NORTHAMPTON — Runners flooded downtown Sunday in solidarity against domestic violence in what turned out to be a record-breaking year for Safe Passage’s 21st Hot Chocolate Run.

The run exceeded the nonprofit’s goal of $800,000, garnering a total of $836,545 by late Sunday afternoon, which is the most ever raised at Safe Passage’s preeminent annual fundraising opportunity. The money fuels the organization’s mission of addressing domestic violence in Hampshire County.

Among the nearly 6,000 runners to participate was Diana Murphy, who attended for the 10th time.

“I was in my own unhealthy relationship as a teenager,” Murphy said. “Just seeing everybody here and acknowledging,” she started to say, and then lost for words added, “I don’t know, it just makes me cry every year ... It’s been a huge healing event and I’m very thankful. And I’ve even told Safe Passage themselves.”

She ran alongside her family — her sister and brother-in-law and their two kids. Her brother-in-law, Matt Heaney, shared that this was the first time his two sons ran the race after years of cheering on their aunt from the sidelines.

“We’re very lucky to be part of a community that comes together in this way and cheers and supports such a great cause, and that my kids get to grow up in a community like that,” he said.

JJ Heaney, who with his brother Jack ran their first race, said that, “It was really fun. I got up early and we had to shovel. It was fun and something good to do.”

Snow slightly insulated the ground with a couple inches going into Sunday morning, but the sun was out for the 9 a.m. start and speakers were at the starting line to amp up the runners. Among those who spoke were Northampton Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra, state Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa, and state Sen. Jo Comerford, with Comerford rallying runners with the chant: “We love Safe Passage,” with many runners there expressing their agreement.

Runners Scott Lopriore and Stacie Alicea said the Safe Passage run is a great cause and an opportunity to do something they enjoy.

“I like this charity. I’m very passionate about this charity, especially helping those people out who are in domestic violence situations, Lopriore said. “And of course I like to run, but this is just one of those charities that I’m very passionate about.”

Domestic violence, said Alicea, “is obviously something that is not going away so we need to keep fighting for it. I enjoy running, but I enjoy running even more when there is a cause.” She said she was feeling a steady runner’s high after the race, when participants gathered for hot chocolate.

Also running was Jon Fontaine, a survivor of domestic abuse, who ran the route with his family and said that while his wife runs a 5k every weekend, this is one that he participates in because it consistently gives him hope.

By the way he was dressed it was obvious that this was far from his coldest run — as he was in a sleeveless fluorescent pink vest and shorts, and said that Sunday’s weather was a welcome reprieve after his beard froze in the rain that soaked last year’s run.

Matt Harrington was participating in the event for the 13th time. He credits the race with putting him on the trajectory toward becoming fit.

“I turned 30 and said, ‘I’m gonna do a 5k, I’m gonna start with this fitness journey,’” he said. “This was the thing that got me moving. It got me running. It got me excited to do a race. I run this every year, it’s a fun family event.”

Even though his wife and children had to miss this year’s 5K, Harrington said he still had fun.

“It’s a great cause. Safe Passage has a lot of wonderful things for the community,” he added.

In addition the runners, there were also 220 volunteers total who facilitated the race.

Marissa Quintero, a board member of Safe Passage, said that as a survivor herself her position is extremely personal, and that there was something especially positive about this year’s race. Aside from the nice weather, which she said “always helps,” the increased participation in the race represents that, “The positivity that we want to put out there, is being felt.”

“I’m very grateful we had record-breaking fundraising this year, which is so needed to continue the work to continue supporting domestic violence survivors, and we are very very grateful to everyone who continues to support our work,” she added.

Since 1977, Safe Passage has helped thousands of families achieve safety, build justice, and rebuild their lives in the wake of domestic violence.

Samuel Gelinas can be reached at sgelinas@gazettenet.com.