Bitterroot nonprofits plan superhero-themed fun run for June 22

Mar. 5—HEARTism and Big Sky Autism Partnership are cohosting a superhero-themed fun run and a full day of family friendly activities in Stevensville on June 22.

Registration starts now for the 5K and 1K that are designed for all abilities. The full day of fun includes booths with free games and sensory toys.

Heartism Executive Director Jessica Fitzpatrick said her nonprofit has been hoping to host a run for many years.

"This will be a mini-festival, full of fun and a great way to kick off summer," Fitzpatrick said. "We picked the superhero theme because our kids are pretty amazing. We want to highlight them and their abilities. Our kids are heroes. I see the struggles they deal with every day, and they get up, keep going and try harder than anyone else I know."

Their efforts, day after day, prove they are superheroes, she said.

"I hope people wear costumes," Fitzpatrick encouraged. "Everybody wants to be a superhero. A costume is not required, but a fun way to be inclusive."

There are prizes for best dressed and team awards, in case a group or family dresses in the same theme (for example, all the Marvel characters).

This is the third run coordinated by the Big Sky Autism Partnership and chief commercial officer Krystal Nelson said her nonprofit takes care of the organizational plan for the event.

"We bring in vendors who cater to community members with special needs," Nelson said. "We want this to be all inclusive. We pick a route that everyone can do — walking, running or in a wheelchair — we make sure that everyone can do it. Service dogs are allowed if they are on leashes."

As the event approaches, she's rounding up food vendors, entertainment, and timing specialists with bibs and equipment. Vendors pay $35 and will have either an activity that is sensory and family friendly or a donated item to give away. Food truck permits cost $75.

The 5K costs $25 and the 1K is $20. If runners register by mid-May, they are guaranteed to receive a T-shirt to commemorate the event.

"Even if people don't want to run, it is something where everyone can come, learn more or just get out of their house," Nelson said. "We're having it on what should be a day of perfect weather. We are having it at Stevensville school because they are donating it to us for free. They have a big field by the primary school where we'll set up the vendors and we can use their bathrooms."

Volunteers and sponsors are also still needed for the event — contact bigskyautismproject@gmail.com to volunteer or help with the fundraising portion.

"We'll need people at the start, people at the end," Nelson said. "We need volunteers who are willing to stand at a corner and cheer participants on and help direct them to stay on the route."

HEARTism is a nonprofit organization and a Certified Autism Center in Hamilton that provides a safe space for children and teens with special needs to thrive. Big Sky Autism Partnership is a nonprofit organization that is focuses on adaptive fitness for community members with special needs.

"Our founder has a nonverbal child," Nelson said. "She went to North Carolina and completed a certification program centered around adaptive fitness for special needs, not just autistic children or adults, but the community has a whole. She is the only one in Montana with a level 2 certification."

The level one certification is available to Montanans who want to take the special needs fitness training and become coaches. Contact BSAP for more information.

"Our mission is to get more coaches in the state of Montana," Nelson said.

HEARTism and Big Sky Autism Partnership will split the proceeds of the all-day event and fun runs.

"I think this will be a big, fun, community event that will bring us all together, help spread awareness and will also help two really awesome organizations that are helping people of all abilities," Fitzpatrick said. "It is a win-win."

HEARTism and BSAP have fliers around the valley with a QR code to scan for registration or visit online runsignup.com. Businesses, families and friends interested in sponsoring the event can call 406-461-5656.

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