Running up that road to make life better for children in foster care: CASA 5K Superhero Run presented and hosted by Circuit of The Americas
AUSTIN, Texas – September 19, 2022 – Almost 2,000 Austinites took a step for good this past Sunday, as they endured a 5K run on a warm Texas morning to support advocacy for children in foster care. The title sponsor and event host, Circuit of The Americas (COTA) was buzzing with activity and full of life, colored with runners’ creative superhero costumes. In effort to help CASA of Travis County, CASA of Central Texas and CASA of Williamson County, raise $250,000 for their mission, COTA welcomed runners of all abilities to don their best superhero get up, strap on their sneakers, and enjoy a post-run festival with everything from Mom & Pops delicious frozen treats to high-flying Laché Movement Co.’s incredible aerialists.
This is one of COTA’s many initiatives to give back to the central Texas community. As one of the premier event venues in the United States, COTA is dedicated to supporting various causes by providing space, funding, and volunteers throughout the year. However, this particular event holds a special place in many of COTA’s team members’ hearts.
“We can’t think of a more fun way to support children in foster care than opening our gates to CASA. We are proud supporters of their mission and loved seeing all the superheroes fly up and down COTA Blvd…some almost as fast as the cars on our track!” said Courtney Young, Chief Experience Officer.
Whether finishing with a competitive time of 17:43 or taking a leisurely stroll and enjoying the spectacular views around Circuit of The Americas, every runner is a hero for supporting this cause. In addition to the runners’ support, more than 100 volunteers and 40 sponsors and partners helped make the day run!
“It was really awesome to see so many people show up early on a Sunday morning to support a good cause,” said avid Austin-based runner Kylee Smith. “I love that I got to dress-up as Bat-woman, check out Circuit of the Americas from this unique point of view, and make an impact on a child’s life somewhere.”
If you have the means to fundraise or donate, fundraising is still open until the end of this month and donations are continuously accepted. To see more photos from the event, visit the Austin American Statesman website.
About CASA: CASA speaks up for children who’ve experienced abuse or neglect by empowering our community to volunteer as advocates for them in the court system. When the state steps in to protect a child’s safety, a judge appoints a trained volunteer advocate to make independent and informed recommendations in the child’s best interest. Volunteer advocates come from every walk of life and share a commitment to improving children’s lives, a willingness to learn, and an open mind towards life experiences different from their own. After completing an interview, background and reference checks, and an intensive training program, volunteers are sworn into their roles by a judge and assigned to a child or family of children. Last year in Central Texas, more than 1,200 volunteers advocated for nearly 2,200 kids who have experienced abuse or neglect.
