Event Details
February 15, 2011
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.
- Register in person at Marathon Sports on Friday, May 20th (details below)
- 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:
- Register at our Packet Pickup site on May 19th or 20th
- 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:
Support Families affected by Autism
February 15, 2011
2011 Autism 5K race proceeds will benefit local families affected by autism as well as research and is to be distributed through the nonprofit which runs this event, Children with Autism Deserve Education (C.A.D.E.) via grants.
C.A.D.E. (Children with Autism Deserve Education)
The basis of C.A.D.E. is to help fund education for autism for children that don’t have the funding to obtain it. The direct teaching method known as ABA/VB has been found to be the most effective treatment for autism and is the methodology that we support. Unfortunately, many children with autism don’t have the opportunity to benefit from this effective therapy & public schools don’t have the funding to provide it. C.A.D.E would like to be able to help fund those children that don’t have the financial means for this. Children with autism deserve to obtain the most effective means of education and we will help them get it.
C.A.D.E. will also support medical interventions for children. There are many medical interventions that are being found helpful to the growing population of autism. We will help provide funding for interventions that are supported and managed by medical doctors in the Twin Cities. Finally, a small portion of the proceeds will be set aside for research grants in our hopes that the world will continue to explore the causes of and interventions for this epidemic.
C.A.D.E. is 100% a volunteer organization, from the board to the other volunteers and all net event proceeds it ultimately receives will go directly to fund grants for children in the Twin Cities.
Grants:
If you would like more information on applying for our need-based medical and therapy grants, please email grants@autism5k.org and we will follow up with additional information on how can apply.
The Autism 5K and C.A.D.E.
The Autism 5K is the top annual event for C.A.D.E.. If you would like to support the event, we greatly appreciate it and here are some relevant links:
Thank you so much for your interest in and support of C.A.D.E. and for supporting families and children affected by autism.
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Children with Autism Deserve Education is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and the operating entity of the Autism 5K and will distribute race registration and sponsorship net proceeds via grants. Direct donations above and beyond registration or sponsorship fees can be made directly and independently to our nonprofit as well.
Original Artwork by Michael Birawer
February 7, 2011
Immensely talented local artist Michael Birawer has created this custom artwork for the 2011 Autism 5K. You have likely seen his oil & acrylic pieces and sculpted wood pop outs, many featuring local Twin Cities landmarks and urban settings. Mr. Birawer created the 2010 commemorative Target Field artwork, the Minnesota State Fair poster and many other incredible pieces.
This piece was created specifically for our 2011 event and it’s use graciously donated to our event by Mr. Birawer. We are eternally grateful for this incredible contribution! This piece commemorates our first year’s event, which was held at Lake Harriet. The 2011 event will be held at Lake Calhoun.
We’re huge fans of Mr. Birawer’s works and we highly recommend you check out his website: http://www.michaelbirawer.com
2011 Sponsors
February 2, 2011
The 2011 Autism 5K is sponsored by local and national businesses, autism related organizations and several silent partners.
We would like to thank the following sponsors:
Gold Sponsors
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Silver Sponsors
Local Service Sponsors:
Supporting sponsors:
- EDM Sales & Supplies
- Affiliated Pediatric Dentists, P.A.
- Tooth By The Lake
- Behavior Medicine Association
- Big Bowl / Lettuce Entertain You
- Southwest Paving
- Fidelity Bank
- Welsh Companies
- VanRose Realty
- Kids Abilities
- Health Dimensions
- Nordic Naturals
- Canary Party of Minnesota
Without our sponsors, we couldn’t make this event happen. If given the opportunity, please extend your gratitude.
Interested in Sponsoring?
We had a tremendous turnout (1850 registrations!) in 2010, only our 2nd year and we have big expectations for 2011. The Autism 5K event gives our sponsors great exposure to the local community as well as an opportunity to support children with autism.
For information on how you can sponsor the Autism 5K, please contact mike@autism5k.org
Thank you.
Join us on Facebook, Twitter
February 1, 2011
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter or the social media outlet of your choice and please help us spread the word!
A) Join us on Facebook!
Autism 5K Fan Page: www.facebook.com/autism5k
Facebook Event Page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=192757407413832
- Please RSVP that you will be attending on our event page.
- Spread the word by inviting others. Click on the “Share” button then the “Send a Message” tab and choose which friends you would like to send it to by typing in their names.
- Post the Event to your Wall. Click on the “Share” button then “post to profile” with comments or without.
B) Follow us on Twitter:
Find us @autism5k
Follow us and we’ll follow you back. Please send a tweet out about the event to your followers!
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C) Email a Friend or Share with your network!
Go to the home page and click on the “tell a friend” button at the bottom of the page, then you’ll be able to email the link to a friend or post it to your Facebook page or your other networks. Or just drop a link to www.autism5k.org to share.
You could also click on the “tell a friend” button on this page, but then just realize you’ll be sharing this specific page as opposed to the main page of The Autism 5K.
Old-Fashioned Social Networking Method:
Print off and share a copy of our online registration by giving it to friends or posting it at your local coffee shop or place of business.
Download the registration flyer PDF here:
http://www.autism5k.org/reg-flyer.pdf
And print it out!
Support Families affected by Autism (2009)
April 2, 2009
In 2009, we supported TACA, a great org which supports families affected by autism. (see 2010 charities here)
TACA (Talk About Curing Autism) provides information, resources, and support to families affected by autism, nationwide. TACA aims to speed up the cycle time from the autism diagnosis to effective treatments for families that have recently been diagnosed. TACA connects families and professionals that can help them and provides a venue for families at which they can share stories and information.
Your support of TACA makes all the difference in their ability to provide high quality programs and serve more families. 95% of all services are provided to families at absolutely no charge to them. In the event that there is a charge, scholarships are always available.
Autism Facts:
Autism is a devastating neurological and biological disorder that typically initially affects children between 18 months and five years of age.
- 1 in 150 children are diagnosed with autism
- More than 1.5 million Americans are affected
- Every 21 minutes a child is being diagnosed
- Autism receives much less funding than other diseases yet is the fastest growing disorder in our country!
Minnesota Chapter of TACA:
http://meetup.tacanow.org/minnesota/
TACA Programs:
Education and Support Meetings. TACA holds monthly meetings in 24 locations across the country. TACA’s meetings feature educational speakers on important topics and allow family members to connect with one another to stay on top of the latest information in the autism world.
Autism Journey Guide. This comprehensive guide provides families with the information they need to begin the autism journey. Guides are given away at no charge to families who have recently received the autism diagnosis.
Parent Education. TACA offers five full-day new parent orientation seminars, an annual medical seminar and a seminar aimed at educating physicians about how to care for people with autism.
Parent mentors are available to provide one-on-one support to families who have just received the autism diagnosis.
Autism Cares Partner. TACA is a partner member of Autism Cares, a consortium of leading autism organizations who have come together to provide financial support for individuals with autism and their families during natural disasters and other catastrophic life events, across the United States.
Family Scholarship Program. Scholarships are provided to help families who are pursing treatment for their children with autism, but are struggling to find the funding.
Live Chat. Sometimes families aren’t able to pick up the phone or come to a meeting to get the help they need. Through Live Chat on the TACA website, they can chat live with experienced TACA mentors to get the support they need.
Resource libraries. Each TACA location maintains a resource library of the latest autism books and tapes that can be checked out by members at no charge.
TACA’s adopt-a-family holiday program provides gifts, food and other necessities for families with autism who need help during the holiday season.
In 2009, TACA will launch three new programs through generous funding from the Pacific Life Foundation. These programs will include Spanish-language outreach in the autism community, advocacy support and independent assessment scholarships.
More information:
TACA’s accomplishments in 2008
Minnesota Meetups: http://meetup.tacanow.org/minnesota/
Visit http://www.tacanow.org
Event Details
March 31, 2009
Thank you for your interest in the 2010 Autism 5K to be hosted May 15th, 2010 at Lake Calhoun in Minneapolis, MN. We will have additional event details up soon.
If you have any questions in the meantime, please email info@autism5k.org for more information.
Thanks!
Original Artwork by Mary GrandPre’
March 31, 2009
Mary GrandPre’ acclaimed artist and illustrator of all seven Harry Potter novels has created this custom illustration for the first annual IT5K for Autism. A Minnesota native, GrandPre’ is a graduate from the Minneapolis College of Art & Design.
Purchase Prints of the Illustration!
(click the link above)
Also, we will soon begin the online auction for the original pastel illustration. For more information on this, email info@autism5k.org.
Notes from Mary GrandPre’ on this piece:
“I wanted to use the puzzle piece, a common symbol for autism, and combine it with the runner and the landscape. Here, a new central puzzle piece has been added to the scene… a sunlit piece of the lake and runner adds a bright focal point to the shaded landscape. This glowing puzzle piece represents hope for finding new answers and for bringing more attention to autism.”
The original will be available via silent auction at the event – purchase your print here!
Here is a mockup of the t-shirt design front and back:
Our Sponsors (2009 IT5K for Autism)
March 31, 2009
The IT5K is primarily sponsored by IT companies making this a signature event for the IT community as well as the general public. The 5K is also sponsored by local and/or autism related organizations as well as silent partners. We would like to thank the following sponsors.
The IT5K for Autism is presented by:
Premier Sponsors:
Gold Sponsors:
Media Partners:
KFAN is the official radio station of the IT5K for Autism:
Silver Sponsors:
Design services donated by: Armato Designs for the shirt, postcard, registration form and other various items.
For information on sponsoring the IT5K, please download our sponsorship PDF:
http://www.autism5k.org/sponsorship.pdf
Join us on Facebook, Twitter…
March 30, 2009
Follow us and spread the word on Facebook, Twitter or the social media outlet you use. A 5K run/walk supported by IT should embrace social media after all!
Join us on Facebook!
Event Page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=64144458711
Quick Link: http://autism5k.org/facebook
- Please RSVP that you will be attending on our event page.
- Spread the word by inviting others. Click on the “Share” button then the “Send a Message” tab and choose which friends you would like to send it to by typing in their names.
- Post the Event to your Wall. Click on the “Share” button then “post to profile” with comments or without.
Twitter!
Find us @it5k
Follow us and we’ll follow you back. Be sure to link to autism5k.org from your Twitter account too!
Full link: http://www.twitter.com/it5k
Email a Friend or Share with your network!
By clicking on the “tell a friend” button below, you’ll be able to email this page to a friend or post it to your Facebook page or your other networks.
Better yet, go to the homepage of the IT5K and click on that same “tell a friend” button at the bottom of the home page and share the main page instead.
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