Maricopa Health Foundation, Phoenix

Participants in the Super WOW Run are encouraged to dress up like their favorite super-powered crime-fighter or villain, but they become real-world heroes just by showing up. That's because the 5K run/walk benefits the Maricopa Health Foundation—the only public health system in the state of Arizona. Those without a costume can pick out a cape and eye-mask of their own for a nominal additional fee, and pint-size heroes can get in on the action with a kid-friendly 50-yard dash, an obstacle course, inflatables, and scrumptious healthy food.