_ The 2022 River Valley Superhero 5K:

Every year, proceeds from the race will be donated to a previously selected child or children in the River Valley area who is battling a devastating illness. The race brings together people of all ages to engage in a healthy activity. Attendees and spectators get to enjoy supporting their neighbors, family and friends- all while dressed as their favorite Superhero!
Take this chance to be a SUPERHERO to a special child today!

Supporting the Cause

The River Valley Superhero 5K is an annual event hosted to benefit children with cancer and other serious illnesses or injuries. You can read about their stories at www.rivervalleysuperhero5k.org. We are excited to announce Camryn Gunther and Oland Noakes as our 2022 Superheroes!   Camryn (Cam) Gunther is the 2-year-old daughter of Cody and Catherine Gunther from Bigelow. She has a 5-year-old sister named Colyn, who is her very best friend! Cam was diagnosed in May 2021 with IL10 Receptor Deficiency, a rare autoimmune disease (less than 3 in U.S.) that causes inflammation in the body, mostly the gastrointestinal tract. Since her diagnoses, she has undergone two surgeries, must take a daily injection, and is awaiting a bone marrow transplant. Cam is currently receiving treatment at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. You can follow Cam’s story on the “Currently with Cam” Facebook page.   Oland Noakes is the 6-year-old son of Tessa Dollar and Bobby Noakes from Russellville. He has an 11-year-old brother named Bentley, who has been his rock! In October 2021, Oland was taken to the doctor for what was thought to be congestion, but x-rays revealed a football-sized mass in his chest. After multiple tests and scans at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Oland was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), with 40% of his bone barrow containing cancer cells. Oland’s first phase of treatment involved intense chemo, medications, procedures, surgeries, blood products, and endless prayers. Now, less than 1% of his bone marrow contains cancer cells, but his treatment plan is expected to last at least 3 years to prevent the cancer from coming back. #gatheringarrows #olandovercomes   These brave superheroes both have huge personalities and kind hearts. We are excited to rally the community to surround them with support and prayers. You can read more about their stories on our website.   We can't wait to see the love and support the River Valley community is famous for and this year's IN PERSON event!   Parking and the Course Participants of all sub-events will meet at the Russellville Junior High (RJHS), 2000 West Parkway Drive, Russellville, AR 72801. Participant parking will be permitted in the large lot at the rear of RJHS and the west side of the school only. Please do not park at the front of the school; this area is reserved for emergency service personnel and volunteers only. The east side of the school will be blocked off for the safety of race participants.  Please do not attempt to bypass any of the cones or yellow tape.
The Little Superhero Fun Run will take place immediately after the 5K (approximately 0930). The course will be 1K in length and start at the 5K start line.  Parents are authorized to run with their children if they choose.

The Superhero 5K Walk/Run and the Superhero 5K Walk Only will be a “down and back” closed course.  It will start on the east side of RJHS, near the rear parking lot. Signs will be posted at the precise START location. The course will continue toward West Parkway Drive. When the participants reach West Parkway, they will take a left and continue on West Parkway until they reach North Phoenix Avenue. Participants will then take a left onto North Phoenix Avenue and continue north until they reach the turnaround point. Once the participants turn around, they will continue south until they reach West Parkway Drive, at which time they will take a right and continue west. The FINISH line will be on the east side of the school.

Event coordinators and volunteers will be present at the start and finish lines, along with the turning points. There will be at least one water point along the route. The road surface is asphalt.

Medical personnel will be on standby.
Race Day

The main event is a 5K on a down and back course that is relatively flat.  Chip timing will be used.  The course will be closed for one hour, and then any remaining participants must move to the sidewalk for the remainder of the course. The 5K will be followed by a Kids 1K Fun Run at approximately 0930.  This is done within the parking lot on a closed course. We encourage you to dress up as your favorite superhero for the race and awards will be given to the best costumes in the following categories: Best Adult, Best Child, and Best Group Costume.  We love our participants to take photos and share them on our Facebook and/or Instagram pages! Awards for age categories, overall, and costumes will be given at the conclusion of the races (approximately 10:00am).   Packet Pickup Your race packet will include a number bib, Superhero Race t-shirt, timing chip, and the satisfaction of supporting a great cause! Finisher medals will also be provided! We will do an in-person drive-thru packet pickup at the Russellville Jr. High on Friday, May 27th (times TBD).  Packets will also be available for pickup on the morning of the race.  If you would like your VIRTUAL packet shipped, there will be an extra $5 charge.  Unclaimed packets will be considered forfeited after the race event. Virtual participants may report their results online if they wish to do so.  Virtual results are not considered for the awards ceremony. We encourage all participants to upload photos on our Facebook and/or Instagram pages to promote community involvement and support for our Superhero!
Mail-In Registration

If you would prefer to mail in your registration form, you may print it from our website and do so. Please make checks or money orders out to "River Valley Superhero 5K". Mail registration forms and payment to:
River Valley Superhero 5K, PO Box 11722 Russellville, AR 72812.