OARacle Newsletter

Twelve RUN FOR AUTISM athletes will compete in the 2025 TCS Sydney Marathon. They are well on their way with their training and fundraising, having already raised $18,000 in support of OAR. This year marks the race’s debut as an Abbott World Marathon Major, and it’s also OAR’s first year as a charity partner. From the Harbour Bridge to the Opera House, runners will see Sydney’s famous sites, including stunning water views.

Two runners shared more about why they’re running this marathon as part of the RUN FOR AUTISM team. Kathy Holloman-Taylor’s grandson, Amir, was diagnosed with autism in 2022 when he was 18 months old. “This was a very terrifying time for my family,” she said. She and her family sought resources and therapies to support Amir. Since then, Amir has started saying a few words and associating words with things. “The first time he said ‘Hi, Grandma,’ I remember breaking down in tears of joy,” she said. The Sydney Marathon will be Holloman-Taylor’s seventh world major marathon race, several of which she’s run for autism charities.

Paul Simpson also runs for a family member. “Approximately two years ago, we started to see behavioral changes with one of our younger family members that subsequently led to an autism diagnosis. Our collective light bulbs went off as it explained not only the changes in behavior but also actions or events that had occurred since a much younger age.” Since then, Simpson and his family have dived into autism education and support. “This has not been an easy journey, and there have been many bumps in the road,” he said. “But as we enhance our knowledge and strengthen our support network, we feel confident that our little superstar will continue to blossom.”

Simpson will run twice with OAR in the next year as he’s also taking on the 2026 TCS London Marathon. “Having this extra motivation always provides that additional boost of energy to push through those tough training days and ultimately the joy of completing 26.2 miles. And when I have received these medals, I know there is some special inspiration implanted in that will also make them stand out from the rest.”

Learn more about all our TCS Sydney Marathon RUN FOR AUTISM team members and cheer them on as they race in Australia this summer!