Become a Super Hero

Being a superhero doesn’t mean you need supernatural powers like Superman, Batman or Wonder Woman.

In fact, you can become a superhero on Feb. 22 by signing up to run the 2nd annual Super Hero Dash 5K or 1.5 mile fun run at Angelo State University.

Even better, you’re encouraged to run or walk the event dressed up like your favorite superhero. It’s a family-friendly event, so dig out those Super Hero Halloween costumes, bring the kids and have a fun Saturday morning.

Every participant will be a superhero because all proceeds from the event benefit the San Angelo chapter of AMBUCS (www.ambucs.org), a nonprofit organization that provides therapeutic trykes to children with disabilities.

These unique tricycles, which can be hand and/or foot operated, are designed to accommodate riders of all ages, sizes and varying degrees of physical limitations.

Physical and occupational therapists cite multiple therapeutic benefits of using the trykes to include improved motor skills, strength development and self-esteem.

The cost of each therapeutic tryke ranges from $400 to more than $1,200, and there are currently more than 60 individuals in Texas and more than 4,000 nationally on a waiting list.

The Super Hero 5K is organized by the Angelo State Physical Therapy Association as part of the club’s ongoing effort to serve people with physical disabilities.

Brandy Smalstig, an ASU student and the Physical Therapy Association’s president, says the event is family-friendly.

“We encourage families to bring their kids, dress everyone up like their favorite superhero and enjoy a fun event that raises money for a good cause,” Smalstig said. “There will be a prize for the best costume, awards for each race category and raffle prizes will be given away after the race.”

The Super Hero Dash course starts and finishes in front of the Houston Harte University Center on the ASU campus.

Runners and walkers will follow a route that heads west from the university center to Rosemont Drive, south on Rosemont to Dena Drive and then east along Dena toward Johnson Street.

Prior to reaching Johnson, the course will turn back onto the ASU campus and follow sidewalks as it winds around by the library and administration building and then back to the university center.

This is a safe and proven course that has been used in previous years for races such as the ASUFit Turkey Trot and the Heart Walk.

Participants doing the 1.5 mile fun run will complete one lap, with 5K runners doing two laps of the course.

The event will start at 9 a.m. with on-site days of event registration opening at 8 a.m. at the start/finish area.

You can also sign up online through Feb. 21 by visiting https://secure.getmeregistered.com/get_information.php?event_id=10204.

The entry cost is $15 if you preregister, $20 on race day, and best of all — it’s free for kids 12 and younger.

Participants who sign up by Feb. 20 will also receive an event T-shirt on race day.

This event will provide a great chance for anyone to become a superhero, so it doesn’t matter if you’re fast or slow, old or young or male or female. Just sign up for the event, help the Physical Therapy Association raise funds for handicapped trykes, and you’ll be putting your supernatural powers to work for a great cause.

For more information, visit angelo.edu/asufit.

Remember — if you race the Super Hero Dash you will become a superhero.


Upcoming Events

Feb. 22: Trail running series #2, roadlizards.org
Feb. 22: Super Hero Dash, angelo.edu/asufit
March 8: Trail running series #3, roadlizards.org
March 22: Crazy Desert Trail Race, roadlizards.org
March 22: Steam-N-Wheels cycling race and tour, Abilene, bikereg.com/Net/steam-n-wheels
April 5: Bikes for Trykes cycling tour, eventbrite.com/contact-organizer?eid=10199820939