URBANA, IL (Chambana Today) – The fourth Annual Be a Hero 5K was held for over 200 runners, walkers, volunteers, and community supporters at the Cunningham Children’s Hospital, with a whopping $17,684.84 in proceeds.
The Be a Hero 5K is an exciting superhero themed event open to all walkers and runners of all skill levels. This year’s race, hosted on Cunningham’s campus, included “The Flash” race for runners and a “Hulk” walk for the walkers of the event. Participants had the opportunity to receive a Cunningham Hero Cape if they raised $100 with the opportunity to wear it during the race. Several participants also wore fun costumes such as Nick Birch, a Cunningham therapist, dressed as Captain Underpants and his mother, Meloni Birch, who dressed up as Wonder Woman.
“I was a superhero for the 5K to practice fundraising as part of my commitment to service,” said Nick, “and it sounded fun! Captain Underpants came around after several of my donors requested that I wear the costume.”
Another person of note is Martha, who’s known for her crazy 5K costumes and raising over $10,000 for Cunningham within the past four years. This year, she dressed up as a “super squirrel.” On top of raising funds, she also started a youth running club to inspire kids to run, train, and reach their personal milestones. Martha and another Cunningham volunteer, Joel, spent the last several weeks training the children to run the 5K. One young runner astoundingly finished within the Top 20 and then lapped the course again.
“It’s all about the kids,” Martha said, “and as I began to work with them, I got to know them. I celebrated along with them on Saturday; their hard work and determination really paid off!”
The proceeds from the race will go to support the nearly 1,000 Cunningham youth and families that are served each year. The race results can be viewed at runsignup.com.