16th annual Run/Walk for Autism on April 30

The Oak Ridger
·2 min read
Tim Younkin, left, joins the Beehan family of Oak Ridge, from left, Soly, Michael holding Gus, Lissie, and Lissie’s father Roberto Meza at an earlier race supporting Autism Breakthrough of Knoxville. The group ran and walked in honor of Gus and the Beehans' cousin Luke.
Tim Younkin, left, joins the Beehan family of Oak Ridge, from left, Soly, Michael holding Gus, Lissie, and Lissie’s father Roberto Meza at an earlier race supporting Autism Breakthrough of Knoxville. The group ran and walked in honor of Gus and the Beehans' cousin Luke.

Autism Breakthrough of Knoxville will host the 16th annual Breakthrough Run/Walk for Autism on Saturday, April 30. The race will begin at 8:30 a.m. at Regal Cinemas Pinnacle Stadium 18, 11240 Parkside Drive in Turkey Creek, Knoxville.

The run, held each April during National Autism Acceptance Month, supports Autism Breakthrough of Knoxville, a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide services that enable adults with autism in East Tennessee to lead purposeful lives, according to a news release.

Individuals, teams, and those with intellectual and developmental disabilities are invited to participate in either the 5K run or a one-mile fun walk. Community, corporate and school teams are welcome, and many teams are organized in support of an individual on the autism spectrum. Race registration is $30 for adults in person from 7 to 7:30 a.m. on race day.

If you can’t make it to the race, there is a sleeping,but supporting option on the website for $25. Donations are always accepted, and it’s an easy way to show your support without leaving the comfort of your home.

Looking to volunteer? There are positions still available for registration volunteers, Breakthrough Buddy volunteers, and course monitors. Registration and course monitor volunteers arrive at 7 a.m. and finish at 9 a.m. Breakthrough Buddy volunteers will walk or run the 5K or one-mile fun run with a Breakthrough Buddy and arrive at 7:30 a.m.

Any individual with a disability may register to run or walk as a Breakthrough Buddy. A Buddy may request to participate with a volunteer, who will run or walk the course with the Buddy. Breakthrough Buddies receive special recognition during the award ceremony.

Autism spectrum disorder, a range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication, is estimated to affect more than 2,000 individuals of all ages in Knox County.

Autism Breakthrough of Knoxville provides a variety of services, including community living, independent living, employment services, respite and recreation, and much more.

Sign up today to improve the lives of adults with autism! Proceeds go to Autism Breakthrough of Knoxville in support of its mission.

To register: https://runsignup.com/Race/TN/Knoxville/BreakthroughRunforAutism. For more information: https://breakthroughknoxville.org/.

This article originally appeared on Oakridger: 16th Annual Run/Walk for Autism on April 30