Click here to check out the Super Run photo gallery!
A beautiful, crisp fall day was the setting for the first annual Heart Heroes Super Run on Sunday, October 13. Over 550 superheroes walked, ran and “flew” around Lake Zorinsky in Omaha, Nebraska dressed in blue, green, pink, yellow and orange capes; coming together to gain awareness of congenital heart defects and spread the powers that a superhero cape can give a child battling CHD.
Heart Heroes, Inc. wanted a way to gain local support for the organization as well as give local Heart Heroes a “healthy” activity to gather around. Throw in an idea of a superhero costume run and the Heart Heroes Super Run was born!!
Our combined efforts and late-night conference calls, as well as our amazing volunteers and supporters came together for one memorable day. Sponsor tents lined the field, offering superhero activities, games and information for everyone. Heroes of all ages flocked to have their photos taken with the Real Life Superheroes, taking position next to Spider-Man, Ironman, and Optimus Prime. The Edgerton Science Center showed us some really cool “hair-raising” and “shocking” science experiments, while Heart Heroes co-founder, Sondra Dubas, offered signed copies of her inspirational book, Miracle of Belief. Each Heart Hero and Heart Angel was honored that day during the balloon release. Face painting helped complete many superhero looks and we saw a lot of great costumes in the costume contest!
People were lined up at the starting line, and Heart Hero Ashley took the microphone to get everyone going. “Ready… Set… GO!” Nearly 550 capes billowed behind their owners as our first Super Run began! The day couldn’t have been more perfect for a run/walk, and the participants enjoyed their trek around Zorinsky Lake. Our goal was to attract 100 people for this event – enough we thought to make a first annual event like this a success. Little did we know, our inaugural Super Run would bring nearly 550 people together on that beautiful fall day to raise awareness for CHD and to support Heart Heroes.
We saw a Heart Hero, not even the age of one, who was pushed in her stroller by her mom and followed by a group of people who have loved and supported her through her CHD battle. We saw a Heart Hero who had his surgery over seven years ago, running as if that scar on his chest meant nothing. We heard stories of our Heart Heroes…all very different stories, yet all there for the same reason and the same cause.
We want to send a heartfelt “THANK YOU” to all of our participants, volunteers, event sponsors, vendors and donors! This event was an enormous success due to your generosity, hard work and support. Please support the businesses that support Heart Heroes:
Children’s Hospital and Medical Center, Omaha, NE
Chris Austin Design
Comp Chiropractic
Face Painting by Heath
Farm Bureau Insurance
Mama’s Pizza, Inc. – A family-owned Omaha favorite for over 25 years!
Miracle of Belief – The Story of a Six-Year Old Heart Hero
Modernized Concepts – Design Build Remodel
Studio C41 – Omaha Photographers
Thank you again to everyone who participated, volunteered, & supported Heart Heroes!! This inaugural event was an incredible success thanks to all of you. We are super-excited for the next Heart Heroes Super Run & can’t wait to see you there!!
Superheroes- On Alert!!
One Comment
Stephanie Copley
I’m from Des Moines, Iowa, and I would love to volunteer for the next Heart Heroes Super Run. In the meantime, are there other ways to get involved with your wonderful organization? Thanks.