Participants of all ages gathered at Bellevue Park Saturday morning for the inaugural Cocoa 5K and Marshmallow Mile.
The event was a fundraiser for Algoma Residential Community Hospice (ARCH), but Lee Rendell, ARCH manager of fund development, told SooToday the emphasis of Saturday’s event was on families and friends enjoying life together.
“It’s more about positive experiences for families, celebrating life and celebrating each other…we realize there’s a hunger for fun events you can do with friends and family, and chocolate seems to be a key factor too,” Rendell smiled.
Registered participants ran, jogged, walked or wheeled from the band shelter beginning at 10 a.m.
Adults and older children made their way along a five kilometre route from the park along Queen Street, then along the riverfront behind Riverwalk Condominums and back to the park, where they enjoyed hot chocolate upon their return.
Children took part in a shorter 1.6 kilometre (Marshmallow Mile) route.
About 200 participants had registered to take part in the event by 10 a.m., Rendell estimated.
A group of businesses, including Tim Hortons and the Bulk Barn, provided cocoa and other treats.