Join OAR to celebrate Autism Acceptance Month with our annual Active for Autism 5K and Kids Dash this April! This fitness and fundraising event promotes autism awareness and acceptance in our communities, with proceeds supporting new autism research and free, evidence-based resources.
“Our 8th annual Active for Autism 5K and Kids Dash is shaping up to be our largest event yet, and we’re excited to bring together the autism community, local businesses and sponsors, participants from around the country, and OAR staff for another great event,” said Sarah Culver, Director, RUN FOR AUTISM.
There are several ways to get involved.
Join us for the in-person Active for Autism 5K & Kids Dash on Sunday, April 19, on Main Line Boulevard near George Washington Middle School in Alexandria, Va. The 5K starts at 8:00 a.m., with awards and the Kids Dash to follow around 9:15 a.m. This family-friendly event features a flat out-and-back course, kid-friendly activities, a coffee truck, a raffle, a groovy race t-shirt, and more.
If you can’t make it in person, participate virtually. Take on the Active for Autism 5K & Kids Dash your way between April 1 and 19—you can run, walk, or cycle anywhere. Take on a 5K right outside your front door, stay inside on a treadmill, or find somewhere new to explore. Kids 12 and under are also welcome to participate in the Virtual Kids Dash by completing a virtual race of any distance.
In 2025, over 500 participants joined forces to raise over $50,000 for autism research. Their fundraising supported a research study funded by OAR in 2026, titled “An Evidence-Based, Virtual Toolkit for Community Mental Health Clinicians Serving Autistic Youth,” conducted by Dr. Grace Lee Simmons at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.
In 2026, we aim to raise over $80,000 to fund a new research study and support OAR’s mission of applying research to the challenges of autism. Through your support of the Active for Autism 5K & Kids Dash, you are directly supporting OAR’s ultimate objective: to change lives.
Register here for the in-person or virtual event. You can register as a HERO participant to amplify your impact with a $200 self-donation to enjoy VIP race-day perks or virtual benefits.
We’re counting down to race day and look forward to seeing you there!
If you are interested in getting your business noticed by more than 400 in-person participants become a sponsor for the 2026 Active for Autism 5K & Kids Dash! Email run @researchautism.org and check out our sponsorship information here for more information.
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