CASA Superhero 5K and Kids 1 Mile

The 12th Annual CASA Superhero Run: Spidey Edition

Powered by CMA’s Lynchburg Dealerships

Registration opens July 1

Get ready to suit up and swing into action at the 12th Annual CASA Superhero Run on Saturday, November 7, 2026 at Percival’s Island Trail.

Inspired by everyone’s favorite friendly neighborhood web slinger, this year’s race celebrates the idea that with great power comes great responsibility. CASA volunteers live that truth every day as they step up to advocate for children experiencing abuse and neglect.

Whether you are racing for a personal record, walking with friends, or cheering on a young superhero, this high energy, family friendly event helps CASA recruit, train, and support volunteer advocates for children in foster care across our community.

From speedy runners to our legendary Couch Crusaders, there is a place in this adventure for everyone.

 
🏃‍♂️ 5K Run: Web Warriors

Ready to put your superhero speed to the test? Our professionally timed 5K Run is perfect for runners who want to unleash their inner hero.

Participants receive a race shirt or cape, swag bag, and finisher medal as they take on the scenic course along the James River. Awards will be given to the top 3 in each age and gender group.

Start time: 10:00 AM

Whether you sprint like a superhero or power through like a determined defender, every step helps children in foster care.

 
🚶‍♀️ 5K Walk: Friendly Neighborhood Heroes

Prefer to take your mission at a more relaxed pace? Our 5K Walk is perfect for walkers who want to show their superhero spirit while enjoying the beautiful river trail.

Walkers will receive a race shirt or cape, swag bag, and finisher medal, and times will be officially recorded.

Start time: 10:05 AM

This is a non-competitive event, so gather your friends, wear your best superhero gear, and enjoy the journey.

💥 Combined race cap of 550 across the 5K run and walk events. Secure your spot before registration fills up.

 
🦸 Kids 1 Mile Fun Run: Spidey Sidekicks

Calling all young heroes! The Kids 1 Mile Fun Run is designed for children ages 12 and under who are ready to dash into action and earn their superhero bragging rights.

Every participant receives a cape and finisher medal after completing the one mile course.

Start time: 11:45 AM

Waves
Wave 1: Kids Only
Adults are not allowed to run with their child in Wave 1.
Parents must pick up a security bracelet for child check in and check out during packet pickup.

Wave 2: Kids plus one parent
A parent may run or walk alongside their child. Parent registration is not required.

Wave 3: Kids in strollers and a parent or guardian

One additional parent or guardian may be added to wave 2 or 3 during registration with the purchase of a $5 ticket.

⚠️ Race cap: The combined cap for the Kids 1 Mile Fun Run is 250 participants, so register early to secure your spot.

Please note that the Kids Fun Run is not timed, and waves will start approximately one minute apart.

 
🛋️ 0.0 Mile Couch Crusader: Hero From Home

Not a runner? No problem. Every superhero team needs supporters behind the scenes.

Our 0.0 Mile Couch Crusader option lets you support CASA from the comfort of your own home. You will still receive a race shirt and swag bag, and you can feel great knowing your participation helps provide a voice for children in foster care.

No running shoes required.

💰 Entry Fees (Register Early and Save!)

5K Run/Walk (Ages 8+)
• By Sept. 20: $35
• Sept. 21 – Nov. 6: $40

Kids 1 Mile (Ages 12 and under)
• $20 through Nov. 6

Couch Crusader: 
$30 (includes packet shipping)

⏰ No race day registration. Registration closes at 5 PM on Nov. 6. 

 
🦸‍♀️ Family Discount: Super Squad Savings

Register 4 to 6 family members and save $5 per person! (Applies to registration fees only.) Build your own superhero squad and save while supporting CASA.

 
🕸️ Race for Free – Fundraise Like a Hero

Become a CASA Superhero Fundraiser! Raise $250 and we’ll refund your registration fee. Even better, you’ll help CASA recruit and support more advocates for children in foster care.

Set up your fundraising page when you register or log into your RunSignUp account later.

 
🏅 Superhero Swag

• Race Shirt or Cape: All 5K and Couch Crusader participants (register by Oct. 10 to guarantee yours)
• Kids 1 Mile: Cape + swag bag
• Finisher Medals: For all 5K and Kids 1 Mile heroes
(Couch Crusaders, we appreciate your heroic support from home, but medals are reserved for those who complete the course.)

 
🧑‍🎤 Costume Contest: Spidey Style

Capes, masks, web slingers, and superhero gear are encouraged! Whether you come dressed as your favorite web slinging hero or create your own original superhero identity, the Costume Contest is always a crowd favorite.

Family friendly costumes only, please. Judges will award prizes for creativity, style, and superhero spirit. More details on our categories will be announced soon.

 
🏆 Awards Ceremony

• Top 3 male/female overall
• Masters male/female
• Top 3 per male/female age group (5K Run only)
• Costume contest awards and door prizes

🎉 Awards begin around 11:00 AM. Must be present to win door prizes.
Kids costume awards will be announced after the fun run (approximately 12:15 PM).

 
🚗 Parking on Race Day

Parking details will be shared in your Race Guide at packet pickup and online the week before the event.

We offer free shuttle service from nearby downtown Lynchburg parking lots to make race morning easy and convenient. Look for signs and friendly volunteers ready to help guide you to Percival’s Island Trail.

 
💧 Race Day Hydration & Refueling Stations

Even superheroes need to recharge!

• 5K Course: One water station near the halfway point
• Kids Run: A quick water stop for our young heroes
• Finish Line: Refreshments and snacks available for all participants

 
🚫 Refund Policy

All registrations are non-refundable and non-transferable. Please plan accordingly before registering, as we are unable to offer deferrals or transfers to other events or future years.

 
👶 Stroller Policy

Strollers are discouraged due to the narrow course. If you must bring one, please:

• Start at the back of the pack
• Stay to the right side of the path
• No side by side strollers due to course width

This helps ensure a safe and smooth race for all participants.

 
🎧 Headphone Policy

For safety on this narrow out and back course, headphones are discouraged. Please remain aware of your surroundings and other participants during the race.

 
♿ Assisted Athletes Welcome

We welcome heroes of all abilities.

• Both the assisted athlete and the pusher must register and sign the waiver
• Each receives half price registration
• Assisted athlete teams will receive a 3 to 5 minute head start for safety
• Designated parking assistance will be available

 
🐶 Pet Policy

As much as we love furry companions, pets are not allowed on the race course for safety reasons.

NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION

Thursday, October 30, 2025
11:00am - 6:00pm

Friday, October 31, 2025
11:00am - 2:00pm

Riverside Runners
2480 Rivermont Avenue
Lynchburg, VA  24503

Saturday, November 1, 2025 (RACE DAY)
9:00am - 9:30am

Percival's Island (Downtown)
1600 Concord Turnpike
Lynchburg, VA  24504

NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION

T-Shirts and Capes:  

5K run or walk will receive a custom-designed t-shirt or cape (register by October 10th to guarantee your shirt or cape) and a swag bag at packet pickup. Shirts are a super soft, preshrunk cotton blend and unisex sizing.  Kids 1 Mile participants will receive a cape and swag bag. We will have limited quantities of t-shirts and capes available for those that register after October 10th.

Custom Finisher Medal:  Who doesn't love a medal? All 5K and Kids 1 Mile Fun Run participants will receive a unique Finisher Medal at our finish line race day.

*Finisher medals are not awarded to our Couch Crusaders

Entry Fees (Register Early and Save Galactic Credits!)

5K Run/Walk (Ages 8+):
By Sept. 15: $35
Sept. 16 – Nov. 1: $40

Kids 1 Mile Fun Run (12 & under):
$20 through Nov. 1

Couch Crusader:
$30 (includes packet shipping)

⏰ No race day registration. Registration closes at 5 PM on Fri. Oct. 31st.

 
🦸‍♀️ Family Discount: Jedi Council Deal

Register 4 to 6 family members and save $5 per person! (Applies to registration fees only.) Yes, even the Skywalker family can save.

 
🪙 Race for Free – Fundraise Like a Rebel

Become a CASA Superhero Fundraiser! Raise $250 and we’ll refund your registration fee—plus, you’ll help us reach new galaxies of support.

🖖 Set up your fundraising page when you register or log into your RunSignUp account later.

In the interest of promoting healthy youth running and development in our community, please consider the recommended and researched youth running guidelines provided by the Lynchburg Road Runners Club. These were developed after considering the recommendations of the Cleveland Clinic and guidelines of the Road Runners Club of America pertaining to healthy ages for youth participation in races.

1 Mile                5 and over
3.1 Mile Run     8 and over (age limit for 5K)

Lightsabers, capes, helmets, and utility belts—let your imagination soar! Whether you're a Wookiee warrior, a Mandalorian, or your favorite Marvel hero, the Costume Contest is a crowd favorite. Family-friendly costumes only, please. Judges will award out-of-this-world prizes for creativity and flair.

Awards will be given to the top three overall male and female finishers, top overall male and female masters finishers, as well as the top three in each age/gender category for the 5K Run.

Age Group Category
Overall
Masters Overall
Ages 8-9
Ages 10-12
Ages 13-15
Ages 16-19
Ages 20-24
Ages 25-29
Ages 30-34
Ages 35-39
Ages 40-44
Ages 45-49
Ages 50-54
Ages 55-59
Ages 60-64
Ages 65-69
Ages 70+

Awards will not be given in the 5K Walk or Kids 1 Mile. Awards will also be given to those with the best costumes (see above). Our award ceremony will begin at 11:00am. Costume contest awards in the kids categories will be announced after the kids run (approximately 12:15). If you are unable to stay for the awards ceremony, you can pick up your age group award at Riverside Runners starting on Monday, November 3RD.

If you win a costume contest prize but can't stay for the ceremony, you can arrange to pick up your prize from the CASA office. Just use the contact us button below.  

There will be one water stop for the 5k (near the halfway point) and one for the kids run. Kids run participants will receive a snack bag at the finish line. 5k participants will have access to food and drinks at our finish line food tent.

Refund Policy:
All registrations are non-refundable and non-transferable. Registrations cannot be deferred to the next year or transferred to another person or event.

Stroller Policy:
Due to the narrow path of the course, strollers are discouraged in the 5K for safety purposes. If you choose to push a stroller, you must start in the back and stay on the right side of the path at all times. Because the course is out and back and the path is narrow, strollers cannot line up side-by-side. This is for the safety of all participants.

Headphone Policy: 
For safety reasons, please do not wear headphones while running or walking on the course. The course is narrow and out and back so you will need to be race aware at all times.

Assisted Athletes Information: 
Assisted athletes with disabilities are welcome. Both the assisted athlete and the pusher must register and sign the waiver but will each only pay half price for registration. Please register as an assisted athlete team to get your discount. Assisted athletes will have a 3-5 minute advance start for course safety purposes. On race day, please go to the front of the starting line and our team will get you lined up. We will also have several parking spaces reserved near the event. Please look for our parking attendants and let them know you are an assisted athlete team.

Pet Policy: 
For the safety of your pets and those attending the event, dogs and other pets are not permitted.

Parking on Race Day:
Parking information will be available in your race guide at packet pickup and online the week before the race. We are working at the speed of light to once again provide free shuttle service to several large downtown parking lots. Stay tuned!