OARacle Newsletter

In 2025, RUN team members from around the world represented OAR at 30 events, from international marathons to our very own Active for Autism 5K and Kids Dash. The RUN team of nearly 1,200 runners joined forces to raise over $1.25 million. Their fundraising efforts helped OAR fund new applied autism research, including eight new studies funded through the 2025 Applied Research Competition.

Jacque Quackenbush, a RUN FOR AUTISM team member, shared her experience as part of the RUN team for the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, “It has been a privilege and a joy to be able to show my kids that you can set a lofty goal and work very hard to achieve it. It’s not always easy. It takes dedication and sacrifice. But crossing the finish line makes all the difference. Being on the RUN team has also brought awareness to family and friends and has, in turn, made us aware of families who are on a similar journey. It has brought us together in ways I hadn’t anticipated when I first joined.” Her son was diagnosed with autism shortly before he started kindergarten.

As the RUN FOR AUTISM program looks towards 2026, consider challenging yourself to support the autism community by participating in a RUN FOR AUTISM race. Whether you’re looking to take on your first 5K or tackle a marathon, RUN has you covered all year long. Check out one of these highlighted events:

• United Airlines NYC Half: March 15  

• Active for Autism 5K and Kids Dash: April 19 

• Big Sur 11 Miler: April 26

• TCS London Marathon: April 26 (Team full) 

• Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend: May 2-3 

• Sanlam Cape Town Marathon: May 24 

• BMW Berlin Marathon: September 27  

• Bank of America Chicago Marathon: October 11 (Team full) 

• DIY: Year-round 

For information on all our 2026 RUN FOR AUTISM events, visit our race calendar.

We hope the new year brings you new goals, achievements, happiness, and inspiration. As always, thank you for your continued support of the RUN FOR AUTISM program, OAR, and autism research!