Come out and enjoy the beautiful days of late summer at the 2nd Annual Kennedy Center 5K Fun Run/Walk/Stroll Autism SpectRUN this Saturday. The run supports the Trumbull-based Kennedy Center’s Autism Project, which provides affordable accessible programming for local children and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Participants of all ages are encouraged to dress in as many colors as possible. Run, walk or stroll the 3.1 mile course through Great Hollow Lake at Wolfe Park in Monroe.
Race registration opens at 7:30 a.m. and closes at 8:45 a.m. Prizes will be awarded for most colorful and most dollars raised.
This event features something for everyone: Food trucks, live music by The School of Rock, and outdoor games. Mr. Bungles from Party Talent will be organizing three races for children.
The 20-foot Toddler Crawl/Walk begins at 10 a.m. for children three and under. Then, the 100-yard Bubble Dash kicks off at 10:15 a.m. Two races will be held for older children: ages 4 to 8, and 9 and older.
The participation fee is $35 for an adult and $20 per child. There is also a special student price of $25.
SpectRUN sponsors include: The Aiello Charitable Foundation, Inc., Mobile Veterinary Clinic, Frontier Communications and Pediatric Healthcare Associates.
This year’s SpectRUN was organized in memory of Emma Genster, a past staff member who served as the Kennedy Center’s Youth Autism Services Coordinator. She played a key role in developing the agency’s Social Activity Programs. But more importantly, coworkers say she created a special place for the children to feel safe, make friends and just be themselves. Genster passed away last fall after a long battle with cancer.
For information about these events, call Jo Ann at 203.365.8522, Ext. 229, emailjmcmullan@kennedyctr.org or visit www.KC-Autism.org to register online.