Virtual Participation for Run, Walk and Roll is ON for 2024!
Participating virtually in the Run, Walk & Roll fundraiser gets more popular each year.
But what most people don’t know is that the virtual race all began thanks to Chad Arthur, head of the now-familiar Superman Strong team.
And they became involved with the Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona thanks to Kiera Flahart, Chad’s sister.
“Our team has grown significantly over the years with more immediate family members joining in the form of nephews, grandparents, extended family members and friends…”
Virtual Participation for Run, Walk and Roll is ON for 2024!
Participating virtually in the Run, Walk & Roll fundraiser gets more popular each year.
But what most people don’t know is that the virtual race all began thanks to Chad Arthur, head of the now-familiar Superman Strong team.
And they became involved with the Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona thanks to Kiera Flahart, Chad’s sister.
“Our team has grown significantly over the years with more immediate family members joining in the form of nephews, grandparents, extended family members and friends…”
Flahart, a certified brain injury professional with Encompass Health, found BIAAZ while searching for resources to help support Chad and her family. At her urging, Chad became a frequent participant in BIAAZ events.
When the inaugural Run, Walk & Roll marathon began in 2018, Chad, Flahart, and their family members signed up for the 1-mile fun run. The team included their parents, another brother, Cody, and his wife Kelly. Even Flahart’s puppy, Shandy, joined the team.
The second year they joined, the family amped up their participation. Michael Arthur, Chad’s father, surprised the team with a banner that said “Superman Strong.” The banner flew behind Chad’s wheelchair as he completed the course and the team name was born.
Then COVID hit. All community events were shut down, including Run, Walk & Roll.
Team Superman Strong, however, was not going to be deterred. They simply found a new, creative way to support a cause they were passionate about.
“We still wanted to raise money, participate and educate others about brain injuries,” Flahart said.
So the six-member team met at Flahart’s house for the first, quasi-official virtual race. They used an original Nintendo Entertainment System hooked up to a PowerPad and fired up a game with an Olympic track. The virtual track simulated their race path. It worked – Superman Strong proved they could still support brain injury survivors and have fun doing it, no matter what.
“We even got Chad to cross the finish line, but he had to use his hands for the pad to register the taps,” Flahart said.
When Run, Walk & Roll resumed as an in-person event, Superman Strong had a team ready to go. Only this time it also included additional family members. Every year since the Superman Strong team has grown a bit larger.
“Our team has grown significantly over the years with more immediate family members joining in the form of nephews, grandparents, extended family members and friends,” Flahart said.
This year, Superman Strong is still building their team and they have some specific goals in mind.
“Our goal this year is to increase the number of virtual runners,” Flahart said. “[We want to] increase our fundraising and team size, but to also include family and friends that live outside of Arizona.”
The key to the Superman Strong team recruitment is Chad himself. Never shy about asking for help for events or activities, his engaging personality makes him tough to say no to.
“His good humor, fun personality and prankster ways help him to be a social butterfly,” Flahart said.
Flahart also leverages her workplace, shamelessly attempting to “steal” friends and co-workers from the Encompass team, posting flyers at her work and telling patients all about the fundraiser.
Of course, it doesn’t take that much convincing, given how much fun participants have.
“I love being out in the open air and participating in a healthy activity with family and friends,” Flahart said.
They look forward to seeing the celebrity host and all the events surrounding the fundraiser, like the pre-race breakfast, since Flahart admits that “we may be motivated by food.”
Ultimately, it is Chad who steals the show each year and everyone on Superman Strong knows they’re racing for him. He loves earning his metal and the people he gets to meet and take pictures with.
And, being a friendly but still competitive race, Chad enjoys the moments he gets to bask in his victory.
“Chad also enjoys walking across the finish line and being hoisted up to the winners’ podium,” Flahart said.
Don’t just read about this awesome event, join in or sponsor a team!
Remember, even if you can’t make it to Kiwanis Park in Tempe on Saturday, March 23, you can still join virtually. Our online community is very active and the virtual teams aim for prizes, too, so no matter where you are you’ll get the full Run, Walk & Roll experience.
ABOUT BRAIN INJURY ALLIANCE OF ARIZONA
The Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona (BIAAZ) is the only statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of adults and children with all types of brain injuries through prevention, advocacy, awareness and education. BIAAZ also houses the Arizona Brain Health Resource Center, a collection of educational information and neuro-specific resources for brain injury survivors, caregivers, family members and professionals.
What began in 1983 as a grassroots effort has grown into a strong statewide presence, providing valuable life-long resources and community support for individuals with all types of brain trauma at no charge.
The Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona:
- Works with Congressional Brain Injury Task Force
- Houses Arizona Brain Health Resource Center
- Hosts virtual and in-person support groups for survivors and families
- Has Statewide Opioid Use Disorder & Cognitive Impairment Response team with peer support, training, and family wraparound services
- Facilitates Brain Health Advisory Council
- Manages statewide Help Line: 888-500-9165
