Active for Autism 5K, Run Walk & Family Fun Fest 2026

Register for Active for Autism by April 3 to guarantee your event t-shirt!
 

We are families helping families—and today, we’re honored to welcome our special guests as part of that family. Thank you for being here and supporting our community.

Weather Update: Due to the current forecast, all Fun Fest and vendor activities have been relocated inside the Pennington Conference Center.

7:00 AM - Registration Opens - Outside of the conference center

7:15 AM - Welcome Address – Dr. Marilyn Thornton, FHFGBR - 1st floor conference center

7:30 AM - Onsite Registration for Runners Closes

7:40 AM - Opening Prayer & National Anthem

7:45 AM - Warm-Up for Runners (Train Unique - Location: TBD due to weather forecast)

7:55 AM - 5K Line Up

8:00 AM - Chipped 5K Begins – (Threshold Timing), Vendor Booths Open Inside of Conference Center

8:45 AM - Warm-Up for One Mile (Dynamic Therapies - Location: TBD due to weather forecast)

9:00 AM - One Mile Fun Walk Begins

10:00 AM - Special Acknowledgments, 5K Awards & Team Awards - Inside of Conference Center

10:30 AM - Dance Party 

11:30 AM - Wrap Up

Important Weather Notice: In light of the current forecast, all Fun Fest and vendor activities will now take place indoors to ensure participant comfort and safety.

There is limited space available for team tents. Availability is on a first-come first-served basis. Pennington does not allow tents to be staked to the ground. Please use weights to secure your team tent. You may bring small coolers, however grills and other heating elements are prohibited. No alcohol allowed. Bring your outdoor chairs and/or blankets for family fun day activities. 

Arrival & Parking:

• Please enter Pennington via Perkins Road for race day access.
• Be aware that 5K participants will be running through the parking lot — please drive cautiously.
• Police Officers will be present to direct traffic and help ensure the safety of all participants.
   

Runner Safety:

• For the safety and respect of the runners, avoid the area near the finish line.
• Do not cross any barricaded areas — these are in place to protect both runners and spectators.
   

Food, Drinks & Cleanliness:

• Complimentary snacks and drinks will be provided.
• Snacks will also be available for purchase.
• You may bring small coolers with personal snacks or drinks.
• Grills and other heating elements are not allowed.
• No alcohol is permitted on the event grounds.
• Please use the trash receptacles provided to help keep the area clean.
   

Children & Lost and Found:

• Children must be supervised at all times.
• If a child is lost, report immediately to an officer or visit the Information Booth near Registration Tables.
• Lost children will be cared for and reunited with guardians at the Information Booth.
   

Pets & Animals:

• To maintain a safe and comfortable environment, we ask that animals not be brought to the event.
• Service animals are allowed in accordance with ADA guidelines.
• Please note: emotional support animals, comfort animals, and therapy dogs are not considered service animals under Title II and III of the ADA and should not attend.
   

Weather Policy:

In the event of rain, both the 5K Run and the Fun Walk will continue as scheduled.

Additional Information:

• Please note that there are no ATMs on Pennington’s grounds.
• FHFGBR staff and volunteers will be available throughout the event — look for badges or visit the Information Booth if you have any questions or need assistance.

• OVERALL FASTEST WINNERS - MALE & FEMALE

• AGE 14 & UNDER - MALE & FEMALE

• AGE 15 – 19 - MALE & FEMALE

• AGE 20-29 - MALE & FEMALE

• AGE 30-39 - MALE & FEMALE

• AGE 40-49 - MALE & FEMALE

• AGE 50-59 - MALE & FEMALE

• AGE 60-69 - MALE & FEMALE

• AGE 70-79 - MALE & FEMALE

• AGE 80+ - MALE & FEMALE

MOST TEAM MEMBERS - Business & Individual Teams

To be counted toward your team's total for the Most Team Members award, participants must select or join the team at the time of race registration. If a participant does not register under the team name, they will not be counted toward the team's total.

LARGEST FUNDRAISER - Business & Individual Teams

Each fundraising team has its own unique RunSignUp link, making it easy to share and collect donations via social media, text, or email. Don’t forget to check if your employer offers a matching gift program — many companies will match donations to nonprofit organizations! For award purposes, all funds raised by 10:00 AM on event day will be counted toward your team's total.

MOST CREATIVE T-SHIRT

Get ready to show off your creativity!

Come up with a fun and unique team name, then design a standout t-shirt that shows off your team spirit. We’ll be on the lookout for the most original and eye-catching designs — so bring your A-game!

Parking is available on a first-come, first-serve basis and is at your own risk. Reserved parking is available with certain sponsorship levels and for vendors.

Start Your Own Fundraising Challenge!

Please consider creating your own fundraising challenge for this event. Be on the lookout for the “Fundraising” tab during the registration process to get started!

Volunteer with Us!

Interested in volunteering? Sign up on the “Volunteer” tab and join our team in making the Active for Autism 5K & Fun Fest a success!