Neighbors

Hot Chocolate Run a hit in Seaford

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Hundreds of runners and walkers hit the streets of Seaford on Dec. 2 for the 14th annual Hot Chocolate Run. The Seaford Wellness Council, an organization that supports dozens of community projects, sponsored the holiday event.

Mike Di Silvio, the council’s president, said that the Hot Chocolate Run is one of the most popular 5K races on Long Island. The course is flat and has only four turns, he explained, making it is a good place for runners to set personal time records.

“I love seeing families come together and sharing a healthy experience,” he said. “Whether you are young, old or in between, it’s amazing to see how well everyone can run.”

The race always has two honorary starters; the council elects an honoree, and the other individual is always the chamber’s small businessperson of the year. Judy Bongiovi is the 2017 community delegate; Mary T. Lucere is the chamber representative.  

Awards were given to the top runners in several categories and to the fastest Seaford residents and runners in different age groups. 

Di Silvio, who has been the president of the council for more than a decade, said that the Hot Chocolate Run is “one of those events that makes Seaford special.” It is the organization’s primary fundraiser of the year, as leaders typically collect between $10,000 and $15,000.

 “We always put the proceeds right back into the community for beautification purposes, educational research and community events, such as the senior harvest social,” Di Silvio explained. “Everyone gets to meet new people, have a good time and join in the fun with their Seaford neighbors.”