Youth Challenge Superhero Dash a Blast

Batman, Batgirl, Superman, Wonder Woman and even a life-size hotdog were spotted on the streets of Lakewood recently when more than 260 runners and walkers joined in the Youth Challenge Superhero Dash.  The 28th Annual Race Day took place on Saturday, September 14, at Lakewood Park. The event was dedicated to the memory of Dave Hardman, former President of the Youth Challenge Board of Trustees.           

(See Race Day Photos.)

Members of the community, Youth Challenge families and friends—many dressed as Superheroes--ran or walked in the 5K and 1 Mile Walk/Roll. Close to $10,000 was raised from the annual event to benefit Youth Challenge (YC), a nonprofit that provides adapted sports and recreational opportunities to children with physical disabilities. Trained teen volunteers are paired one-on-one with participants to play, socialize and have fun.  YC serves children throughout Northeast Ohio and has offices in Westlake and Shaker Heights. 

Volunteer groups from Metro-West Kiwanis, Nurenburg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy and Lakewood’s H2O, Help to Others, pitched in to help make Race Day a great success.

The Superhero Dash was sponsored by American Tank & Fabricating, Nurenburg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy Co., LPA, Cleveland Clinic Children’s Fairview Hospital Pediatric ED, Oatey Co., Linda & Doug Hardman and Orthopaedic Associates. Bruegger's Bagels and Giant Eagle Westlake provided food and water for the runners.

For more information about how you can get involved with Youth Challenge visit youthchallengesports.com.