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This year, nearly 1200 athletes took on a RUN FOR AUTISM event to support autism research. We’re incredibly proud of all of our athletes, and want to recognize a few outstanding individuals and teams with our first-annual RUN FOR AUTISM awards.

The Standing Ovation Award:

This award is presented annually to the highest fundraising individual with RUN FOR AUTISM, in recognition of their outstanding contribution to OAR.

Colin Connor – 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon

Colin Connor raised $17,961 as a member of the 2025 RUN FOR AUTISM Bank of America Chicago Marathon team. He runs for his 11-year-old son, Jack, who was diagnosed with autism at age three. Jack loves all things hockey and has dreams of being a hockey announcer, hopefully for his and Colin’s favorite team, the Detroit Red Wings. Colin has been an active member of the RUN community since 2021, when he competed in the Escape from Alcatraz triathlon with RUN, followed by two years as a DIY athlete as he took on Ironman and swimming events in Florida.

The Stronger Together Award:

This award is presented annually to the highest fundraising team with RUN FOR AUTISM, in recognition of their outstanding contribution to OAR.

Apawamis/Donnelly Run Club Team – TCS New York City Marathon

The Apawamis/Donnelly Run Club Team raised $60,639 for this year’s TCS New York City Marathon with the RUN FOR AUTISM team. The team started four years ago with one runner and has since grown to a team of 17 in this year’s marathon. Based in Rye, New York, team members are passionate about supporting the Organization for Autism Research and other charitable endeavors in all their races.

The Go-The-Extra-Mile Award:

This award is presented annually to a team member who shows unmatched dedication to OAR through running, fundraising, and community engagement. This all-around OAR all-star exemplifies the best of the RUN FOR AUTISM program.

Chris Neil: 2025 TCS Sydney Marathon, BMW Berlin Marathon, Bank of America Chicago Marathon, and TCS New York City Marathon

Between August of 2025 and April of 2026, Chris is running six Abbott World Major Marathons – Sydney, Berlin, Chicago, New York, Tokyo, and London – with the RUN FOR AUTISM team. His connection to autism is through his sister’s family and her two boys who have autism, one being nonverbal, level 2. While he wasn’t planning to run all the majors in succession, the pieces fell into place. His 157.2 mile journey over four continents has raised over $23,000 for OAR. Stay tuned in 2026 as he wraps up the world majors!

The High-Five Award:

This award is presented annually to a team member who embodies the camaraderie of the RUN FOR AUTISM program, going above and beyond to foster community and engage with teammates. It recognizes unmatched enthusiasm and zeal in supporting OAR.

Luis Plascencia: 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon

Luis started running for RUN FOR AUTISM in 2017 because of his connection to autism through his brother, Oscar, who was on the autism spectrum. Oscar passed away in 2021, and Luis continues to run to honor his memory. In the RUN FOR AUTISM community, Luis is a steadfast source of inspiration. An avid marathon and ultramarathoner, he’s active in RUN Facebook groups, always ready to meet his fellow teammates, and a friendly and welcoming presence at race-weekend events, including this year’s Bank of America Chicago Marathon.

2025 RUN FOR AUTISM Ambassador Superlatives

This year, four outstanding RUN FOR AUTISM alumni served as our inaugural Ambassador Cohort. You may recognize them from a race-weekend event, or from a Facebook group. In recognition of their efforts, we’re presenting them with our Ambassador Superlatives. Stay tuned for announcement of our 2026 Ambassador Cohort!

Jenelle

Community Champion Award: Best Community Event Organizer

Beth

Glue of the Group Award: Best Facebook Group Moderator

Patrick

Shutterbug: Best Social Media Pictures

Mike

The Race-Weekend Rockstar Award: Best Race-Weekend Enthusiasm