4th Annual CASA Superhero 5K Run/Walk scheduled for Aug. 20
Get ready to channel your inner superhero.
The 4th Annual CASA Superhero 5K Run/Walk is set for 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 20. The race begins and ends at the Tribal Courthouse in Old Town Kenai.
“It’s a great time to have families get together and enjoy our beautiful state of Alaska,” said Thia Peters, the tribe’s CASA program coordinator. “Rain or shine, everyone gets out there and has fun.”
And it’s for a good cause.
The race, a family friendly affair in which participants dress up as their favorite fictional heroes, is a fundraiser for the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program. The CASA program supports foster children going through the state and tribal court system, pairing them with trained adult volunteers who advocate on the child’s behalf during court proceedings.
All proceeds from the race go directly to CASA.
“The main reason for doing the run is to get money for the kids and to help them and the families that help them in foster care,” Peters said.
The event continues to gain popularity since its inception in 2013, when it drew 65 participants. It drew 98 people in 2014 and eclipsed 100 in 2015, bringing in 109 racers.
The 2016 version will include a post-race barbeque. There also will be a costume contest with prizes awarded in three categories – best children’s costume, best family costume and best couple’s costume. And for those wishing to capture the moment, a photo booth will be onsite.
Costumes are not required, but Peters encouraged participants to be creative and have fun.
She said previous wardrobes have ranged from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to The Incredibles to Dr. Seuss.
“There have been a lot of interesting ones,” Peters said.
One change to this year’s race is the route participants will travel.
In previous years, the race started and ended at the Kenai Park Strip along Main Street Loop in Kenai. This year, however, it will start and end at the Tribal Courthouse in Old Town. Racers will move through Old Town and travel along Beach Access Road before ultimately returning to the courthouse.
Peters encouraged past participants and first-timers alike to attend.
“The more, the merrier,” she said. “If you know someone who might be interested, please pass the word along and come on out.”
Those interested in becoming a CASA volunteer or learning more about the program are encouraged to contact Peters at 907-335-7219.
CASA Superhero 5K Run/Walk
When: 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 20; onsite registration opens at 10 a.m.
Where: Tribal Courthouse, 508 Upland St. in Kenai (next to the Dena’ina Wellness Center)
Cost: Adult, $25 pre-registration, $30 day-of; children (17 and under), $15 pre-registration, $20 day-of.
To pre-register, visit www.active.com and search “superhero” and “Kenai, AK.”
Contact: Thia Peters, 907-335-7219, or Jessica Crump, 907-335-7218.