Cocoa beans and coffee beans historically have cured the sourest moods. Today, the dark beans take on a new role at the inaugural
Battle of the Bean 5K run and walk, which pits Team Cocoa against Team Coffee. It all starts at 9 a.m. at Foo's Fabulous Frozen Custard (9421 Mission, Leawood,913-383-3667). Cocoa lovers receive light-brown, long-sleeved T-shirts, while the coffee faithful get dark-brown shirts. "Right now, coffee is winning 2-to-1," says Brad Ziegler, of Kansas City Running Company. "Cocoa needs to respond." At the finish line, participants take their pick of coffee and hot chocolate, courtesy of the Roasterie Café. Registration costs $30 through January 19, and $35 at the packet pickup from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday and from 8 to 8:45 a.m. today. For children aged 9 and younger, there's the Jelly Bean Dash. To register in advance, see
kcrunningcompany.com or call 913-381-2553.
— Nancy Hull Rigdon
913-383-3667
