It was sunny but slightly windy and a bitterly cold 12 degrees on Sunday, Jan. 26, when 845 runners took to the snowy Cazenovia village streets for the annual Chilly Chili 5K Run/Walk. People running as individuals, with friends, with family and with running teams came from across five states to participate in the annual race, which is followed by a chili cook-off contest.

This year’s top overall runner, as well as top male runner, was 29-year-old C. Fred Joslyn, of East Syracuse, who finished the course in 16:47. The top female finisher was Laura Kline, 46, of Quarryville, Penn., who finished in 20:20.

“I’m very impressed with how many people came out on such a cold, cold day — it’s a real testament to the event and to the community, and a little bit to how crazy runners are,” said Penny Noll, executive director of the Cazenovia Children’s House, an early childhood care and education center that benefits from the funds raised during the event.

Noll said that after expenses are deducted, the event typically raises about $6,000 for CCH.

After the race, participants and viewers descended on the Upper Gym at the Stephen M. Schneeweiss Athletic Complex at Cazenovia College for the Chili Cook-Off Party, which featured housemade chili from 15 local establishments, including Bella’s Café, Brae Loch Inn, Cazenovia College, Cazenovia Pizzeria, Circa, Dave’s Diner, Henneberg Tavern, Lattè Da! Cafe & Bakehouse, Lincklaen House, Pewter Spoon Cafè and Eatery, Strong Hearts Café, Subway of Cazenovia, The Foggy Goggle Restaurant & Sports Bar, The Purple Salamander Café and Tops Friendly Markets. There was also beer tastings from Henneberg Brewing Co., Empire Brewing Company and Cooperstown Brewing Company.

“The Best Chili in Town Award,” as determined by a blind tasting of a five-judge panel, declared Dave’s Diner, of Cazenovia, as this year’s best chili. Second place was awarded to Caz Pizza and third place to The Foggy Goggle, of Toggenburg Mountain Ski Center.

“The People’s Choice Award,” compiled from attendee votes, for the second year in a row named The Foggy Goggle as having the best chili. Second place was awarded to Strong Hearts Café, a vegan restaurant of Syracuse, and third place was a tie between Dave’s Diner and Cazenovia College.

Full race results can be found online at leonetiming.com and at cazenoviarepublican.com. The list also will be published in next week’s issue of the Cazenovia Republican.

A photo album of the race can be found at Facebook.com/cazrepublican.

Jason Emerson is editor of the Cazenovia Republican. He can be reached at [email protected].