‘Cocoa Classic’ 5K takes off at Deer Park Town Center, featuring miniature therapy horses and lots of hot chocolate – Chicago Tribune
Pioneer Press
Dec 20, 2021 5:32 PM
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The “Cocoa Classic” 5K run/walk was held Dec. 11, 2021 at Deer Park Town Center in Deer Park. (Karie Angell Luc / Pioneer Press)
It was the most “run-derful” time of the year at the Cocoa Classic Run and Walk in Deer Park recently at the Deer Park Town Center.
Close to 1,000 registrants participated, said Peter Starykowicz, president of Lake Zurich-based All Community Events – the run/walk producer. Approximately 80 volunteers assisted.
“Outdoor activity is definitely the best way to celebrate the season in these times, so we are glad to see people back out and celebrating as a community,” Starykowicz said.
The weather at the 8:30 a.m. beginning of the Dec. 11 event featured air temperature of 34 degrees and drizzle that turned into flurries 45 minutes before the 5K started. Hot chocolate and chocolate covered pretzels were available at the finish line.
Mane in Heaven, a Barrington-based organization which brings miniature horses to communities for comfort and therapy, was the Cocoa Classic’s official charity for the event. The organization’s miniature therapy horses also visit hospitals, retirement communities, nursing care facilities, schools, libraries, veteran facilities and other promotional events.
Runners who participated in the “Cocoa Classic” 5K run/walk Dec. 11, 2021 at Deer Park Town Center in Deer Park are pictured with Mane in Heaven female horses that were at the event. (Karie Angell Luc / Pioneer Press)
Sarah McDougal, of Chicago, ran in a Christmas tree costume as she participated in the “Cocoa Classic” 5K run/walk Dec. 11, 2021 at Deer Park Town Center in Deer Park. (Karie Angell Luc / Pioneer Press)
Children participated in the Kid Dash that was part of the “Coco Classic” 5K run/walk Dec. 11, 2021 at Deer Park Town Center in Deer Park (Karie Angell Luc / Pioneer Press)
Will Gelon, 16, of Crystal Lake, a Prairie Ridge High School sophomore, was the first 5K finisher in the “Cocoa Classic” 5K run/walk Dec. 11, 2021 at Deer Park Town Center in Deer Park (Karie Angell Luc / Pioneer Press)
Mane in Heaven, a volunteer-based organization, has been partnering with All Community Events and has been the chosen charity for the Cocoa Classic for several years, said Dina Morgan, president of Mane in Heaven.
“We are so grateful to partner with All Community Events, they are a phenomenal organization who gives back to the community in so many ways. Our volunteers love helping,” Morgan said. “Our miniature horses enjoy the event. … Not every 5K has mini horses cheering on the runners.”
Children wearing mittens and winter hats took pard in the kids dash before the 5K start.
Kraig and Lauren Kane, of Inverness, brought their children, Weston, 7, and Davis, 4.
“They’re so excited,” Lauren Kane said.
Will Gelon, 16, a Prairie Ridge High School sophomore from Crystal Lake, was the first 5K finisher.
“It was fun,” Gelon said of the course. “A lot of good competition.”
Karie Angell Luc is a freelancer.
