BOONE, N.C. — Don’t be surprised to see superheroes running down a street near you during the next two weeks. Appalachian State University’s third annual AppKIDS Superhero Run, Walk or Fly 5K event is still scheduled — but will take on a different format due to COVID-19.

Beginning Saturday, March 28, participants will run the race on their own, wherever they are — outdoors while practicing physical or social distancing, or indoors on their own treadmills — and self-report their clocked time via the event’s online reporting form.

Participants, who have until April 11 to complete the race, are invited to post photos and share reports about their experiences via Appalachian’s social media platforms by using the hashtags #AppKIDSsuperhero5k, #runwalkfly, #beasuperhero and #AppKIDS5K. Traditionally, participants are encouraged to dress as their favorite superhero, and this year is no exception.

All of the proceeds from this event support the Appalachian Kindness in Donations and Service (AppKIDS) program to provide clothing, food and hygiene resources to Watauga County children in need. This program, organized by an Appalachian Staff Senate committee, is now in its 40th year.

The annual donation goal of $17,500 funds shopping trips for 100 children in kindergarten through 12th grade. Appalachian faculty and staff volunteer their time to mentor and guide these children during the AppKIDS shopping event each November.

In its first two years, the 5K event drew approximately 100 participants and raised $3,000–$4,000 each year toward the program’s goal through sponsorships and registration fees, said Katie Howard ’11 ’15 ’18, associate director of grants resources and services in Appalachian’s Office of Research and chair of this year’s event.

“We’ve had great response so far for our virtual event, with 100 participants registered. Having a window of two weeks in which to run has made it a lot more viable for people to participate,” Howard said.

For the past two years, Lindsay Pepper, assistant director of international student and scholar services and outreach in Appalachian’s Office of International Education and Development, has earned third place in the race’s female division. She plans to participate again this year and will complete her 5K on hiking trails in Rome, Georgia — her current telecommuting location.

Last year Pepper packed hygiene products into backpacks that she handed out to children during the AppKIDS shopping day, which gave her a firsthand opportunity to see the result of her fundraising efforts in the 5K event.

“I love that the race is still happening virtually this year,” Pepper said. “This has always been a unifying event, with many faculty and staff participating.”

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AppKIDS Superhero 5K Virtual Race

March 28 - April 11, 2020

In light of the rapidly changing policies and community climate regarding coronavirus, we’ve decided to shift this year’s AppKIDS Superhero Run, Walk or Fly 5K event to a virtual race!

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Mountaineers moving mountains

Appalachian State University’s faculty and staff are transitioning events and experiences to online platforms and developing new ways for Mountaineers to connect.

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About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, cost-effective education. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.