Event Details

Whether you’re a serious runner, a casual jogger or a walker, you’ll enjoy the Autism 5K. Last year we had over 1800 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 around Lake Calhoun.

Registration Details:

1. Register in person at Marathon Sports (located at Penn & 50th in South Minneapolis)
   - Thursday May 17th from 5pm-8pm
   - Friday, May 18th from 10am-5pm
    
2. Register on race day between 7:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.
   - Please arrive early as we expect a large crowd.

When:

Saturday, May 19th, 2012
Race starts at 9am sharp, registration 7:30-8:30am on race day
Please arrive early, if possible, to avoid lines.

Where:

Autism 5K Course Map

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

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. The course has been re-certified for 2012, so that the registration tent will now be located in between the start and finish areas.

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

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.

Packet Pickup (advance and on race day):

Advance Packet Pickup at:

Marathon Sports, 2312 West 50th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55410 on
- Thursday, May 17th, 5-8pm
Friday May 18th, 10am-5pm.

Race Day Packet Pickup at:

Thomas Beach, Lake Calhoun – between 7:30 and 8:30AM on race day.
Registration is also available during packet pickup at pre-registration rates.

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.

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.

Donations and Fundraising Teams:

2012 Autism 5K Page on CrowdRise:

http://www.crowdrise.com/autism5k

The Autism 5K is using the CrowdRise platform to support our fundraising teams and to collect donations this year.  Any amount donated or raised helps the cause.

Fundraisers are eligible to win any of a variety of prizes including tickets to the Autism Awareness Night game with the MN Lynx on August 28th vs San Antonio. Fundraisers who raise at least $100 are eligible and will receive a prize drawing entry for every one hundred dollars raised.

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 2011!

T-Shirts:

The 2012 T-Shirts will feature beautiful artwork created by Cade Larson, a Twin Cities child with autism.

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+

Registration Fees:

Pre-Registration (online or at packet pickup):
$25 for 5K only
$30 for 5K and t-shirt
$150 for 5K, t-shirt and sterling silver autism pendant

Race Day Registration

$30 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)

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 (Marathon Sports) on May 17th or 18th
2. Register On site between 7:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. on race day

Questions?

Contact us at info@autism5k.org