Mountain’s Edge to host Superhero 5K Event

Join the battle against childhood cancer and be a hero to children with cancer during the Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada’s annual Superhero 5K with Chet Buchanan. One of the nonprofit’s largest fundraisers, the proceeds from the event help continue its mission of providing emotional support, quality of life programs and financial assistance for children and their families affected by childhood cancer. The 5K race, 1-mile walk and numerous other activities will be Sept. 9 at Exploration Park in Mountain’s Edge.

There are several ways to help. Sign up to run the 5K or participate in the 1-mile walk; invite family, friends, neighbors and co-workers to form a team and fundraiser for prizes; or come and cheer on all the racers, walkers and cancer survivors. Teams can register online by 5 p.m. on Sept. 6 to qualify for awards. Register in person at the Candlelighters office before or on Sept. 6, or at Mountain’s Edge on race day from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. Attendees — and well-behaved leashed pets — also are encouraged to dress up as superheroes, reflective of the courage kids with cancer exhibit every day.

Activities also include a kids area with a bounce house and games, a bone marrow drive hosted by Be The Match, an awards ceremony for timed runners, food, refreshments and raffle prizes. Attendees can enjoy Exploration Park amenities, including a water play area, replicas of a Western town and Indian village and companion playground and archaeology dig site, picnic areas and walking and hiking trails.

In addition, participants can show support for this year’s Superhero Ambassadors and honor the Angel Ambassador. The Superhero Ambassadors are Kaila Elder, 13, who has embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, and Benji Sanchez, 3, who has choroid plexus carcinoma. The Angel Ambassador is Lucas Ahlbach, who was 10 years old when he lost his battle with cancer. They were chosen as ambassadors for their courage, spirit and bravery in dealing with their cancer and serving as inspirations for those around them and others battling the deadly disease.

Participants who reach certain fundraising levels will receive incentives. One is a unique T-shirt designed by Super Ambassador Kaila. School, family and organization teams raising more than $5,000 will be invited to the event VIP area featuring shaded areas with seating, breakfast, mini massages, a swag grab and private restrooms.

The opening ceremonies begin at 7:30 a.m., with the race at 8 a.m. and walk at 8:15 a.m. Festivities continue until 11 a.m. Exploration Park is just south of the main entrance of Mountain’s Edge, 9275 S. Buffalo Drive.

The Superhero 5K with Chet Buchanan is presented by Hakkasan Group with major sponsors Centennial Toyota, Mountain’s Edge, CBS Radio, 8 News Now and The Revolution Changing Lives.

Visit www.candlelightersnv.org or call 702-737-1919 for more information, registration and volunteer and participation opportunities.