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Evildoers Beware: Superheroes To Run All Over The Horse Park This Weekend

CASA of Lexington

A non-profit group that advocates for abused and neglected children is holding one of its biggest fundraisers of the year this weekend.  CASA of Lexington, which stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates, brings its fourth annual Superhero Run to the Kentucky Horse Park this Saturday.  Executive Director Melynda Jamison says participants are especially encouraged to wear their superhero costumes.

The activities will include a 1K for children 12 and under, followed by a 5K for all ages.  The 5K will not be your typical race; in addition to many participants wearing costumes, there will be superhero figurines along the course which can be picked up and redeemed for prizes at the finish.  There are over $25,000 worth of prizes for the event.  At the conclusion of the races, there will be awards, costume contests and a variety of activities including face painting, make your own comic and superhero mask, inflatables, games, superheroes and more. 

Superman was adopted, Spiderman was raised by his uncle.  Batman grew up with his butler, Alfred, and later took in Robin to raise as his ward.  Thor was kicked out of Asgard by his dad but eventually reunified with his family.  Few superheroes grow up in a typical family situation raised by their own parents, yet they all accomplished great things as adults.  CASA, a nonprofit that advocates for children who’ve experienced abuse or neglect, believes all children deserve the chance to grow up happy and healthy and become superhero adults themselves.

In 2015, local CASA volunteers gave 347 children a voice in court, a cause for celebration.  Yet sadly, more than 1,100 additional children in Lexington are in need of help.  It is vital that CASA receive financial support from the community to sustain and expand their services, to bridge the gap between the children currently served and the many, many more that desperately need the help of CASA. 

“CASA is an opportunity to impact the lives of abused and neglected children.  We depend on fundraisers like the CASA Superhero Run to provide advocacy to vulnerable children,” said Bryanna Carroll, Board Chair of CASA of Lexington.

That is why CASA of Lexington is hosting the CASA Superhero Run.  The run raises funds and awareness to provide children who’ve been abused or neglected with the powerful voice of their very own CASA volunteer.  Children with CASA volunteers are more likely to receive therapy, health care and education, more likely to do better in school, less likely to be bounced from one place to another, less likely to get stuck in long-term foster care and significantly more likely to reach safe, permanent homes than children without CASA.

The run welcomes walkers and participants of all ages.  Capes and tights are optional, but race organizers ensure they make it more fun! 

“The superhero run is fun for all ages and a great way to spend a Saturday,” said Carroll.

Registration is available at packet pickup at the CASA office located at 1155 Red Mile Place Thursday, September 8 and Friday, September 9 from 4 PM to 6:30 PM and day of race outside Alltech Arena.  Current registration is $30 for the 5K and $20 for the 1K (12 and under.)  Day of registration is $35 for the 5K and $25 for the 1K.  All children 12 and under participating will receive a custom cape.  Commissioner Chris Ford will kick off the day with the 1K at 8:30 AM, the 5K and other events will follow.