Girl Scouts and Scout leaders from Suffolk were among the more than 250 people who braved the cold to take part in the Girl Scout Cookie Classic Race at Bells Mill Park in Chesapeake on Jan. 31.

The race, which included a 5K and a one-mile option, was organized by Girl Scout volunteers from Community 3, a membership area within Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast that includes Chesapeake, Suffolk, Norfolk and surrounding cities.

The 5K race started at 9 a.m., following the Girl Scout Promise and Law led by Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast CEO Tracy Keller and an air horn blast from Chesapeake Mayor Alan Krasnoff.

Racers were decked out in cookie-themed costumes that included a mother-daughter duo from Suffolk, Cheryl and Jacquelyn Hendricks, in Thin Mint outfits. Participants in the 5K ranged in age from 6 to 76, and everyone was awarded with a Cookie Classic medal at the finish line.

The 1-mile Samoa Stroll started just after 10 a.m. and had over 100 participants. Racers were awarded participation patches at the end of the race. The Cookie Classic also featured a virtual race option for those who could not attend the race but wanted to support Girl Scouts.

More than 20 Girl Scout troops participated in the races as organized teams and with their family members. Girl Scouts who participated in either race completed a portion of the requirements to earn badges for their age level, including the My Best Self badge for Girl Scout Brownies and the Staying Fit badge for Girl Scout Juniors.

Following both races, prizes were awarded for best costume, best team spirit and to the top finishers in each age category.

Proceeds from the event will help provide the Girl Scout Leadership Experience for local girls, by providing them with camp and outdoor experiences, leadership training, special events and more.

Members of the public can support the Girl Scout Cookie Program by purchasing cookies from local Girl Scouts. Booth sales begin Feb. 22, and the cookie program runs through March 22.

When booth sales start, cookie customers can find nearby cookies by using the free Cookie Finder app, available in both the iTunes Store and Android Marketplace.

Another opportunity to support Girl Scouts is at Samoa Soiree, an adult-only tasting event in which top chefs create original desserts and appetizers using Girl Scout Cookies as the key ingredient. Samoa Soiree will be held March 7 in Norfolk. Details and ticket information are available at g.www.gsccc.org