Record-breaking turnout for 12th annual Superhero Run
October 03, 2026
Record-breaking turnout for 12th annual Superhero Run
450 participants raise $157,025 for Niagara Children’s Centre
Niagara Falls, ON – A record number of superheroes came together at Heartland Forest in Niagara Falls on Saturday, Oct. 3, to support children and youth across the Region at Niagara Children’s Centre’s 12th annual Superhero Run.
The event welcomed 450 registered participants, making it the largest Superhero Run in the event’s history. Together, participants, families, sponsors and community supporters raised $157,025 to help the Children’s Centre provide rehabilitation and child development services to children and youth with physical, developmental and communicative delays.
“This year’s Superhero Run was an incredible celebration of what happens when a community comes together for children and families,” said Noella Klawitter, CEO, Niagara Children’s Centre. “To welcome a record number of participants to our first event in Niagara Falls is a testament to the incredible support we receive from across Niagara. We are so grateful to every participant, volunteer, sponsor and donor who helped make this year’s event such a success.”
This year marked the first time the Superhero Run was held at Heartland Forest in Niagara Falls, as well as the first time Heartland Forest closed its trails for a private event. Participants of all ages and abilities were invited to run, walk or roll up to five kilometres along the forest’s accessible trails or take part in a family activity course featuring superhero-themed activities.
The new location brought together hundreds of participants, volunteers and supporters for a morning of activity, fundraising and celebration, with the Centre’s mascot, Sunny the River Otter, leading the way.
The event’s presenting sponsors, The Viola-Salter Group, a division of Scotia Wealth Management, have supported the Superhero Run since its inception.
“It has been incredibly rewarding to watch the Superhero Run grow over the past 12 years and see so many people come together in support of Niagara’s children and youth,” said partners Joe Viola and Grier Salter of The Viola-Salter Group, a division of Scotia Wealth Management. “This year’s record turnout shows just how strongly our community believes in the work of Niagara Children’s Centre. We are proud to continue supporting an event that brings families together while making a meaningful difference for children and youth across Niagara.”
Families and teams who participated in the event also drove fundraising and shared their personal connections to the Centre
Team Mighty Malcolm’s was the event’s top fundraising family, raising $8,804.60 in support of the Centre. The DeWildt family first participated in the Superhero Run last year after Malcolm, now two years old, began receiving services at Niagara Children’s Centre following his diagnosis of a rare genetic condition called GNAO1, which affects his development and movement.
“After participating in the Superhero Run for the first time last year, we knew this was going to become a yearly tradition for our family,” said Malcolm’s mom, Mary-Kate DeWildt. “Not only was it a ton of fun, but it also gave us the opportunity to give back to the Centre that has become such an important part of Malcolm’s journey. Every milestone that Malcolm reaches reminds us how important these services are and how fortunate we are to have Niagara Children’s Centre supporting our family along the way.”
The family was overwhelmed by the support they received throughout their fundraising efforts.
“It is really special to see how many people have come together to support Niagara Children’s Centre,” DeWildt said. “Malcolm has so many people cheering him on and that support means everything to us. Knowing that this fundraising is helping the Centre continue to provide these important services to children and families makes the whole experience even more meaningful.”
Since its launch, the Superhero Run has raised more than $1.2 million to support children, youth and families across Niagara.
The funds raised through the event help Niagara Children’s Centre provide services, equipment, programs and supports not covered by government funding. It enables the organization to help even more children reach their goals and participate more fully in their homes, schools and communities.
The Superhero Run is one of Niagara Children’s Centre’s signature fundraising events and continues to provide an opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to come together in support of local children and youth. The community is reminded that donations are always welcome by phone, in person, or online at niagarasuperherorun.ca.
To learn more about Niagara Children’s Centre and its services, visit niagarachildrenscentre.com.
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About Niagara Children’s Centre: Niagara Children’s Centre provides rehabilitation and child development services to more than 6,200 children and youth each year across the Niagara Region with physical, developmental and communicative delays. The range of services includes physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language services, augmentative and alternative communication, family services and therapeutic recreation.
For further information, contact: Michael Morrison, Marketing & Communications Officer
Phone: 905-688-1890 ext. 260
Email: michael.morrison@niagarachildrenscentre.comPhoto captions:
Cover: Child crosses the finish line at the 12th annual Superhero Run at Heartland Forest in Niagara Falls on Saturday, Oct. 3, in support of Niagara Children’s Centre.
Activity Course: Child takes part in the obstacle course, one of eight stations on the Activity Course at the 12th annual Superhero Run at Heartland Forest in Niagara Falls on Saturday, Oct. 3, in support of Niagara Children’s Centre.
Team Mighty Malcolm: Mary-Kate and Dave DeWildt with their children, Malcolm (right) and Benjamin (left). Team Mighty Malcolm was the event’s top fundraising family, raising more than $8,804.60 for Niagara Children’s Centre.