Cazenovia — About 500 people ran through the cold streets of Cazenovia and the best chili makers in the Cazenovia area were crowned this past Sunday as part of the 12th annual Chilly Chili 5K Run/Walk.
The event, which this year boasted a new start and finish line and new route, along with some new chili contest participants, is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Cazenovia Children’s House.
“It’s not only a great community event, but we have runners who come from all over — Syracuse, Utica, Cortland — and it’s a great way to showcase our community,” said CCH Executive Director Torrey Lansing. “And the weather held out. It’s a great day.”
Among the runners, coming in first overall and top male runner was Lee Berube, 25, with a time of 16:33. The top female runner was Laurel Leone, 31, with a time of 17:09.
Two local runners in particular garnered some attention this year just by showing up: Katie Woodworth, who was in a serious car accident last year, and Kyle Reger, who suffered a stroke last year.
“I feel pretty good — a little sore, but pretty good,” said Woodworth, who broke her foot, fractured a vertebrae and shattered her wrist after being hit head-on last May. She said she did not have a time goal for the race, but just “wanted to get through it.” She finished in one hour and three minutes.
Reger, who suffered a stroke last September and for a while lost motor function on his left side, said he felt “great” and “fantastic” after crossing the finish line with a time of one hour and 16 minutes. “I was just lucky to be able to walk it,” he said with a smile on his face.
Reger walked the final stretch of the course, and crossed the finish line, with his six-year-old son Max, who also ran the race and posted a finish time of just over 30 minutes.
continued — “He is just spectacular,” Kyle said of Max. “He is a cancer survivor, and it’s just a joy to see him be able to do something like this. My family has been very lucky.”
Following the race was an after party with food and beverage sampling and the annual chili cook-off competition at the Upper Gym at the Stephen M. Schneeweiss Athletic Complex at Cazenovia College.
Chili cook-off contestants this year included: Plate and Pallet Café-Eatery, BG Buda’s Cucina Italiana, Primo and Mary’s Salsa, Junior’s Caz Bar, Ray Brother’s BBQ, The Lincklaen House, Cazenovia College, Dave’s Diner and Loka Leaf Tea Lounge. Tops Friendly Markets provided bread for the event.
“The Best Chili in Town Award” was determined by a blind tasting of a panel of judges and went to Cazenovia College, while “The People’s Choice Award,” determined by votes from after-party attendees, was awarded to Ray Brothers BBQ for the second consecutive year.
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.
Live music entertainment was provided by “Just Joe.”
The event is sponsored by AmeriCU Credit Union, Cazenovia Jewelry by Ralph Monteforte, Cazenovia College, State Farm-Mike Nichiporuk, Community Bank, Bryant and Stratton College, Key Bank, L.E. Reidl Construction, Kenneth Moynihan Attorney at Law and the Skeele Agency, along with other local supporters.
