Open Hearts Community Mission (OHCM) raised money for their organization in their 12th annual Chocolate Run on Saturday, February 22nd, 2025.
Open Hearts Community Mission is a faith-based, non-profit, homeless shelter in Bulloch County. Its mission is "to not just provide them a place to stay overnight, but a place to help them become self-sufficient," Race Director Jennifer Douglas said. "It's a hand-up, not a hand-out."
On Saturday morning, participants met at Georgia Southern's Recreation Activity Center (RAC) Pavilion for "Statesboro's sweetest race." Runners could participate in a fun run or a 5k. The 5k course started at the RAC pavilion, went through Georgia Southern's campus, and circled back to the pavilion.
Runners lined up for the fun run at 8 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. for the 5k.
This year, there were almost 100 more people who registered compared to last year. This year there were around 500 registered participants. At the end of the event, $43,500 was raised.
The Chocolate Run's sponsors provided coffee, water, bananas, oranges, chocolate candy, and chocolate glazed donuts.
Outside of the pavilion, there was a booth set up with Girl Scout cookies.
For finishing either race, completion medals were given out across the finish line.
1st, 2nd and 3rd place awards were given to Overall Male, Female and Masters (40+). Age group awards were given to the top 1st and 2nd place male and female (10 and under; 11-14; 15-19; 20-24; 25-29; 30-34; 35-39; 40-44; 45-49; 50-54; 55-59; 60-64; 65-69; 70 and over).
The Chocolate Run is the OHCM's flagship event and is important in helping them continue the work they do.
Race Results
Overall Female:
Jenn Scott, Time: 21:02
Overall Male:
James O'Brien, Time: 18:35
Female Masters:
Libby Le Tourneau, Time: 21:07
Male Masters:
Roger Doty, Time: 23:26
For full race results click here. For the race website, click here.
