“Every child needs a hero, but abused children need superheroes.”

That’s the mission statement of the Austin, Texas-based Superhero Foundation and motivation for its Superhero Runs held in 30 cities across the country and in the Pittsburgh area on April 28.

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month and marks the tenth running of the Pittsburgh Superhero 5k Run and Walk and 1k Fun Run. The event will be held this Saturday at the pool area in Allegheny County’s North Park.

Superhero events begin at 9:30 with a national anthem performed by Jeff Jimerson followed by the family-friendly 1k fun run/walk. The chip-timed 5k run begins at 9:45 and the non-competitive 5k walk follows shortly thereafter. All events are held on the almost-level paved loop at the pool area and Pie Traynor Field.

Race director Erica Burg says that all runners and walkers, dogs and kids in strollers are welcome. Erika does request that strollers maintain the runners’ pace in the competitive 5k or participate in the non-timed fun walk/run.

All kids in the 1k event earn goodie bags with comic books and medals. Competitive awards in the 5k run include top three male and female finishers as well as finishers in age groups from 9 & Under through 65+. Kids are encouraged to dress as their favorite superhero for the kids’ costume contest following the competitive awards. There’s also a Best Dog Costume category in the awards presentation.

In last year’s 5k run, nearly 100 of the 540 5k race finishers were in the Age 9 & Under category. Pine-Richland Elementary School second graders participate each year as the final event in a curriculum that teaches kids what it means to be a hero.

There will be plenty of fun in addition to the run, including a DJ, bounce house, photo booth and face painting. Pittsburgh Penguin’s Iceburg as well as other mascots and characters will also be on hand.

Superhero 5k is good fun for a good cause. Pittsburgh was the second city to hold an event. Since 2009, the Pittsburgh event has raised more than $100,000 in support of CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates.

CASA volunteers act as advocates for abused or neglected children who have been placed into the court system. As Erika explains, CASA volunteers develop a relationship and are a good influence, a constant in a child’s life. They serve as the “eyes and ears” for an abused or neglected child in the foster care system and act as the child’s advocate in interactions with the judge and parents.

Erika has the job title of Chief Operating Superhero for the Superhero Foundation. It’s a title she’s held since 2008 when she felt called by co-worker and foundation creator Matt Curtin and personal circumstances to act for vulnerable kids.

Although the job is purely voluntary, Erika spends countless hours dedicated to the charity and the run in addition to working full time and raising two children. “I’m not a runner,” she says, “but on race day, I think I put in as many miles as the runners.”

Although online registration is now closed, you may register at Mojo Running in Seven Fields this Thursday, 4-7 p.m. You may also register on Saturday at North Park. For more information, visit www.pittsburghsuperherorun.org or call 412-760-0483.

To find out more about The Superhero Foundation, check out www.thesuperherofoundation.org. And to find out how you can become an advocate for abused or neglected children, visit www.casaforchildren.org or speak with a volunteer at Saturday’s event.

Upcoming events

Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m.: Run Club Group Run, Cranberry Township. Run from Mojo Running Store. 724-772-2808 or www.mojorunningpittsburgh.com

Thursdays, 6:30 p.m.: Shoes ‘n’ Brews, Valencia. Fun run or walk followed by social BYOB at Up’N’Running store. 724-898-2505

Saturdays, 8 a.m.: Up’N’Running Group Run, Valencia. Any level of runner or walker welcome, also spring marathon and half marathon training groups. 724-898-2525 or www.runpa.com

April 28, 9:30 a.m.: Superhero 5k and 1k Fun Walk, Allison Park. Starts at North Park Pool, costume contest, family activities. 412-760-0483 or www.pittsburghsuperherorun.org

April 28, 10 a.m.: Hero Dash and Splash 5k Trail Run and Walk, Franklin. Walk starts at 10:30. dbaker@sugarcreekborough.us

May 5, 8 a.m.: UPMC Health Plan/ UPMC Sports Medicine 5k, Pittsburgh. Kickoff race for Pittsburgh Marathon weekend from North Shore to downtown. www.thepittsburghmarathon.com/5k

May 5, 9:30 a.m.: Toyota Pittsburgh Kids Marathon 1 Mile, Pittsburgh. Run from North Shore to downtown. www.thepittsburghmarathon.com/kidsmarathon

May 6, 7 a.m.: Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, Half Marathon and Relay, Pittsburgh. www.thepittsburghmarathon.com/marathon

May 6, 9 a.m.: Punxsutawney Mason Lodge 5k/10k, Punxsutawney. Pviollella3@gmail.com

May 9, 6:30 p.m.: Muskie 5k Mini Marathon and 2 Mile Walk, Jamestown. 724-932-3186 or muskie5k@yahoo.com

May 12, 6:30 a.m.: Glacier Ridge Ultra (30k, 50k and 50 Miles), Moraine State Park. Starts at Pavilion 7, Daniels Boat Launch on North Shore. tamsuemcg@embarqumail.com

May 12, 8 a.m.: Love your Library 5k Race and Walk-a-Thon, Saegertown. 814-763-5203 or Saegertown.ccfls.org

May 12, 9 a.m.: John Thompson Memorial 5k, New Castle. 723-263-2171 or whutchison4973@yahoo.com

May 12, 7:45 p.m.: GLOW 5k and 1 Mile, Zelienople. Kids in strollers welcome. Ericseaman1986@gmail.com

May 13, 8:30 a.m.: ERC Mothers Day 5k, Erie. Starts on Lake Road at Beach 1. No dogs or strollers. runsignup.com/Race/PA/Erie/

May 13, 8:35 p.m.: Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 5k, Pittsburgh. Also 5k Walk and One Mile Fun Walk. www.komenpittsburgh.org

May 18, 6:30 p.m.: Mighty Moraine Man Spring Sprint Triathlon, Portersville. Starts at Moraine State Pak South Shore. www.mightymoraineman.com

May 18, 7 p.m.: Elderton 5k, Elderton. rfrailey@windstream.net

May 19, 8:55 a.m.: Mars Band on the Run 5k/ 10k and Kids Fun Run, Mars. www.marsband5k.com

May 19, 9 a.m.: Charlotte’s Run XXIX, Monaca. Fast course, great prizes. 724-312-0914 or xandres@comcast.net

May 20, 8 a.m.: Pocono Mountains Run for the Red Marathon, Pocono Summit. Choice of full or half marathon. info@poconomarathon.org

May 20, 9 a.m.: UPMC St. Margaret 5k, Aspinwall. Wilsonb2@upmc.edu or www.stmargaretfoundation.org/5K

May 26, 8 a.m.: Memorial Triathlon, New Brighton. recreation@nbarc.net or www.nbarc.net

Race results

Clarion River Half Marathon, March 31: Theo Reynolds, 1st Overall M, 1:13:33; Mindy Sawtelle-Zottola, 1st Overall W, 1:23:17; Melissa Conjack, 3rd Overall W, 1:31:21; Leslie Kramer, 1st Masters W, 1:32:54; Ben English, 2nd 30-34 M, 1:30:00; Mark Courtney, 1st 60-64 M, 1:30:43; Jacob Taciuch, 2nd 20-24 M, 1:31:41; Haley Redmond, 1st 20-24 W, 1:38:01; Tim Sloan, 3rd 45-49 M, 1:38:33; Rene Whiteman, 1st 35-39 W, 1:52:38; Debbie Courtney, 2nd 50-54 W, 1:59:05; Robert Crawford, 1st 70+ M, 2:18:02; Elizabeth Dickey, 1st 55-59 W, 2:45:22;

Seth Jenny, 1:25:32; Jeff Lynn, 1:33:39; John Armstrong, 1:36:53; Eric Peirce, 1:43:00; Steven Nichols, 1:43:00; Evan Andreyo, 1:49:50; Emily Unverzagt, 1:54:31; Casey Unverzagt, 1:54:31; Steve Drew, 2:16:07; Jessica Lampman, 2:41:07; Michael McNamara, 2:44:57

Clarion River 5k, March 31: Gabe Deyoung, 1st Overall M, 17:51; C J. Singleton, 2nd Overall M, 18:21; Jenny Fiscus, 1st Overall W, 18:37; Eric Weiland, 1st 50-54 M, 23:14; Steve Mix, 2nd 45-49 M, 25:26; Leah Chambers, 3rd 35-39 W, 26:54; Patti Dittman, 2nd 60-69 W, 30:24; Amanda Irwin, 1st 25-29 W, 31:04; Markus McHenry, 3rd 25-29 M, 32:21; Josiah Unverzagt, 26:07; Bereket Unverzagt, 26:08; Tamagn Unverzagt, 26:59; Dan Lorigan, 29:20; Katie McHenry, 33:15; Gregory Seybert, 34:37; David Whiteman, 35:54; Sonja Crawford, 35:59; Tabatha Mix, 37:14; Ellen Stickles, 43:48; Colleen Peirce, 44:37; Charles Sneeringer, 49:30; Lisa Borru, 50:40; Becky Coyer, 1:04:05

Race for Joe, March 31: Matthew Beveridge, 1st Overall M, 17:35; Keeley Misutka, 1st Overall W, 20:40; Todd Zeisler, 2nd 40-49 M, 24:56; Dan McCauley, 3rd 30-39 M, 24:57; Zach Zeisler, 3rd 20-29 M, 26:26; Amy McCauley, 2nd 30-39 W, 27:46; Jim Roach, 28:33; David Byers, 49:33; Ed Steinmetz, 1:00:29

Prep 4 Pitt Series Half Marathon, April 7: Jason McDowell, 1st Overall M, 1:28:06; Anna Balouris, 1st Overall W, 1:28:48; 2nd Overall M, Ed Masta, 1:34:56; Jacob Taciuch, 3rd Overall M, 1:35:45; John Armstrong, 1st 50-59 M, 1:43:31; Mark Courtney, 1st 60-69 M, 1:43:32; Adam Stillwagon, 1st 20-29 M, 1:45:36; Tim Sloan, 1st 40-49 M, 1:47:25; Tony Rhonda Maloney, 1st 50-59 W, 2:22:01; Janelle Fumerola, 2nd 40-49 W, 2:47:09; Sally Armstrong, 1st 60+ W, 4:40:21; Sunseri, 2:10:49; Jim Lakin, 2:17:13; Steve Drew, 2:28:14; William Woods, 2:47:08

Dirty Kiln Trail Half Marathon, April 7: Matt Lipsey, 1st Overall M, 1:38:45; Meira Minard, 1st Overall W, 1:59:19; Tammy Mcgaughey, 1st 50-59 W, 2:46:30; Jason Koss, 2:36:44; Mark Knapp, 2:40:51; Justine Pollack, 2:46:00; Ben Craven, 2:47:23; Gary Hayden, 3:31:23

Dirty Kiln Trail 5.5 Miler, April 7: AJ Kelly, 1st Overall M, 41:10; Larie Hall, 1st Overall W, 52:54

Run to Breathe Half Marathon, April 8: Patrick Moran, 1st Overall M, 1:26:47; Angela Taylor, 1st Overall W, 1:37:18; Matt Montellanico, 1st 20-29 M, 1:27:49; Jeff Lynn, 1st 50-59 M, 1:36:32; Laura Wentz, 1st 20-29 W, 1:45:43; Clint Hartle, 2nd 30-39 M, 1:47:25; Micci Hutterer, 1st 50-59 W, 1:56:08; Carrie Birchbichler-Smith, 2nd 30-39 W, 1:57:58; Mitchell McCleary, 2nd 19 & Under M, 2:10:10; Erika Campbell, 3rd 20-29 W, 2:10:18; Yvonne Jones, 1st 40-49 W, 2:11:23; Robert Crawford, 2nd 60+ M, 2:21:49; Cindy Grimm, 1st 60+ W, 2:24:52; Mitchell McCleary, 2nd 19 & Under M, 2:10:10; Mitchell McCleary, 2nd 19 & Under M, 2:10:10; Carol English, 3rd 60+ W, 2:47:11; Larry Ammon, 3rd 60+ M, 3:06:11; Jason Zollinger, 2:09:58; Greta Wintersteen, 2:10:58; Nicole Hays, 2:16:03; Sarah Hackenberg, 2:25:42; Laura Augustine, 2:39:21; Rowena Lavador, 2:43:20; Sabrina Mclaren, 2:56:31; Angela Breckenridge, 2:58:32; Tony Kovatch, 3:29:52

Run to Breathe 5k, April 8: Leslie Perry, 1st Overall M, 20:39; Cindy Suber, 1st Overall W, 26:51; Steve Lengel, 1at 60+ M, 21:03; Willie Wolford, 1st 40-49 M, 21:30; Blair Beck, 1st 19 & Under M, 22:37; Tyler Kiebler, 2nd 20-29 M, 22:53; Dave Suber, 2nd 60+ M, 24:06; Jim Beck, 1st 50-59 M, 24:59; Thomas Shipeck, 3rd 20-29 M, 25:37; Frank Trantine, 2nd 50-59 M, 26:09; Ken Purvis, 3rd 60+ M, 27:50; Calandra Verba, 1st 30-39 W, 28:49; Sydney Cuscino, 3rd 20-29 W, 30:49; Callie Baker, 3rd 19 & Under W, 31:13; Phil Baker, 3rd 30-39 M, 31:13; Debra Kuminkoski, 2nd 50-59 W, 37:48; Sonja Crawford, 2nd 60+ W, 40:01; Jamie Petroski, 3rd 40-49 M, 44:50; Ryan Purvis, 26:45; Lou Alaksin, 28:22; Curt Grimm, 29:51; Michelle Froilan, 41:55; Dezso Csizmadia, 42:39; Jamie Palumbo, 48:11

Send comments and suggestions: Patricia Neubert. Phone 724-352-4395. Email lotzak@consolidated.net

Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler EagleERCMothersDay5k?remMeAttempt=May 13, 8:35 P.M.: Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 5k, Pittsburgh. Also 5k Walk and One Mile Fun Walk. www.komenpittsburgh.orgMay 18, 6:30 P.M.: Mighty Moraine Man Spring Sprint Triathlon, Portersville. Starts at Moraine State Pak South Shore. www.mightymoraineman.comMay 18, 7 P.M.: Elderton 5k, Elderton. rfrailey@windstream.netMay 19, 8:55 A.M.: Mars Band on the Run 5k/ 10k and Kids Fun Run, Mars. www.marsband5k.comMay 19, 9 A.M.: Charlotte’s Run XXIX, Monaca. Fast course, great prizes. 724-312-0914 or xandres@comcast.netMay 20, 8 A.M.: Pocono Mountains Run for the Red Marathon, Pocono Summit. Choice of full or half marathon. info@poconomarathon.orgMay 20, 9 A.M.: UPMC St. Margaret 5k, Aspinwall. Wilsonb2@upmc.edu or www.stmargaretfoundation.org/5KMay 26, 8 A.M.: Memorial Triathlon, New Brighton. recreation@nbarc.net or www.nbarc.netRace results:Clarion River Half Marathon, March 31: Theo Reynolds, 1st Overall M, 1:13:33; Mindy Sawtelle-Zottola, 1st Overall W, 1:23:17; Melissa Conjack, 3rd Overall W, 1:31:21; Leslie Kramer, 1st Masters W, 1:32:54; Ben English, 2nd 30-34 M, 1:30:00; Mark Courtney, 1st 60-64 M, 1:30:43; Jacob Taciuch, 2nd 20-24 M, 1:31:41; Haley Redmond, 1st 20-24 W, 1:38:01; Tim Sloan, 3rd 45-49 M, 1:38:33; Rene Whiteman, 1st 35-39 W, 1:52:38; Debbie Courtney, 2nd 50-54 W, 1:59:05; Robert Crawford, 1st 70+ M, 2:18:02; Elizabeth Dickey, 1st 55-59 W, 2:45:22;Seth Jenny, 1:25:32; Jeff Lynn, 1:33:39; John Armstrong, 1:36:53; Eric Peirce, 1:43:00; Steven Nichols, 1:43:00; Evan Andreyo, 1:49:50; Emily Unverzagt, 1:54:31; Casey Unverzagt, 1:54:31; Steve Drew, 2:16:07; Jessica Lampman, 2:41:07; Michael McNamara, 2:44:57Clarion River 5k, March 31: Gabe Deyoung, 1st Overall M, 17:51; C J. Singleton, 2nd Overall M, 18:21; Jenny Fiscus, 1st Overall W, 18:37; Eric Weiland, 1st 50-54 M, 23:14; Steve Mix, 2nd 45-49 M, 25:26; Leah Chambers, 3rd 35-39 W, 26:54; Patti Dittman, 2nd 60-69 W, 30:24; Amanda Irwin, 1st 25-29 W, 31:04; Markus McHenry, 3rd 25-29 M, 32:21; Josiah Unverzagt, 26:07; Bereket Unverzagt, 26:08; Tamagn Unverzagt, 26:59; Dan Lorigan, 29:20; Katie McHenry, 33:15; Gregory Seybert, 34:37; David Whiteman, 35:54; Sonja Crawford, 35:59; Tabatha Mix, 37:14; Ellen Stickles, 43:48; Colleen Peirce, 44:37; Charles Sneeringer, 49:30; Lisa Borru, 50:40; Becky Coyer, 1:04:05Race for Joe, March 31: Matthew Beveridge, 1st Overall M, 17:35; Keeley Misutka, 1st Overall W, 20:40; Todd Zeisler, 2nd 40-49 M, 24:56; Dan McCauley, 3rd 30-39 M, 24:57; Zach Zeisler, 3rd 20-29 M, 26:26; Amy McCauley, 2nd 30-39 W, 27:46; Jim Roach, 28:33; David Byers, 49:33; Ed Steinmetz, 1:00:29Prep 4 Pitt Series Half Marathon, April 7: Jason McDowell, 1st Overall M, 1:28:06; Anna Balouris, 1st Overall W, 1:28:48; 2nd Overall M, Ed Masta, 1:34:56; Jacob Taciuch, 3rd Overall M, 1:35:45; John Armstrong, 1st 50-59 M, 1:43:31; Mark Courtney, 1st 60-69 M, 1:43:32; Adam Stillwagon, 1st 20-29 M, 1:45:36; Tim Sloan, 1st 40-49 M, 1:47:25; Tony Rhonda Maloney, 1st 50-59 W, 2:22:01; Janelle Fumerola, 2nd 40-49 W, 2:47:09; Sally Armstrong, 1st 60+ W, 4:40:21; Sunseri, 2:10:49; Jim Lakin, 2:17:13; Steve Drew, 2:28:14; William Woods, 2:47:08Dirty Kiln Trail Half Marathon, April 7: Matt Lipsey, 1st Overall M, 1:38:45; Meira Minard, 1st Overall W, 1:59:19; Tammy Mcgaughey, 1st 50-59 W, 2:46:30; Jason Koss, 2:36:44; Mark Knapp, 2:40:51; Justine Pollack, 2:46:00; Ben Craven, 2:47:23; Gary Hayden, 3:31:23Dirty Kiln Trail 5.5 Miler, April 7: AJ Kelly, 1st Overall M, 41:10; Larie Hall, 1st Overall W, 52:54Run to Breathe Half Marathon, April 8: Patrick Moran, 1st Overall M, 1:26:47; Angela Taylor, 1st Overall W, 1:37:18; Matt Montellanico, 1st 20-29 M, 1:27:49; Jeff Lynn, 1st 50-59 M, 1:36:32; Laura Wentz, 1st 20-29 W, 1:45:43; Clint Hartle, 2nd 30-39 M, 1:47:25; Micci Hutterer, 1st 50-59 W, 1:56:08; Carrie Birchbichler-Smith, 2nd 30-39 W, 1:57:58; Mitchell McCleary, 2nd 19 & Under M, 2:10:10; Erika Campbell, 3rd 20-29 W, 2:10:18; Yvonne Jones, 1st 40-49 W, 2:11:23; Robert Crawford, 2nd 60+ M, 2:21:49; Cindy Grimm, 1st 60+ W, 2:24:52; Mitchell McCleary, 2nd 19 & Under M, 2:10:10; Mitchell McCleary, 2nd 19 & Under M, 2:10:10; Carol English, 3rd 60+ W, 2:47:11; Larry Ammon, 3rd 60+ M, 3:06:11; Jason Zollinger, 2:09:58; Greta Wintersteen, 2:10:58; Nicole Hays, 2:16:03; Sarah Hackenberg, 2:25:42; Laura Augustine, 2:39:21; Rowena Lavador, 2:43:20; Sabrina Mclaren, 2:56:31; Angela Breckenridge, 2:58:32; Tony Kovatch, 3:29:52Run to Breathe 5k, April 8: Leslie Perry, 1st Overall M, 20:39; Cindy Suber, 1st Overall W, 26:51; Steve Lengel, 1at 60+ M, 21:03; Willie Wolford, 1st 40-49 M, 21:30; Blair Beck, 1st 19 & Under M, 22:37; Tyler Kiebler, 2nd 20-29 M, 22:53; Dave Suber, 2nd 60+ M, 24:06; Jim Beck, 1st 50-59 M, 24:59; Thomas Shipeck, 3rd 20-29 M, 25:37; Frank Trantine, 2nd 50-59 M, 26:09; Ken Purvis, 3rd 60+ M, 27:50; Calandra Verba, 1st 30-39 W, 28:49; Sydney Cuscino, 3rd 20-29 W, 30:49; Callie Baker, 3rd 19 & Under W, 31:13; Phil Baker, 3rd 30-39 M, 31:13; Debra Kuminkoski, 2nd 50-59 W, 37:48; Sonja Crawford, 2nd 60+ W, 40:01; Jamie Petroski, 3rd 40-49 M, 44:50; Ryan Purvis, 26:45; Lou Alaksin, 28:22; Curt Grimm, 29:51; Michelle Froilan, 41:55; Dezso Csizmadia, 42:39; Jamie Palumbo, 48:11Send comments and suggestions: Patricia Neubert. Phone 724-352-4395. Email lotzak@consolidated.net