CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — What started as a small show of support during uncertain times has grown into a full-fledged community tradition. The 5th Annual Be a Hero 5K, hosted by Cunningham Children’s Home, saw record participation, generous fundraising, and unforgettable moments as community members gathered to celebrate everyday heroes.

This year’s event, held under sunny skies and superhero capes, raised a record-breaking $28,925 to support the nearly 1,000 youth and families Cunningham serves annually through residential, educational, and community-based programs.

With 184 participants, the 5K saw its largest crowd ever.  Among the crowd were 25 fundraisers who joined forces to rally donations and awareness.

Race Highlights

  • Top Finisher: Reis DeSantis, a youth counselor at Cunningham, took first place and is also credited with helping lead the home’s Residential Run Club.

  • Super Supporters: A group known as the “5K Faithful” — seven individuals who’ve participated every year since the race began in 2020 — were honored for their unwavering commitment.

  • Volunteer Power: Local groups including Special Olympics Region I, University of Illinois students, and the Fighting Illini Women’s Gymnastics Team helped keep the course running smoothly.

  • Best Dressed: Creative costumes filled the course — from Spider-Man to Super Squirrel, plus a pickle-themed runner representing the Illini Get Pickled Pickleball Tournament.

The event saw strong support from local churches including Mahomet UMC, Charleston Wesley UMC, and Normal First UMC — the latter hosting their own satellite 5K event. Local organizations such as the Second Wind Running Club partnered once again to time and coordinate the race. For the sixth year in a row, DJ Stacy LaCour kept the energy high from start to finish.

Organizers say they’re already looking forward to year six, with hopes of even more participants and impact.