Every Step Counts Autism Walk & 5K Run

IN-PERSON Every Step Counts Autism Walk & 5K Run

October 7, 2023  from 8am-Noon

Centennial Park, Ellicott City, MD

HCAS's annual Every Step Counts Autism Walk & 5K Run has something for everyone. Every Step Counts features a timed 5K run and 4K walk around Centennial Lake in Ellicott City, MD, as well as a 1K walk for those who prefer a shorter distance. Participants may also register to participate virtually in these events at the time and location of their choosing.

Thank you for walking or running with us in support of individuals and their families who are navigating the Autism journey.

#EveryStepCounts  #AutismStrongMD

OVERVIEW of the IN-PERSON Every Step Counts Autism Walk & 5K Run

• The 4K walk & 5K run is a hybrid event with two options for participating: 1) in-person at Centennial Park on Oct. 7 OR 2) virtual--anywhere, anytime. [Click here to learn about the Virtual Walk & 5K Run]
• This year's event will feature a timed 5K run, a 4K walk and a 1K stroll.
• Sponsors and community partners will join us in the event village for a vendor fair, children's activities and refreshments. 
• Event coordinators and volunteers will be on-site to assist with check-in and on-site registration.
• The Start/Finish line will be the same for all participants. [See Course Map]
• Race route guides will be positioned along the event route to direct participants, as needed.
• One water stop will be located at about Mile 2.
• The 5K run will be a timed event with bibs and chips. 
• Runners will start at 10:00am followed by walkers at 10:10am.

PRIOR TO OCTOBER 7

• Participants may register online up to 9:45am on October 7 [Register HERE] or register at Centennial Park starting at 9:00am on October 7.
• Team captains are encouraged to recruit their team members and get them registered before the event.
• T-shirt sizes are guaranteed for participants who register by September 15th.
• Pick up your race packet on Thursday, October 5 from 4:30-7:00pm at Feet First in Wilde Lake Village Center or at Centennial Park on October 7.
• Team captains can arrange to pick up their team members’ packets at Packet Pick-up.
• Participants will receive additional instructions the week before the event.
   
• If you'd like to preview the event route, check out the Every Step Counts Virtual Course Video.

ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7 at Centennial Park

To ensure the health and safety of all participants and volunteers, runners and walkers are asked to do the following:

• Allow enough time to park and walk to the race village to check-in at least 15 minutes prior to the start time.
• We will follow the most recent CDC and Howard County guidelines regarding COVID-19. If you are sick or exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, chills, cough, difficulty breathing, muscle aches, sore throat, diarrhea, recent loss of taste or smell), or if someone you live with has been diagnosed with COVID-19 within the last 14 days, please stay home and do not enter the event area.

THE MORNING OF THE EVENT:

• Arrive at the Check-In Area at Centennial Park 15 minutes prior to your start time. You will be directed to the starting line as the time for your event approaches (5K, 4K Walk or 1K Stroll).  Please listen for the announcement.  
• Snap some photos at the event banner to post to your fundraising or team page and/or social media. 
• Please share your participation on social media and use the hashtags #EveryStepCounts and #AutismStrongMD.  
• Visit our Sponsors in the Sponsor Tent in the Event Village.
• Enjoy entertainment and activities in the Event Village.
• Wait for the Race Manager to release you at the Start line.
• If you're a runner, use a GPS-based app such as Strava or MapMyRun to record your time.
  
  ONCE YOU COMPLETE YOUR RUN OR WALK, we invite you to:
• Pick up a Grab 'n Go bag with water and a snack in the Finish Area.
  

Thank you for supporting the Autism community!  

Contact the event coordinators at 410-290-3466 or info@howard-autism.org for more information.

PLEASE NOTE: These event protocols are subject to change as CDC, state, and local guidelines are released.  To ensure the health and safety of all participants, HCAS reserves the right to convert, at any time, the Every Step Counts Autism Walk & 5K Run into an all-virtual event.