Calling All Superheroes!
Grab your capes and tights and join us on September 27, 2026 for our Superhero 5k and Community Pop-Up Market! Proceeds from the event go directly to help the kids in our programs.
Superhero 5K • Food • Kids' Activities • Local Artisans
Our scenic 5k route is along Sligo Creek Parkway and Sligo Creek Trail. The route is stroller-friendly, and walkers are welcome to attend.
All 5k participants will receive a race T-shirt, finisher medal, hot drinks, and pre- and post-race snacks.
During and after the race, we will host a free pop-up market featuring food trucks, kids' activities, and local artisans. Grab a bite, browse unique finds, enter raffles, and enjoy a morning filled with community energy! WGTS 91.9 will be there with music, and you can meet morning show host Jerry Woods. There is something for everyone!
The pop-up market is free, and no registration is required. Every visit and purchase helps support a local business. Bring the whole family, and be part of something meaningful, both locally and globally.
Event Information
Location:
Washington Adventist University
The Commons
7600 Flower Ave, Takoma Park, MD 20912
5k Cost:
$35 Preregistration
$40 Day of Race
$7 Little Hero Dash
Undergrad students receive a $10 discount (Student ID required)
Event Schedule:
7:45 AM Registration
7:45 AM Packet Pick-Up
8:35 AM Costume Contest
8:40 AM Warm-Up
8:55 AM Little Hero Dash
9:00 AM Race Start
10:20 AM Awards Ceremony
Pop-Up Market is from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Awards:
Top 3 Overall Male Finishers
Top 3 Overall Female Finishers
Top 2 Males & Females In the Following Age Groups:
| 15 & under | 16-19 | 20-29 | 30-39 | 40-49 | 50-59
| 60-69 | 70+
Prizes:
Little Hero Dash
3-4 | 5-6 | 7-8 | 9-10
Best Superhero Costume
Under 5 | 5-6 | 7-8 | 8+
You can help us spread the word by printing our 5k flyer and posting it at your job and other venues! Use #ChristalisHeroes to share on social media.
If you would like to donate items for our event, please click here for a list of items we currently need.
5k Route
The 5k route is along Sligo Creek Parkway and Sligo Creek Trail. There will be 2 water stations.
For questions please email 5k@christalis.org
5k Parking Map
Please check here the week before the race for up-to-date parking information.
Additional Information
Packet pick-up is at the registration tent on the WAU Commons.
T-shirts and finisher medals are only guaranteed if registered by September 14. For registrants after September 14, T-shirts and finisher medals will be given on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. T-shirts will only be given to registrants who participate in the race.
The race is a chip-timed event. Live results will be posted on Athlinks.com. There will also be a QR code at the race for you to scan immediately to view your results. Runners/walkers who arrive more than 5 - 10 minutes after the race starts are welcome to participate but will not be officially timed.
Little Hero Dash distances:
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25 meters: Ages 3-4
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50 meters: Ages 5-6
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75 meters: Ages 7-8
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100 meters: Ages 9-10
We request that kids under age 11 stay with one parent/guardian at all times.
Only service dogs are allowed at the event.
Prizes
Complete the Free Hero Hunt by visiting participating pop-up market vendors for a chance to win fuel gift cards:
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One $100 gift card for a 5k participant
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Two $25 gift cards for pop-up market attendees (who do not participate in the 5k)
In addition to awards, the Top 3 Overall Male and Female finishers will receive prizes, including a weekend stay at a vacation home in Central Deep Creek, MD, Giant Food gift cards, and more!
Race Timing By Bishop's Events
Community Pop-Up Market Vendors
Shylaja Jonathan
Indian Clothing
Superhero 5k Event Sponsors 2026
