Heroes for Autism 5k/mile walk

The 2nd Annual Heroes for Autism 5k and 1 mile walk/run has gone virtual for 2020! In keeping with the social distancing guidelines, we have decided to have our annual event online so everyone can participate safely!

The Freddie Ford Family Foundation supports under-served families impacted by autism. Currently, 1 in 54 children are diagnosed on the autism spectrum.  This year we expanded our programming to include a Covid-19 Community Relief Fund.  We have provided families with tools to help cope with staying home including sensory bins and technology.  To get more information about the foundation visit www.freddiefordfamilyfoundation.org.

We encourage participants to take photos dressed as superheroes!  If you can race as a superhero that would be amazing! 

Register and run for Heroes for Autism Virtual 5K & 1 Mile Run/Walk before July 18th, 2020 for a t-shirt and medal

Complete a 5K (3.1 miles)  or 1 Mile (for kids under 18) at your convenience any time anywhere from July 5-18, 2020.

Celebrate your accomplishment by sharing on social media! #HeroesforAutism5k

$35 -  5K Registration with shirt and medal (includes all mailing costs)

$25 - 1 Mile Run/Walk with shirt (includes all mailing costs)

$15 - Jr. Heroes for Autism 5K and 1 mile with shirt and medal (includes all mailing costs)

$10 - Jr. Heroes for Autism 1 mile with shirt (includes all mailing costs)

What is a Virtual Race?

Virtual races are a way to stay connected with one another when you can't get together for an in-person race. A virtual race is one that you run or walk on your own, at any time of day. Virtual races allow you to run the race on any course in any place you like— country road, park path, treadmill. You choose the best way for you to safely participate!

If you are in the St. Louis area and recall the course at Queeny Park from last year you can run that route if the park is open to the public. It is not mandatory that you do so.

Of course, make sure that you are safe and following rules of the road. There won’t be event staff there to shut down intersections. Stop for cars and run or walk on sidewalks or the left-hand shoulder of the road and stay visible at all times. 

What Do I Get?

Racers registered before July 18th will receive:

The satisfaction of raising awareness of autism spectrum disorders
Commemorative Heroes for Autism Virtual 5K and Mile t-shirt
Finisher's medal to commemorate your achievement
The joy of raising funds for autism families in need

How far do I walk/run?

5K = 3.1 miles                   and                  1 mile

For kids under age 12, they are eligible to participate in the 1 mile Jr. Heroes for Autism run and 5k with an adult.

Important: Please follow all social distancing guidelines and maintain at least 6 feet between you and others. Additionally, be sure to follow your own state and local restrictions about public spaces, trails, or running locations.

Who can participate?

Anyone! That’s the beauty of virtual races. Here or there, near or far – all are invited to be a part of this unique event to raise awareness of autism spectrum disorder and and supporting a great community organization all the while!

If you don’t run, then walk. If you really don’t even like to walk, take a stroll. Skip. Lollygag. Have a picnic halfway through. This event truly is for everyone!

What do I do after I finish my race?

You will track your walk/run on your choice of tracking app. (Map my Walk, Map my Run, Run Tracker, Strava, Garmin, RunKeeper, etc.) At the end of your course, you will save your info or screenshot and share that info to the Heroes for Autism 5K & 1 Mile Facebook event page.

As a Bonus: You have 2 whole weeks to complete your run which means if you don’t love your initial time, you can try again and again and again and upload your time to improve your ranking no additional fee is required.

Do I get a medal? A shirt?

Yes and yes. We will try to get you your t-shirt medal as quickly as possible, however there may be delays due to Covid-19.  Our live race date, prior to going virtual was July 19 so if you can complete the race by that date that would be awesome!  You will receive your commemorative t-shirt and medal in the mail to your specified address. We would love a picture of you in your shirt!

How long do I have to finish the race?

The Heroes for Autism 5K race period will begin on Sunday, July 5th at 12:00 AM and end Saturday, July 18th at 11:59 PM.  You can run and submit your race any time during this period. You must complete the distance you signed up for within the specified race period to qualify for ranking.  If you register for the last chance run, it is free and you will not be guaranteed a free t-shirt or medal but that run is open from July 19th at 12:00 AM until July 31st at 11:59 PM.  

Please help us raise awareness of autism spectrum disorders and make a difference in the lives of families impacted by autism! Be a HERO for autism!