Kids to Love sponsors ‘Coco for Kids’ Run

Kids to Love is sponsoring the first annual “Coco for Kids Run” on Nov. 7 at 140 Castle Drive. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – The first annual “Coco for Kids Run” has a tantalizing tagline: “Chocolate is the answer. The question is irrelevant.”

The Kids to Love Foundation is sponsoring the kids’ 5k and 1-mile fun run on Nov. 7 from 8 to 11 a.m. at its center, now located in Madison at 140 Castle Drive. “We have a lot of great things happening at the center,” development director Meredith Payne said.

Lee Marshall, a former local television news anchor, was adopted and established the Kids to Love Foundation in 2004. Since its inception, the foundation has reached more than 185,000 foster children, rescuing them and meeting their needs.

USA Track & Field (USATF) and Road Running Technical Council (RRTC) have certified the ‘out and back’ course. Along the Coco for Kids route, runners can stop by four delicious ‘chocolate stops.’ Whistle Stop Sweet Shop of Madison is providing the delectable chocolate.

Top-paced runners in the 5K race will receive award in several categories:

* Top 3 overall male and female finishers

* Top 3 finishers in numerous age categories.

Overall winners are not eligible for age group awards.

“Make Coco for Kids your first winter run filled with fun, chocolate and a beautiful course,” Payne said. “Come out and participate in our 5K or 1-mile fun run and support children living in foster care.”

Fleet Feet Sports will coordinate packet pick-up on Nov. 6 from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. After the run on Nov. 7, participants and friends can enjoy an open house.

Kids to Love’s new location on Castle Drive offers a larger facility than its previous site. The new facility will allow the foundation to expand services and offer training for technical topics, family life and budget needs.

In addition, Lee Marshall recently received the Angels in Adoption award at a Washington D.C. gala. “I thank God for placing me in (my parents’) loving home when I was a baby. So blessed to be a chosen child,” Marshall posted on Facebook.

For more information about Kids to Love, call 256-603-3386, email to lee@kidstolove.org or visit kidstolove.org.