Editor’s note: Hancock 4 Kids kicks off its Free Family Fun Summer Series this weekend with the seventh annual Superhero 5K and Kids Dash. The event starts at 9:45 a.m. Saturday, June 10 at the Hancock County Courthouse Plaza in downtown Greenfield. Mikel Theobald, a co-director of the nonprofit group, answers questions about the event and how to join in.
Daily Reporter: How has the Superhero 5K changed over the years?
Mikel Theobald: We have grown the event each year and this year we will kick off our Free Family Fun Summer Series by bringing our Family Fun tent to the plaza — yard games, sidewalk chalk art, meet & greets with Belle and Elsa, bubbles, snacks and more! Everyone is welcome to join in the fun under the tent; participation in the 5k is not required. Another new focus this year — we want to acknowledge and thank local superheroes by offering free 5k registration for law enforcement, fire and EMT personnel, educators, military and healthcare professionals. We are excited for children and families to engage with these local heroes during the event.
DR: Can you describe the atmosphere?
MT: Joyful. It’s all about children and families. There is backdrop of music (courtesy of DJ Scottie Manners) and lots of laughter, cheering and encouragement for the participants of both the kids’ dash and the 5k. We also host a community vendor fair as part of the event. Local nonprofits will be on the plaza before, during, and after the 5k to share information about local resources, plus they’ll have giveaways and each brings a gift basket to be given away in a raffle at the end of the run.
DR: What do you like best about the 5K?
MT: Seeing children and their caregivers dressed in superhero costumes or superhero-themed T-shirts laughing together and enjoying the day is truly the best! Another new addition this year, we will have several prizes to give away for various costume categories.
To learn more, visit Hancock4Kids.org. Cost is $25 for youth through grade 12 and $40 for adults; the Kids’ Dash is free for children first grade and younger. Pre-registration ended June 5, but walk-in registrations the day of the event are accepted.