Anyone looking to exercise, help out a good cause and dress in their finest superhero attire will finally have a place to bring it all together this weekend at the Wildcats to the Rescue 5K. The event takes place this Saturday on the UA Mall by Old Main.

The event was put on in part by Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Academic Initiatives and Student Success and Faculty Fellows.

The race can bring out individuals from the running, charity and superhero communities. Runners will have a chance to shine, those who enjoy charitable acts will feel right at home and even superhero fans will have an event to participate in other than Comic-Con.

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Beyond dressing up like one, you can feel like a superhero at this event by participating, because all proceeds from the run go toward raising funds for the Diamond Children’s Child Life Team.

This is a team through the Diamond Children’s Medical Center at Banner Health that wants to expand health care opportunities for critically ill children in Tucson, and they provide a safe, nurturing environment for these children as they receive the medical care they need. The team supports children and their families as they go through this difficult time.

“This run is an opportunity for UA students, faculty and staff to get together with members of the community to support a cause that touches the lives of many in the Tucson area,” Jenny Kuzmic, fitness and wellness coordinator with Campus Recreation, said. “By participating in this event, students will hopefully feel a deeper connection with the Tucson community. Additionally, they may find a desire to help beyond the money they donate and actually volunteer with the Child Life Team in the future.”

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The run is free to participate in but also has a suggested donation of $10. Also, participants must pre-register for the run beforehand.

At the event itself, runners can also donate by stocking up on superhero supplies, such as capes and masks, available for purchase at the race so that any last-minute superheroes can prepare to save the day.

Additionally, raffle tickets will be available at the race, with prizes including UA apparel and gift cards to local restaurants. Pre-registered race participants can pick up two raffle tickets when they arrive to the event, and additional raffle tickets cost $1 each or six for $5. Also, participants must be present at the event to win the raffle, which will begin at 5 p.m. 

Although some people typically think of running when they think of 5Ks, this is by no means the only option for participants. Event participants can run if they wish, but they can also walk, jog, stroll, roll, maybe even fly. After all, the event is superhero themed.

“It’s important for all of us to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. Participating in a run that benefits the Child Life Program at the Diamond Children’s Medical Center is a way to keep our own life challenges in perspective,” said Katie Maxwell, a senior lecturer in accounting, the director of accounting undergraduate programs in the Eller College of Management and a UA Bookstore faculty fellow. “The race provides an opportunity for us to gather together and help another part of campus achieve their mission of serving children and families facing a medical issue.”

Check-in for the 5K begins Saturday at 3 p.m., and the race starts at 4 p.m. The first 250 people to check in will also receive a free t-shirt.

Whether you consider yourself more of a superhero, a sidekick, a super villain, an anti-hero or whatever else can be dreamed up out of a comic book, all are welcome to come out this Saturday to help save the day.

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