Event Details

Whether you’re a serious runner, a casual jogger or a walker, you’ll enjoy the Autism 5K.  Last year we had nearly 2000 participants, evenly split between walkers and runners.  Many groups participate in support of a particular family member, a cause, org or workplace.  Others participate to compete in a certified 5K or just to enjoy a nice run or walk on a late Spring day.

T-Shirts:

The 2011 T-Shirts will feature custom artwork by the talented local artist Michael Birawer!  Michael has graciously offered to allow us to use this wonderful piece for our 2011 race artwork.  T-Shirts are available in Adult and Kid sizes this year.

Registration Details:

1. Register in person at Marathon Sports on Friday, May 20th (details below)
2. Register on race day between 7:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.
   - Please arrive early as we expect a large crowd.

Click Here for all Registration Details.

Packet Pickup (advance and on race day):

Advance Packet Pickup at:
Marathon Sports, 2312 West 50th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55410 on
Friday May 20th from 10am-6pm.

Race Day Packet Pickup at:
Thomas Beach, Lake Calhoun – between 7:30 and 8:30AM on race day.

When:
Saturday, May 21st, 2011
Race starts at 9am sharp, registration 7:30-8:30am on race day

Please arrive early, if possible, to avoid lines.

Where:
Lake Calhoun, near Thomas beach  (SouthWest Corner of Lake Calhoun)
Vincent Ave S and Lake Calhoun Parkway
Minneapolis, MN

Google Map Link for directions:
http://tinyurl.com/autism5k-map

SW Corner of Lake Calhoun

Race Course:

The course follows the Lake Calhoun Parkway road around the lake (not the trail).  It is a 5K (3.1 mile) run or walk and is a USA Track and Field certified 5K.

Start: Xerxes stop sign on Lake Calhoun Parkway (just West of the Thomas Beach parking lot).

Finish: West 36th Street (approximately 2 blocks North of the finish line) near the Bakken museum.

- Return Back to the tent for refreshments after your run.

Weather Conditions

The Autism 5K is a rain or shine event. We’re hoping the forecast is wrong, but we may have some rain drops Saturday morning, so please dress appropriately.

In the event that lighting is present at race time, the race will be delayed 30 minutes for a 9:30am start and participants should stay in their cars or under shelter. If lightning were to persist at 9:30am, the 5K would be called off.   The forecast is currently projecting that the storms will hold off until afternoon, so we hope that holds true and the morning weather is cooperative!

Kids / Strollers / Dogs / iPods??

Kids are welcome and not required to register - but can if they’d like a race shirt and/or have their times scored.

Strollers and Dogs are fine for walkers, but please line up towards the back rather than towards the front with the runners.

We are not restricting the use of iPods, MP3 players or headphones.

Who is the race for?

For Serious Runners:
This is a certified course around Lake Calhoun, a great 5K course. Plaques will be awarded to winners in each age category (Male and Female) w/prizes for overall winners.

For Not-so-Serious Runners:
Enjoy a run around beautiful Lake Calhoun on a Spring morning.

For Walkers & Families:
The Autism 5K draws scores of families and individuals who walk for the cause. Approximately 1000 walkers participated in 2010!

The Cause:

Proceeds to benefit Children with Autism Deserve Education, a nonprofit that support children and families affected by autism as well as research.
Find out more.

Age Categories for Top Finishers:
(Both Male and Female Runners receive awards)

Kids:
12 and under
13-15
16-18

Adults:
19-29
30-39
40-49
50-59
60+

Fees:

Pre-Registration (online or via mail-in form):
$20 for 5K only
$30 for 5K and t-shirt
$150 for 5K, t-shirt and sterling silver autism pendant

Race Day Registration
$25 for 5K only
$35 for 5K and t-shirt

Sterling Silver Autism Pendant:
We have a top tier registration level this year for those who would be interested in obtaining a sterling silver autism pendant as part of their registration. The pendant was designed by Susan Trask, a mother of a child with autism, and is forged in the shape of a jigsaw puzzle piece. It contains 92.5% of silver by weight and is approximately 3cm x 4cm in size.  Chain not included.  (Image 1)  (Image 2)

Parking:

There are places to park around Lake Calhoun, but the parkway will be closed off just before the start time. The event is run on the Lake Calhoun Parkway road that circles the lake (not the paths).  If you plan to run, you might consider parking away from the finish line though since you will finish well before the walkers and might not get out right away otherwise.

There is ample free street parking in the neighborhood surrounding the SW corner of Lake Calhoun, near our start line.

Refund Policy:
Refunds may be issued up to 72 hours prior to race day, if your plans change. Please consider that your registration fee is also a donation to a nonprofit organization.

The Autism 5K will be held, rain or shine.

Registration Options:

1. Register at our Packet Pickup site on May 19th or 20th
2. Register On site between 7:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. on race day
   - Please arrive early as we expect a large crowd.

Questions?

Contact us at info@autism5k.org
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2010 Event Details, Photos and Race Results:

Thank you to the nearly 2000 participants who came out for the 2010 Autism 5K! Thanks as well to our sponsors, fundraisers, donors and the dozens of volunteers who made this event happen. It was a wonderful day for a 5K and to support Autism!

2010 Race Results:
www.autism5k.org/2010-results.htm

2010 Photos:

• Autism 5K Photos by Loving Photography
• Autism 5K Photos on Facebook