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Calling all heroes: Mesquite Parks Department hosting superhero-themed running event
Special Olympics Track and Field is one of the many sports the Mesquite Parks and Recreation Department offers as part of its therapeutic and adaptive recreation programming. - Photo courtesy of the Mesquite Parks and Recreation Department
By Kenny Green, kgreen@starlocalnew.com
The Mesquite Parks and Recreation Department has been making an effort to get the word out about its therapeutic and adaptive recreation programming. As part of its efforts to support the program with publicity and funds, the department is hosting a Hero Run on May 11 at Travis Williams Softball Complex, 1005 New Market Road.
"We are really trying to spread the word about our therapeutic recreation program and make it bigger," said Alyssa Smith, marketing specialist for the Mesquite Parks Department. "In the past they were kind of in the shadows. We hope the Hero Run will help with our efforts to make people aware of the program."
The run will include 1-mile, 5K and 10K races. All participants are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite superheroes to support the race's theme.
"This is something completely different for us. We don't have any other programs with a race attached to them. A 5K race was something our parks lineup was missing," Smith said.
Smith said the parks department hopes to raise funds to be able to provide the therapeutic program participants with the best-quality training and equipment.
"We currently are offering Special Olympics soccer through March 29 at Evans Recreation Center for ages 8 and up," Smith said.
The parks department also has several other Special Olympics sports in its lineup, including track and field, swimming and basketball.
"We are really trying to incorporate the Special Olympics athletes into our programming as much as we can. We want to find other ways to get them out of the house and moving around," Smith said.
The cost to enter the 1-mile run is $15. The cost to enter the 5K is $20 through April 26, $30 after April 26 and $40 on race day. The cost to enter the 10K is $25 through April 26, $35 after April 26 and $45 on race day. Race packets can be picked up in advance at Run On, 5400 E. Mockingbird Lane in Dallas, or Evans Community Center, 1116 Hillcrest, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. from May 7 to 9. There will be prizes awarded to the overall and master male and female finishers. Chip timing is required to be eligible for awards.
For information on the department's therapeutic recreation program, call 972-216-6260 or visit www.cityofmesquite.com.
Hero Run schedule
6:30 a.m. Race day registration/packet pickup
8 a.m. 1-mile race begins
8:30 a.m. 5K race starts
10K race begins following the 5K race
11:30 a.m. Awards ceremony
"We are really trying to spread the word about our therapeutic recreation program and make it bigger," said Alyssa Smith, marketing specialist for the Mesquite Parks Department. "In the past they were kind of in the shadows. We hope the Hero Run will help with our efforts to make people aware of the program."
The run will include 1-mile, 5K and 10K races. All participants are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite superheroes to support the race's theme.
"This is something completely different for us. We don't have any other programs with a race attached to them. A 5K race was something our parks lineup was missing," Smith said.
Smith said the parks department hopes to raise funds to be able to provide the therapeutic program participants with the best-quality training and equipment.
"We currently are offering Special Olympics soccer through March 29 at Evans Recreation Center for ages 8 and up," Smith said.
The parks department also has several other Special Olympics sports in its lineup, including track and field, swimming and basketball.
"We are really trying to incorporate the Special Olympics athletes into our programming as much as we can. We want to find other ways to get them out of the house and moving around," Smith said.
The cost to enter the 1-mile run is $15. The cost to enter the 5K is $20 through April 26, $30 after April 26 and $40 on race day. The cost to enter the 10K is $25 through April 26, $35 after April 26 and $45 on race day. Race packets can be picked up in advance at Run On, 5400 E. Mockingbird Lane in Dallas, or Evans Community Center, 1116 Hillcrest, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. from May 7 to 9. There will be prizes awarded to the overall and master male and female finishers. Chip timing is required to be eligible for awards.
For information on the department's therapeutic recreation program, call 972-216-6260 or visit www.cityofmesquite.com.
Hero Run schedule
6:30 a.m. Race day registration/packet pickup
8 a.m. 1-mile race begins
8:30 a.m. 5K race starts
10K race begins following the 5K race
11:30 a.m. Awards ceremony
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