United Counseling Service (UCS) seeks race participants and volunteers for its 9^th annual UCS Superhero 5K and Kids’ Dash, which will take place on Saturday, November 7, 2026, starting from and finishing at the Berkshire Family YMCA in Bennington. Those interested in registering for the race or helping out as a volunteer can sign up at ucsvt.org/events. Every volunteer will receive a custom UCS Superhero 5K beanie hat. All race participants registered by October 1 will be guaranteed a UCS Superhero 5K beanie hat, and all finishers will receive a custom 2026 finisher’s medal.

This year’s UCS Superhero 5K and Kids’ Dash benefits Chickens for Change (C4C), a program of UCS’ Children, Youth and Family Services division, that provides youth with hands-on opportunities to raise, care for, and sell chickens and eggs while developing responsibility, teamwork, entrepreneurship, and life skills. The program partners with local organizations such as Smokey House Center in Danby, VT, North Meadow Farm and Hildene Farm in Manchester, VT, and engages participants in community service and volunteer opportunities, fundraising efforts, crafts, science projects, and more.

Registration for racers and volunteers is available at ucsvt.org/events. Registration pricing increases after September 30. The Kids’ Dash will take place immediately following the 5K in the field adjacent to Gage Street at the race site.

Thank you to returning Invincible level sponsor, Heritage Family Credit Union, for supporting this year’s event and powering the Kids’ Dash.

2026 event sponsors are Heritage Family Credit Union (Invincible Level), Bennington Banner and Manchester Journal (Caped Crusader Level), The Richards Group, an IMA Company, Verizon Business (Guardian Level), Bennington Rescue Squad, Genoa Healthcare, Janitronics Facility Services (Aquaman Level), GVH Studio, MSK Engineers, Northeast Delta Dental, rk Miles, Turning Point Center of Bennington, (Defender Level), and Coggins Toyota of Bennington, Mack Molding, Taconic Music, and VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region (Champion Level).

United Counseling Service (UCS) is committed to helping individuals and families in Bennington County live healthy, meaningful lives. Our work spans mental health, substance use treatment, intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), and early childhood development. UCS is a private, non-profit community mental health center that has been an essential part of Bennington County’s integrated healthcare system since 1958. For more information or to access our services, visit ucsvt.org or call (802) 442-5491.