WANTED: Superheros for kids battling cancer

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.

The morning event and festivities are planned for Sept. 15 at Exploration Park in Mountain’s Edge in southwest Las Vegas.

Now in its 30th year, the Superhero 5K race and 1-mile walk has grown to be one of the nonprofit’s largest fundraisers.

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 raise money for prizes; challenge yourself with several thousand other participants for the race or walk; or come and cheer on all of the racers, walkers and cancer survivors. Volunteer and sponsorship opportunities also are available.

New this year, the first 500 people to register will receive a free cape; carnival games will be added in the Kids Zone, which has slides and an obstacle course; and Ellis Island Casino &Brewery is hosting a beer garden for those 21 and older.

Other event activities include opening ceremonies, warmup by TruFusion, an awards ceremony for timed runners, a bone marrow drive hosted by Be The Match, music from DJ CO1, booths, food and 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, an archaeology dig site, picnic areas and walking and hiking trails.

Other prize opportunities are based on fundraising levels. Participants who raise $100 receive a cellphone exercise sleeve; $250, a Bluetooth 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.

Candlelighters choose 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 of 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 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 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 to 7:30 a.m., warmup 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 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 help through a variety of emotional help, quality of life and financial support programs.

The Superhero 5K with Chet Buchanan is presented by Centennial Toyota. Other sponsors are Mountain’s Edge, Entercom, Take 5 to Care, The Revolution, Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada, Colliers International, Glen Lerner Injury Attorneys, Southwest Gas and iDrink.

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

Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada is the first and oldest nonprofit organization in Nevada serving children, from birth to 21 years old, and families coping with childhood cancer.

Its mission is to provide emotional support, quality of life programs and financial aid for children and their families affected by childhood cancer.

Since its establishment 37 years ago, Candlelighters has helped thousands of families and serves 125 families each month and as many as 600 children per year.