Calling all superheroes large and small to participate in the fourth annual CASA of McKean County Superhero 5K and Kids Fun Run on April 27.

The event includes a 5K run/walk and a kids’ fun run for youngsters 10 and under. Youngsters can take part in the KaPow! Kids Fun Zone, where they can engage in a variety of activities including being able to get superhero tattoos, color superhero masks and get a chance to have their photo taken with various superhero props.

“Every child needs a hero,” said Suzy Meyer-Page, executive director of CASA of McKean County, “but abused and neglected children need superheroes. The Court Appointed Special Advocates program is focused on advocating for children who experience abuse and neglect to give these children a consistent, caring adult who will be there for them, no matter what. Since May of 2015, CASA volunteers have logged nearly 4,000 hours of volunteer advocacy for children in McKean County. “

The 5K run/walk will start at 8 a.m. in front of the Bradford Family YMCA at 59 Boylston St. Runners and walkers will proceed down Boylston Street, turn left onto Mechanic Street, turn right onto Barbour Street, then left onto Campus Drive. They will turn around at the water station in front of the Richard E. and Ruth McDowell Sport and Fitness Center and follow the course in reverse back to the Y.

Volunteers will be on hand at intersections to make sure all of the superheroes get through the course safely.

Though the run/walk is intended to be fun, it will be timed. An awards ceremony will follow at 9 a.m. at which time medals will be given to the top male and female finishers in several categories: 14 and younger, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and 60 and above.

All participants are encouraged to dress up as their favorite superhero or as their own invented superhero. At the awards ceremony, those with the most creative superhero costumes will receive Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce gift certificates.

Celebrity judges will be on the lookout for the most creative costumes and will award prizes for Best Dressed Adult Male Superhero, Best Dressed Superhero Boy, Best Dressed Adult Female Superhero, Best Dressed Superhero Girl, Best Dressed Superhero Baby and Best Dressed Superhero Group.

The Kids Fun Run will begin at 9:15 a.m. Armed with their superhero capes, the youngsters will get a chance to show off their super-human abilities while chasing an evil villain and protecting the community.

Participants are encouraged to register by April 8. The registration fee for the run/walk is $25 for those 15 and older and $10 for youths 14 and younger. Each participant will receive a T-shirt. Registration for the Kids Fun Run is $5, which includes a cape.

Anyone registering after April 8, will pay an extra $5. While T-shirts are guaranteed for those registering before the deadline, they will be limited for those registering late.

Registration forms are available at the YMCA, on the CASA of McKean County Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CASAMcKean or at CASA’s website at casamckean.org. Completed forms and registration fees should be turned in at the YMCA or the CASA office to the McKean County Courthouse, 500 W. Main Street, Smethport, PA 16749. Checks are payable to CASA of McKean County.

Volunteers will be at the YMCA from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. April 26, for those racers who want to pick up their packets early as well as for those who still need to register. Additionally, last-minute registrants can register at 7 a.m. the day of the event.

The majority of funding for CASA of McKean County has been directly from the community, including the United Way of Bradford, Smethport, and Port Allegany. The program does not receive any direct funding from the state and $1,500 from the county. All proceeds from the event will enable new and existing volunteers to be trained and supported to advocate for more children.

The 5K run/walk kicks off an entire day of child-centered activities at the YMCA, including Kids Fest, which is sponsored by the Collaborative Board of McKean County, and Healthy Kids Day, conducted by the Y.

“We encourage participants of the Superhero 5K and Kids Fun Run to stick around to enjoy the fun activities that the Kids Fest event has to offer,” Meyer-Page said.