Oneonta, NY (November 8, 2016) – Neahwa Park was a scene of excitement on Sunday, Nov. 6, with 319 people participating in The Arc Otsego’s 2nd Annual Hot Cocoa 5K Run & 1K Walk, Run & Roll. The event raised approximately $5,500 for the agency’s Helping Hands Fund, which assists individuals with developmental disabilities and their families to meet unexpected financial challenges.

The 1K Walk, Run & Roll was held at 9:30 a.m. and took place entirely within the Park. The 5K began at the Park at 10:15 a.m., continued down War Memorial Drive, through the City of Oneonta, and ended back at Neahwa Park. Families and residents lined the route, cheering on participants. Zumba was offered before each race by Instructor Amy Fletcher-Foster, and participants in both races celebrated post-race with a steaming cup of hot cocoa and other refreshments.

The Arc Otsego Board Member Geoffrey Doyle served as the master of ceremonies, playing energetic music and motivating participants throughout the 1K and 5K.

Hot cocoa was also available to spectators for $1. Event mugs were for sale at the pavilion, as well as raffle tickets. After the event, prizes were awarded to the top three finishers. The overall 1st-place winners (male and female) received an event mug, a $50 DICK'S Sporting Goods gift certificate and a race pass from The Clark Sports Center. Top overall 2nd-place winners received an event mug and $25 DICK'S Sporting Goods gift certificate, and 3rd-place overall winners received an event mug and $10 DICK'S Sporting Goods gift certificate. Raffle drawings were also held, featuring prizes donated by local merchants.

“We are so grateful for the outpouring of community support we received for this event,” commented Pat Knuth, executive director of The Arc Otsego. “Thank you to the participants, volunteers, families and sponsors – we could not have done it without you!”

Event sponsors included the Oneonta Outlaws, Eastman Associates, The Bonadio Group ,ComTon, Inc. and Onsite Engineering, PLLC.

The Arc Otsego is a private, not-for-profit organization offering comprehensive, community-based services and support to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families throughout Otsego County. For more information, visit www.arcotsego.org or call 607-432-8595.

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