check-in begin promptly at 10 a.m. in the Lower Gym at the Stephen M. Schneeweiss Athletic Complex located on Liberty Street and will continue until 12:45 p.m. on race day. Pre-registration is also available from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. the day before the race, Jan. 23, at Fleet Feet Sports, located on Bridge Street in East Syracuse. Registration is $30 and includes a t-shirt.
continued — Awards will be given for the top male and female runners overall, and by five-year age groups.
After the race, everyone is invited to the Chili Cook-Off Party in the Upper Gym at the Schneeweiss Athletic Complex. Admission to the Chili Cook-Off Party is free to run/walk registered participants, who also receive priority admission. Guests of registered participants will be charged a $5 party entrance fee.
The Chili Cook-Off Party boasts some stiff competition from a variety of local and regional establishments in Central New York. “The People’s Choice Award” will be given for the best chili along with “The Best Chili in Town Award,” as determined by a panel of judges will both be given during the party.
Confirmed chili cook-off contestants so far this year include: last year’s “Best Chili in Town Award” winner Junior’s Caz Bar, last year’s “People Choice Award” winner Ray Brother’s BBQ, The Foggy Goggle, The Lincklaen House, String Hearts Café (vegan), Cazenovia College, Dave’s Diner and newcomer Loka Leaf Tea Lounge. Tops Friendly Markets will provide bread for the event.
Beverage sponsors who will also be offering samples of their products at the after party include Empire Brewing Company, Henneberg Brewing Co., Good Nature Brewing Company, Owera Vineyards and Life of Reilly Distilling and Wine Company. Identification will be required for adult beverage tasting.
Live music entertainment will be provided by “Just Joe.”
The event is sponsored by Cazenovia Jewelry by Ralph Monteforte, AmeriCU Credit Union, Cazenovia College, State Farm-Mike Nichiporuk, Community Bank, Bryant and Stratton College, Key ank, L.E. Reidl Construction, Kenneth Moynihan Attorney at Law and the Skeele Agency, along with other local supporters.
For more information as well a link to online race registration, visit chillychili.com.
