BUTLER TWP — While Ethan Linnon was alive, he was a cross-country runner and an avid fitness-lover. What better way to remember his memory than to host a 5-kilometer run?

That’s how Brion and Erin Linnon describe the Ethan Linnon Memorial 5K Run/Walk scheduled for June 11, a race in honor of their late son, Ethan, a Butler High School senior, who died after a car accident last October. Ethan was 18 years old when his Toyota coupe hit a tree on Meridian Road in Penn Township.

But the run is not just to honor Ethan, it’s also to support a scholarship fund set up by the family in Ethan’s name.

Proceeds from the run will benefit the Ethan Linnon Memorial Scholarship which was given to 20 graduating seniors at Butler High School in May. The 20 students each received $1,000.

Erin Linnon, Ethan’s mother, said the run is a way to mix Ethan’s passion for being active with his desire to do good in the world.

“One of our friends reached out and said that we should do a run to raise the money,” she said. That friend, Jenni DiCuccio, has been a huge help to the family during the planning process since she has helped out with other runs before, Linnon said.

One of the things so closely associated with Ethan’s legacy is the Batman symbol, since he was a hug fan of Batman and other hero figures. That’s exactly why the run will have a superhero theme, giving every runner or walker the option to dress up as a super hero or in similar regalia, she said.

So far, roughly 400 runners have signed up, some being “virtual runners” who have donated money but cannot attend the race, Linnon said.

Of those 400, Erin and Brion Linnon are hoping to see plenty of fun outfits, even having gotten a sneak peek of what a family friend hopes to wear — meant to be a surprise for Brion Linnon.

His prediction: “I think you’ll see a lot of Batmans.”

But for serious racers, capes may not be the best aerodynamic decision.

“If you’re concerned about (your time), don’t wear a cape,” Erin said.

Other than possible cape sightings, the event will have a disc jockey and other fun prizes including cookies and temporary Batman tattoos, the Linnons said.

Within each of the seven age groups, medals will be awarded after the run, and the run will also have an official timing company present for runners who are more serious about their times.

The top three male and female finishers will receive awards and the top three males and females in each age group will also get a medal, Erin said. The seven age groups are 13 and younger, 14 to 19 years old, 20 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49, 50 to 59, and 60 and older.

Brion and Erin Linnon said people who are not naturally runners should not be intimidated.

“We don’t want to scare anybody away. There are going to be walkers too,” Erin Linnon said. “We want it to be a social event too, even if people just want to cheer.”

Brion Linnon hopes people realize that there is a larger message to be learned when remembering Ethan: “It’s not just about Ethan. It’s about doing good, being kind and being healthy ... Get out and live, you only get one shot. He wanted everybody to fulfill their dreams.”

With 400 people already signed up, Erin and Brion Linnon said they would be amazed to get 500 participants.

While all proceeds will go toward the scholarship fund, the Linnons could not provide an estimate of the total overheard cost of the event since so many people have donated time, money and resources.

While the scholarship fund is important, Brion Linnon also hopes Ethan’s life inspires others to live fully.

“It’s important that they take away a message: wake up and choose to be happy,” he said.

Individuals who signed up for the run by Wednesday will receive a T-shirt, drawstring bag and wristband, and while same-day race registration is available, T-shirts cannot be guaranteed. Registration costs $25 and starts at 7 a.m. on June 11. The run begins at 8 a.m. on June 11 at Alameda Park’s Odd Fellow Gazebo, 184 Alameda Park Road.