By CAROLINE CARMICHAEL/Staff Writer

HOOVER – Owens House is excited about hosting its first Superheroes 5k and Fun Run benefiting victims of child abuse Saturday June 21 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Veterans Park in Hoover.

The event will be open to “the young, the old, and the furry,” encouraged to dress in their best superhero costumes to emphasize that “Everyone can be a superhero for kids,” as stated by Cindy Greer, Executive Director of Owens House.

There will be a costume contest and an awards ceremony held at 10 a.m. after the 5k and one-mile fun run.

Between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m., a “Family Fun Fest” will offer inflatables, face painting and food vendors for superheroes to enjoy.

“I think it will be a fun event for families, (to) let them know we’re a resource for them,” Greer said.

Owens House, Shelby County Children’s Advocacy Center, Inc., is a nonprofit organization that provides free services for the prevention and intervention of child abuse, primarily child sexual abuse, in Shelby County.

“The funds we raise are absolutely critical to providing the services we do,” explained Greer. Owens House hopes to raise $5,000 to help fund the services provided to its clients free of charge.

Participation is $20 for adults, $10 for children, $50 maximum for families up to five members, and $100 maximum for teams of up to six participants. The first 200 participants to register will receive t-shirts and lunches.

Packets will be available for pick-up June 20 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. at The Trak Shak on Highway 280.

Owens House encourages all interested superheroes to “stand up for kids” by registering online at www.owenshousecac.org or www.active.com by June 16, 2014. An additional $5 will be charged for late registrations.

The Superheroes 5k and Fun Run is sponsored by EBSCO Industries, Inc., Town & Country Ford, The Trak Shak, Aliant Bank, Southwest Water Company, and Shelby County Newspapers, Inc.

For more information, visit www.owenshousecac.org or call (205) 669-3333.