Be a Superhero for Kids Battling Cancer; Sign Up to Run, Walk, Have Fun for Candlelighters Sept. 15 at Mountain’s Edge’s Exploration Park
Grab a cape and be a superhero to support kids with cancer and the local nonprofit Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada at the Superhero 5K with Chet Buchanan.
Superhero Ambassador James Kish, 10
The morning event and festivities are Saturday, Sept. 15 at Exploration Park in the Mountain’s Edge Master Planned Community in southwest Las Vegas. Now in its 30th year, the Superhero 5K race and one-mile walk has grown to be one of the nonprofit’s largest fundraisers.
Candlelighters Superheroes
There are several ways to help and get involved. In keeping with the event theme, attendees ‒ and well-behaved leashed pets ‒ are encouraged to dress up as superheroes, reflective of the courage that kids with cancer exhibit every day. Invite family, friends, neighbors and co-workers to form a team and fundraise for prizes; challenge yourself along with several thousand other participants for the race or walk; or come and cheer on all the racers, walkers and cancer survivors. Volunteer and sponsorship opportunities also are available.
Superhero Ambassador Alexa Garin, age 7
New this year, the first 500 people to register will receive a free cape; carnival games will be added in the Kids Zone which also has slides and an obstacle course; and Ellis Island Hotel, Casino & Brewery is hosting a beer garden (must be 21). Other event activities include opening ceremonies, warm-up by TruFusion, awards ceremony for timed runners, bone marrow drive hosted by Be The Match, music from DJ CO1, booths, food and refreshments, and raffle prizes. Attendees also can enjoy Exploration Park amenities, including a water play area, replicas of a western town and Indian village and companion playground, archaeology dig site, picnic areas, walking and hiking trails, and more.
Other prize opportunities are based on fundraising levels. Participants who raise $100 receive a cell phone exercise sleeve; $250, a blue tooth speaker; $500, a wristwatch fitness tracker; and $1,000, access into the VIP area and a pair of Beats Bluetooth headphones. The VIP tent features shaded areas with seating, breakfast, mini massages, a swag grab and private restrooms.
Each year, Candlelighters chooses event ambassadors for their courage, spirit and bravery in dealing with their cancer and for serving as inspirations to those around them and others battling the deadly disease in all its forms. This year’s Angle Ambassador is Cooper Ricciardi, who was 18 years old when he lost his battle with leukemia. Alexa Garin, 7, who has Wilms Tumor, and James Kish, 10, who has Grade 4 Glioblastoma Multiforme, are the Superhero Ambassadors.
Key registration dates for the Superhero 5K with Chet Buchanan are:
- Online: Team registration at www.candlelightersnv.org by 5 p.m. on Sept. 14 to qualify for any awards
- In Person: At the Candlelighters office by Sept. 14 or on race day from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.
- By Mail: Postmarked by Sept. 12 to Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada, 8990 Spanish Ridge Ave., Ste. 100, Las Vegas, NV 89148
- Key event day times are: registration from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30a.m., warm-up at 7:15 a.m., opening ceremonies at 7:30 a.m., and the race and walk at 8 a.m. Festivities will continue until 11 a.m.
- The cost to participate is $40 for age 9 and older by Aug. 30, $45 for age 9 and older Sept. 1-15,
- $15 for ages 3 to 9 through Sept. 15, and free under age 3.
- Exploration Park is just south of the main entrance of Mountain’s Edge, 9275 S. Buffalo Drive.
Event proceeds allow Candlelighters to provide children with cancer and their families with needed help through a variety of emotional assistance, quality of life and financial support programs.
The Superhero 5K with Chet Buchanan is presented by Centennial Toyota. Other sponsors are Mountain’s Edge Master Planned Community, Entercom, Take 5 to Care, The Revolution, Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada, Colliers International, Glen Lerner Injury Attorneys, Southwest Gas and iDrink.
Visit www.candlelightersnv.org or call (702) 737-1919 for more information, registration, and volunteer and participation opportunities.