Run for Autism Awareness is Saturday

COEUR d'ALENE - It's a benefit run, sure, but a sprint, too.

The third annual Run for Autism Awareness blasts off at 9:30 a.m. Saturday from Riverstone Park.

A fundraiser for the Panhandle Autism Society, the 1.8 mile course along the Centennial Trail gives runners a chance to flat-out fly.

"It's a sprint," said Larry Taylor, race director and advocate for the nonprofit dedicated to educating and supporting people with autism and their families in North Idaho.

It's true - last year's winning time came in just over nine minutes.

But casual runners are more than welcome, too. And a walk will follow the race at 10 a.m.

The out-and-back run will head out from the park north toward the Kroc Center and then turn around. Trophies and gift certificates from Runner's Soul store in Spokane ranging from $30 to $100 will be awarded to top finishers in a variety of heats. Medals will be handed out for the top three finishers in their age groups - and there are plenty of age groups, from 12 and younger to 60 and older.

Run, walk, medalist or casual jogger, everyone will get pizza afterward.

A bouncy castle will give kids a place to jump and play after the race, too. But remember, you don't have to win to eat.

"We're not doing that at all," said Taylor, on reserving pie for the fleetest of feet. "Come have a piece of pizza."

One in 54 boys are diagnosed with autism, with a slightly smaller percentage of girls diagnosed.

Proceeds from the race go to the autism society. The race is also a points race in the Bloomsday Road Runner Club year long race series. Around 500 are signed up, and the society is aiming for 700 to 800 to participate. Registration costs $18, or $20 on race day.

Info: http://panhandleautismsociety.org/