Every great superhero story deserves an epic sequel — and thanks to YOU, our 5th Annual Be a Hero 5K was one for the books!
What began in 2020 to celebrate everyday heroes who stood beside Cunningham kids in uncertain times, has grown into a joyful tradition of hope, heart and community. This year’s 5K was filled with record-breaking moments, inspiring stories and plenty of superhero-sized smiles.
Here are the 2025 5K Race results, but the real fun comes with this year’s Superhero Superlatives — a celebration of YOU and every hero who made this day truly extraordinary:
Supersized Support: $28,925 raised!
Your generosity reached heroic heights this year! Together, you raised nearly $29,000 to help Cunningham youth and families heal, learn and grow.
Most Heroes Assembled: 184 Participants!
Our largest league of heroes yet! Families, first-time runners, energetic walkers, longtime supporters and even caped crusaders joined forces to make this year’s 5K unforgettable!
Power of the Pack: 25 Superhero Fundraisers An incredible number of 25 fundraisers joined forces this year, forming alliances of kindness and creativity that helped raise more funds than ever before for Cunningham kids. Your impact will bring hope to those we serve far beyond race day.
Mission Champions: Cunningham Staff, Youth, Board & Committee Members
From walking and running alongside our youth to cheering at the finish line, so many Cunningham team members showed up as heroes — living our mission to nourish hope every step of the way. CIRCLE Academy Rossville Run Club members and Residential Run Club members were thrilled to be in attendance!
MVPs of Consistency: 5K Faithful
These seven dedicated participants including Tom Gelsthorpe, Poppy Ann Graham, Paige Hall, Logan McKee, Martha McSims, Hester Odendaal and June Yoder, have laced up every single year since our first 5K in 2020. Their commitment proves that heroism isn’t a moment — it’s a mindset.
Fastest Hero on the Course: Reis DeSantis
Our overall race winner was none other than Cunningham’s own Reis DeSantis, who serves as a youth counselor in our residential program! Reis has also helped encourage youth to find their running passion, by helping host the Residential Running club at Cunnigham. His speed and spirit made him a champion on the course and in our mission.
Best Soundtrack: DJ Stacy LaCour
Every hero needs a theme song, and DJ Stacy delivered once again! He’s powered all six 5Ks with energy, encouragement, and the beats that keep our heroes flying.
Best Teamwork Award: Second Wind Running Club
From flawless timing to endless encouragement, this partnership continues to model what community collaboration looks like in action. A special thank you to Melony, Paula and Mike and the entire crew for your insight, patience and enthusiasm.
Dynamic Duos & Family Forces
From parents and kids crossing the finish line together to grandparents cheering from the sidelines, this year’s 5K was filled with family power. Because when families unite for a cause, hope multiplies.
Community Spirit Award: United Methodist Heroes
We were thrilled to welcome new and familiar faces from our United Methodist Church family — including Rev. Lori Harvey and friends from Mahomet UMC, Revs. Chuck and Linda Trent with their granddaughter, and a wonderful crew from Charleston Wesley UMC, including Teri and Don Shane and Bill and Cheryl Lair. And a shoutout to Normal First UMC which hosted its own Be a Hero tag-along 5K for Cunningham! Your faith in action continues to light the way.
Heroes with Style: Fun Costumes!
Every superhero knows that the right outfit can make all the difference — and our 5K fashion did not disappoint! From Spider-Man swinging by the starting line to Super Squirrel dribbling a soccer ball the entire course, and with Superwomen and Super Kitties striking heroic poses, our course was full of color and creativity. A special shoutout to the pickle hero representing the Illini Get Pickled Pickleball Tournament (another amazing Cunningham fundraiser!), the blow-up animal brigade, the always-energetic Thing 1 and Thing 2 and everyone wearing their Cunningham cape. You all brought the fun, flair, and fearless spirit of the day to life!
Heroes Behind the Scenes
No superhero team is complete without the volunteers who make it all happen! From cheer sections and water stations to course monitors, race setup, and clean-up, our volunteers kept the day running smoothly. A huge shoutout to Special Olympics Region I coaches and athletes and University of Illinois groups like the Undergraduate Psychology Association, Beta Alpha Psi, HRPO, the Fighting Illini Women’s Gymnastics Team and many more community volunteers— your spirit and service brought this event to life!
Powerhouse Partners
Our incredible sponsors helped to cover race expenses so that every dollar raised could go toward the critical needs of the nearly 1,000 youth and families we serve every year through our residential, education and community-based programs. BIG shoutout to our powerhouse partners: 2nd Wind Running Club, OSF Healthcare, UpClose Marketing and Printing, Bank Champaign, Harrington Law, Linders Family McDonald’s, Orange Theory Fitness, Pixo and Style & Grace.
