What is the Superhero 5K event in Concord Township?

Introduction

What was once an aspiration is inching closer to becoming a laudable reality.

Event Details

The first Superhero 5K, hosted by Sopchak Natural Health and Wellness Center, will be staged on July 28 starting at 8:30 a.m. in Concord Township.

Purpose of the Event

Dr. Bill Sopchak was joined in his practice last year by his son Josh, who had an idea to help promote health and wellness locally in the form of a 5K. All proceeds will benefit Camp Sue Osborn, which provides excellent camp experiences for individuals with special needs in Lake and Geauga County.

Fun Run Concept

“Basically, we wanted it to be some kind of a fun run,” Sopchak said. “So we called it the Sopchak Superhero 5K. And Superhero because the kids at Camp Sue Osborn, they’re superheroes. So we just thought we’d try to make it fun.”

Sponsorship and Registration

That initial effort eventually led to 14 sponsors for the Superhero 5K. The 5K has a $35 registration fee through July 27 and $40 on the day of the race. For the latter, registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. Online registration is available by visiting gcxcracing.com/superhero.

Incentives for Participants

A T-shirt will be included for the first 150 to register, and medals will be awarded to the top finishers. There will also be a goodie bag, with samples from donors including Standard Process, an organic health food company. A free pancake breakfast for the 5K competitors will follow.

Costume Contest

For the superhero theme, the best costume in the men’s, women’s, and kids’ divisions will each earn a $100 prize, donated by EPIC Agency.

Course Details

The course will wind around Quail Hollow, with the start and finish adjacent to the Sopchak office, located at 7555 Fredle Drive.

“(The course) is fairly flat,” Sopchak said. “There’s some grades that go up and down a little bit. But for the most part, it’s pretty flat. There can be pretty good times for anyone who wants to run it.”

Conclusion

Above all, of course, will be the cause of Camp Sue Osborn, as an aspiration comes closer to being a laudable reality, one Sopchak hopes will become an annual tradition.

“It’s a camp that’s out in Burton,” Sopchak explained. “They help the kids who are special-needs kids. And so, it’s a great camp because the kids, they all get together. They have a great time. They’re playing games. They’re doing all kinds of stuff that maybe they don’t get the opportunity to do in everyday life. They really get to be a kid again.”

Originally Published: July 24, 2024 at 2:59 p.m.