Race FAQs
2024 Event FAQ
Where can I enter the Autism Society - The Heartland 5K/1K Fun Run?
You can find all the details and enter the Autism Society - The Heartland 5K/1K Fun Run here.
Who can take part?
Autism Society - The Heartland 5K/1K Fun Run is for anyone!
What are the distance options?
There is a 5km and a 1km option.
What is the difference between the in-person and virtual options for this event?
The in-person 5K and 1K will be physically held at Aspiria (formerly Sprint Campus). 5K runners will be chip timed at the in-person event. If you are participating in-person for the 5K or 1K you MUST get your items at the packet pick-up event or the day of the race: they will NOT be shipped to you. For the virtual event, participants will time themselves for the 5K and enter their finishing time online. Participants who sign up for the 5K or 1K virtual option will be shipped their finishers' medal.
How much is it to register?
The Autism Society - The Heartland 5K/1K Fun Run event is $35/$40 (depending on time of registration) to register for the In-person 5K and $25 to register for the 1K. The Virtual 5K option is $40 to register to help cover shipping & handling costs of finisher's medals. The Virtual 1K option is $30 to register to help cover the shipping & handling costs of finisher's medals.
What is included in the registration fee?
- In-Person 5K - Finisher's Medal, sponsorship materials, and chip timing. The first 300 paid registrants will also receive a FREE One Day Ticket to Worlds of Fun/Oceans of Fun good for the WOF 2024 season.
- In-Person 1K - Finisher's Medal, sponsorship materials
- Virtual 5K - Finisher's Medal (inc. S&H), and the ability to submit your time for race results
- Virtual 1K - Finisher's Medal (inc. S&H), sponsorship materials
Is there a late registration?
In-Person 5k registrations will cost $40 after April 1, 2024. There is no late registration fee for the 1K. Late registration does not guarantee a finisher's medal for the participant.
I received a FREE Worlds of Fun ticket last year as part of the 5th Annual 5K/1K Fun Run in 2023. Can I use that ticket this season?
No. Tickets distributed in 2023 were only redeemable during the regular Worlds of Fun season through end of season, 2023.
Can I receive a refund for this event?
No. Our refund policy for this event has been clearly posted on our website since registration began February 6, 2024 and refunds are not allowed for this race.
Can I change my registration from in-person to virtual, or from virtual to in-person?
Yes. Please email fundraising@asaheartland.org with your full name and what you would like to change about your registration. You can also contact the race director here.
What is a virtual race?
A virtual race is a race that can be run or walked from any location you choose, on any day or time you choose before April 14, 2024.
Where can I complete my virtual run?
You should plan your run/walk route before starting your event. The run/walk should only be completed on footpaths/pathways or also on pathways within public parks. Please follow government guidelines and exercise within the advised distance from your home.
Can I still run the intended route at Aspiria if I registered for the virtual option?
Yes. Runners registered for the virtual event may show up in time to join the in-person race at their designated race time (8:00 am for 5K, 8:45am for 1K). Timing chips may be available to you for the 5K event but cannot be guaranteed.
When will my medal arrive if I chose the virtual option?
If you registered before March 15, 2024, your items will arrive BEFORE the event on April 13. You will receive an email when your order has been mailed. If you registered for the event after March 15, 2024, your items will arrive after the event, you will not be guaranteed the items, and you should be receiving communication from Autism Society - The Heartland’s Fundraising Coordinator. For more information on your delivery you can contact fundraising@asaheartland.org. If you chose the in-person option, your items will NOT be mailed to you.
How do I submit my time virtually?
There are TWO ways to enter your time.
1. Use the link in your Athlinks Virtual Race email to get to your exclusive Time Input page. Once you've entered a time, you'll be able to claim your result to your Athlinks profile.
2. You can search for your name on your Event Result Page, claim your Virtual Race Page which will require that you either sign into your Athlinks account, or join Athlinks, and post there.
How do I submit a time virtually for someone under 16?
Athlinks has updated the input method for athletes under 16. Please be sure to use the link from your Athlinks Virtual Race email to navigate to your Time Input page. If you no longer have the link for your under 16 participant, do not attempt to claim their result as your own. Please submit a request with the event name, child's name, and time to be entered and we can get that in for you.
Can I edit my time virtually after adding it to my Virtual Race Page?
Yes; after you post your time, you should still be able to see the dark "Post Your Time" box underneath the time you submitted. Feel free to edit if you made a mistake, but keep it honest. The world is watching ;) (Note - you must be logged in to see this option & it must be before the event end date to submit results.)
What apps should I use to track my run?
There are several apps available, such as Strava, Map My Run, Nike Run, and Run Keeper.
Do I have to submit my time for the virtual 5K?
No. Submitting your 5K time is optional.
Can I submit my time for the 1K event?
No. Timing results are only available to registered 5K participants.
Will there be a prize for the top runners?
Yes. There will be prizes given to the top three male and top three female in-person 5K registered runners who attend the in-person event. These prizes will be given to the winners the day of the event, April 13, 2024. There will also be prizes for the following for the top female and male finishers in each the following age groups:
- 10 and under
- 11-19
- 20-29
- 30-39
- 40-49
- 50-59
- 60 and over
Prizes will not be awarded to In-Person 1K runners or to our virtual runners.
How will I know if I am a top runner who will receive a prize?
Top 5K runners will be announced at the event. You must be in-person after the race to receive your prize.
Where can I see the results?
Race results for all in-person 5K runners will be posted the day of the race here.
