NORTHAMPTON — Organizers of the 13th annual Hot Chocolate Run in downtown Northampton reported Sunday the fundraiser netted $575,000 to support the non-profit Safe Passage.
Marianne Winters, the executive director of Safe Passage, a group devoted to addressing domestic violence, said the run gains popularity each year. Last year, the run brought in $485,000 for the group.
“It’s definitely a record,” she said of the $575,000 haul. “It’s risen every year.”
About 6,000 runners took part in the event. Winters estimated another 2,000 spectators filtered in and out of the event through the day.
U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern said he walked in the 2-mile walk.
“Seeing so many people on this chilly morning — some running, some walking — it was very inspiring,” McGovern said. “This is what communities are supposed to do. We’re supposed to help one another.”
McGovern added that Safe Passage is an “incredible organization” that “provides support, counseling, housing and in some cases even saves lives.”
The 2-mile walk started at 9 a.m., the 5k fun run at 9:30, and the 5k road race at 10:15. The route ran from the Northampton Brewery to Main Street and around Smith College.
Among women in the 5k race, Apryl Sabadosa, 32, of Westfield, finished first; Kelsey Allen, 33, of Wendell, finished second; and Melissa Cooney, 37, of Holyoke, finished third.
Among men in the 5k race, Sean Duncan, 27, of Waltham finished first; Nicolai Naranjo, 28, of Northampton, finished second; and Jason Ayr, 29, of Allston, finished third.
Individuals were also recognized for their fundraising efforts. The biggest hauls were reported by Kathy LeMay with $11,288; Kathy Elkins with $7,527; and Ed O’Connell with $5,807.
Team Raising Change reported the highest team fundraising effort, with $31,110.
Contact Jack Suntrup at jsuntrup@gazettenet.com.