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                  

1 mile

Kids under age 12, 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!