Thanks to everyone who participated in this years event! If you are visiting the event site to make a donation in support of a team or participant, please click on the 'Sponsor Participant' or 'General Donation' links to the left.
Photos from this year's event can be seen by clicking here
Each day two North Carolina families have a child diagnosed with a form of autism. That's nearly 800 families added each year to the 50,000 families in our state already living with autism.
Individuals on the autism spectrum and their families need help and support to be able to be as successful and independent as possible.
Proceeds from the WNC Run/Walk for Autism are used to support the programs and services of the Autism Society of North Carolina, including many here in Western North Carolina, such as two residential programs, a small business that provides an opportunity for employment to individuals with autism spectrum disorder, summer camp, and the Sara Handlan Family Crisis Fund which was established to provide financial assistance to families living with autism and in crisis.
The WNC Run/Walk for Autism has raised over $70,000 over the past 3 years to provide supports and promote opportunities for the autism community in Western North Carolina.
Our Platinum Sponsor, Diamond Brand Outdoors, is offering registration at its Arden store. As an incentive, the first 300 people who register for the event at the Arden store will receive a $10 gift card.
Safety and Support:
Volunteers will manage the course. Medical personnel from Mission Children’s Hospital will be on hand to provide EMS as needed. For safety and insurance purposes, bicycles, dogs, headsets, and skates are prohibited on the race course.
Awards, Prizes and Results
Awards are presented on Race Day in the competitive 5K as follows:
• Top 3 overall males and females
• Top 3 masters (40 and over) males and females
• Age group awards are given to the top 3 winners (male and female) in the following age categories: 6-12, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 & up
• Overall race results and age group awards reports will be processed during the race. Race results will also be published online at http://www.QueenCityTiming.com/ on race day.
Overflow/Parking/Shuttle Services
There will be overflow parking and shuttle services to runners/walkers who can not find a parking space at Carrier Park. Overflow parking will be at Parking lot B-17 at AB Tech Campus. Click here for a map of the A-B Tech Campus. Asheville-Buncombe Tech is located at 340 Victoria Road. Click here for directions to A-B Tech. Shuttle services will run every 10 minutes from parking lot B-17 to Carrier Park and back between 6:15am and 1pm. We expect a big crowd so please be sure to give yourself plenty of time before the race for parking and registration. All volunteers are encouraged to use overflow parking.
Team Photos:
Camilla Calnan Photography will be taking team photos by the playground area from 7:30 through 8:45. We will take 5K teams first. Photos will be available on their web site @ www.camiphoto.zenfolio.comautismrun. Visit their booth for a drawing for a free photo session.
Sara's Sunflower Wall
Honor or remember someone special to you by posting a Sunflower Message on Sara’s Sunflower Wall at the race. Paper Sunflowers to post on Sara's Sunflower Wall will be on sale for $1. All proceeds will fund the Sara Handlan Family Crisis Fund helping WNC families in need. Bring photos or memories to display.
Sara Handlan Award
During the Awards Ceremony on race day, the Sara Handlan Award will be presented to an individual on the autism spectrum who is successfully employed in WNC. Sara, who died in April 2006, was a lifetime friend to the autism community and worked in many capacities in the field of autism during her 30 year career. Sara was passionately dedicated was the employment of individuals on the autism spectrum.
Post Race Festivities:
After the Run, check out all the information booths and vendors.
• Hands on Health Massage Therapy
• Great door prizes
• Old-time music
• Family Activities and a great playground for the kids
• Bronze Sponsor Pepsi is providing a free soft drink for all.
• Starbucks will be serving free coffee!
• The HOP is serving free ice cream!
We appreciate your support and participation. Join us this year on Saturday, September 19th at Carrier Park in west Asheville. Regardless of age or ability, you will have a great time while supporting a worthy cause!
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