Calling all superheroes large and small to participate in the third annual CASA of McKean County Superhero 5K and Kids Fun Run on April 28.
The event includes both a 5K run/walk and a kids’ fun run for youngsters age 10 and under. Youngsters can take part in the KaPow! Kids Fun Zone, where they can get superhero tattoos, color superhero masks and get a chance to get their photo taken with various superhero props.
“Every child needs a hero,” said Kristen Tim, executive director of CASA of McKean County, “but abused and neglected children need superheroes. Since May of 2015, Court Appointed Special Advocates in McKean County have logged over 3,000 hours of volunteer advocacy for children who have experienced abuse and neglect.”
Tim noted the purpose of this advocacy is to provide a consistent, caring adult who will be present for the neglected and abused child.
The 5K run/walk will start at 8 a.m. in front of the Bradford Family YMCA. Runners and walkers will proceed down Boylston Street to Mechanic Street, turn right onto Barbour Street, then left onto Campus Drive. They will turn around at the water station in front of the Richard E. and Ruth McDowell Sport and Fitness Center and follow the course in reverse back to the Y.
Volunteers will be on hand at intersections to make sure all of the superheroes get through the course safely.
Though the run/walk is intended to be fun, it will be timed. An awards ceremony will follow at 9 a.m. at which time medals will be given to the top male and female finishers in several categories: 14 and younger, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and 60 and above.
All participants are encouraged to dress up as their favorite superhero or as their own invented superhero. At the awards ceremony, those with the most creative superhero costumes will receive Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce gift certificates.
Prizes will be awarded for Best Dressed Adult Male Superhero, Best Dressed Superhero Boy, Best Dressed Adult Female Superhero, Best Dressed Superhero Girl, Best Dressed Superhero Baby and Best Dressed Superhero Group.
The Kids Fun Run will begin at 9:30 a.m. Armed with their superhero capes, the youngsters will get a chance to show off their superhuman abilities while chasing an evil villain and protecting the community.
Participants are encouraged to register by Friday, April 6. The registration fee for the run/walk is $25 for those 15 and older and $10 for youths 14 and younger. Each participant will receive a T-shirt. Registration for the kids’ fun run is $5, which includes a cape.
Anyone registering after April 6 will pay an extra $5. While T-shirts are guaranteed for those registering before the deadline, they will be limited for those registering late.
Registration forms are available at the YMCA, on the CASA of McKean County Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CASAMcKean or at CASA’s website at casamckean.org. Completed forms and registration fees should be turned in at the YMCA or the CASA office to the McKean County Courthouse, 500 W. Main Street, Smethport, PA 16749. Checks are payable to CASA of McKean County. Additionally, last-minute registrants can register at 7 a.m. the day of the event.
Several sponsorships are available for those who cannot participate in the event but would like to support CASA. Sponsorships range from $50 to $5,000. All of the sponsorships include special event-day recognitions, and some include complimentary race entries.
Anyone interested in becoming a sponsor can contact Kristen Tim at 568-2170 or casa@mckeancountypa.org by Friday.
The 5K run/walk kicks off an entire day of child-centered activities at the YMCA, including Kids Fest, which is sponsored by the Collaborative Board of McKean County, and Healthy Kids Day, conducted by the YMCA.
