More than 550 participants lined up at the starting line in 20 degree weather to take part in the 11th annual Chilly Chili 5K Run/Walk this past Sunday, Jan. 11.
Coming in first overall as top male runner was Fred Joslyn, 30, of East Syracuse, with a time of 16:03. The top female runner was Elizabeth Lucason, 10, of Camden, with a time of 19:09.
Despite the cold and snowy ground, Penny Noll, executive director of the Cazenovia Children’s House, for which the event is a major fundraiser, said she was impressed with the number of people and sponsors who came out to support the fundraiser.
“It’s a celebration of the community and a way to get together and support the Cazenovia Children’s House,” Noll said. “We’ve done better compared to other years, but I think this year was great considering the weather.”
More than 40 local business helped sponsor the event. Following the race was an after party at the Upper Gym at the Stephen M. Schneeweiss Athletic Complex at Cazenovia College.
This event featured a chili cook-off between several local businesses, including Cazenovia College, Cazenovia Pizzeria, Dave’s Diner, Junior’s Caz Bar, Latté Da Bakehouse, the Lincklaen House, Primo and Mary, Side Hill Farmers, Strong Hearts Café, Subway of Cazenovia, The Foggy Goggle Restaurant, Tops Friendly Markets and Ray Brother’s BBQ. Beer and wine samples were provided by Owera Winery, Henneberg Brewing Co. and Empire Brewing Company.
“The Best Chili in Town Award” was determined by a blind tasting of a panel of judges and went to Junior’s Caz Bar, of Cazenovia. Second place was Strong Heart’s Café, of Syracuse, followed by Ray Brother’s BBQ, of Bouckville.
“The People’s Choice Award,” determined by votes from after-party attendees, was awarded to Ray Brother BBQ. Second place was awarded to Side Hill Farmers, of Manlius, and third place went to The Foggy Goggle Restaurant, of Toggenburg Mountain Ski Center.
Hayleigh Gowans is a reporter for the Cazenovia Republican. She can be reached at [email protected].
