Elevating Autism 5K & 1Mi.

JOIN US!! For the 2nd Annual Running of the “Elevating Autism 5K & 1M Fun Run/Walk”

Saturday, April 18, 2026
Sam Smith Park, Cartersville, GA 

Presented by 'Academy ABA'

     8:00am    5K
     8:50am    1Mi. Fun Run/Walk
     9:15am    Awards Presentation
  

ACT NOW AND SAVE $$$ on the 5K!   

5K Early Bird pricing* runs through Sunday March 1st. Price increases beginning Monday, March 2nd!

Get ready to join us once again at Sam Smith Park in Cartersville, GA for this USATF-Certified Race!  This important event is not just about running and/or walking; it’s an effort to heighten awareness for folks in our very own communities who have Autism--both youth and adults--but are often misunderstood. Unless you are a parent of one with Autism, you might not know many of the facts.  This race is to help us help them.

Q. What is 'Boost Abilities, LLC'??

A. While we are still relatively small for now, we intend to grow so that we can elevate autism awareness in our community to help everyone see the world from a different angle.  Our mission is to help educate communities about autism, allowing everyone to begin thinking outside the box...this means connecting, sharing life experiences, and partnering parents with community leaders, all done for the safety of each of our members on the spectrum.  With your help, we CAN DO it.

Whether you're a front-o-the-packer or pushing that kiddie stroller casually at the back, we invite you to come out to a lovely April race and see if it might just change you.  We think it will!!! Register early to secure your spot, and even save some dough if you register in February. Either way, just grab a few of your friends and family members, and let’s have some FUN together!

WANT TO VOLUNTEER??  Contact Race Director Mandy Beavers: mandyjune0953@gmail.com

The 5K course is a USATF-certified and is a qualifying event for the 2025 AJC Peachtree Road Race.

RACE SCHEDULE:

  6:30am     Race Day Registration opens
  7:45am     Race Day Registration closes
  8:00am     5K
  8:50am     1 Mi. Fun Run/Walk
  9:15am     Awards Ceremony

REGISTRATION INFO: Pre-Race, on-line Registration will be open until 11:59 PM, Sunday, April 12th, 2026. (Pre-register by this date to guarantee your T-shirt size!)  

    * Pre-race Race Registration Fees:  

• 5K "EARLY BIRD RATE" is $25 until March 1st...after that, it's $30

     Race Day Rates:     

• $40 for the 5K
• $30 for the 1Mi.

(Note: Wish we could, but we cannot absolutely guarantee your T-Shirt Size if you register on Race Day!)

PRE-RACE PACKET PICKUP & RACE SHIRTS: PRE-RACE PACKET PICKUP & RACE SHIRTS:  For those who have pre-registered, we highly-encourage you to pick up your race packet & t-shirt Friday, April 17th from 12:00 Noon – 8:00 PM at the Big Peach Running Co. store located at 402 E Church St Suite 107 & 108, Cartersville, GA 30121).  Saves time & stress on race morning!  5K & 1M participants receive a shirt based on size indicated in their online registration. Size exchanges not guaranteed. 

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS:

Restrooms – Available in the area before/after race
Water Stations – Water will be provided at a mid-point water station on course
Finish Area - Water, Gatorade, Fruit, & Snacks (free to runners)

5K AWARDS:

Overall awards in the 5K will be presented to the following:

Top 3 Overall M&F
Top Master M&F
Top 3 in each of the following Age Categories M&F:
       10 & under, 11-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70 & Over

NOTE: The '1 mILE fUN rUN' is mostly just for fun...BUT...we will present medals to the first 3 Boys and first 3 Girls who finish the race.

PARKING on RACE DAY:  There is plenty of FREE parking available at the Ric Mason Soccer Complex parking lot, behind Cartersville Middle School.

CANCELATION / WEATHER / REFUNDS:  This event will be held rain or shine, warm or cold weather unless event organizers determine in conjunction with local authorities that conditions necessitate cancelation. If cancelation is necessary, no credits or refunds will be provided and registered participants for the 5K/1M distances will be transferred to the rescheduled date.