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Costumes for a cause
5K race in support of CASA
5K WEB 1
Costumed runners dash from the starting line Saturday during the fourth annual CASA Superhero 5K and 1K fun run at Fowler Park and the Big Creek Greenway. - photo by Autumn Vetter
Channeling her hero’s super powers, Savannah Williams crossed the finish line dressed as the Flash.Williams joined about 450 people for the CASA Superhero 5K and 1K fun run at Fowler Park and the Big Creek Greenway.Event organizer Lorraine Salvatore said more than 600 had registered, but the wet conditions Saturday may have kept some away.“We had a great turnout considering the weather,” Salvatore said. “We’re so grateful to everyone in the community for their support.”It was the fourth year for the run, which benefited the Court Appointed Special Advocates of Forsyth County, and the second featuring costumed racers.Wearing a cape was a definite appeal for Williams, but raising money for CASA drew her from Cherokee County to run the race.“I love 5Ks, and this is for such a good cause,” she said.According to the CASA description, the organization provides for each child “a trained community volunteer appointed by a judge to speak up for the best interests of an abused or neglected child involved in a juvenile court proceeding.”For Tammy Caldwell, a “worthy cause” and a race that allowed pets attracted her to the Superhero 5K.She finished in her Batman outfit, with dog Riley managing to keep on about half of her Superman costume.Several runners paid homage to Superman with costumes, T-shirts and accessories.In her Supergirl shirt, Carla Rossen finished the run and then waited at the finish line to cheer on her students.The Matt Elementary physical education teacher said the Superhero 5K was a fun way for the staff and students to get exercise.“We started a club with fourth- and fifth-grade girls to encourage fitness and self-esteem,” Rossen said.Steve Bragg and his young son ran the 5K together in their Superman gear.“He ran it pretty much all the way,” Bragg said of his son. “I’m proud of him.”