Every Step Counts Autism Walk & 5K Run

🎉 Event Overview

Each year, the Autism Society of Maryland's (AUSOM's) Every Step Counts Autism Walk & 5K Run brings together individuals and families touched by Autism and the broader community for a day of connection, compassion, and celebration.

📅 Date and Location

This year, on Saturday, October 4, 2025, we are proud to continue this tradition with a 5K Run, 4K Walk or 1K Stroll – all set in a SUPERHERO-themed atmosphere! Guests will enjoy family-friendly fun including inflatables, roving performers, bubble and balloon artists, and costumed characters. It’s a day of joy and unity, with strong support from local sponsors, elected officials, and community partners.

🤝 Fundraising Goals

Join us! Together we are #AutismStrongMD. The goal is to raise $100,000 toward programs and services for the local Autism community that is more than 15,000 strong!

• Support Programs: Funds raised will directly support AUSOM’s free programs and services – including support groups, education, advocacy, social events, and advocacy – offered throughout the year.
• Take Action: Consider becoming a fundraiser to help reach our goal.

🏃‍♂️ Participation Options

There are many ways for you and your family and friends to participate this year! Kids under the age of 11 can walk or run for FREE but registration is required to receive a t-shirt. CLICK to learn more.

• 5K Run: Timed run around Centennial Lake with awards for male, female, and nonbinary finishers.
• 4K Walk: A scenic walk around Centennial Lake.
• 1K Stroll: For those seeking a shorter walk distance.
• Become a Fundraiser: Help collect donations from family and friends.

💪 Fundraising Tips

In addition to participating as a runner or walker, we invite participants to become fundraisers to help us reach our goal of $100,000. Here are some fundraising tips:

• Ask for Donations: Invite family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers to support you.
• Build a Team: Invite others to join you and ask them to reach out to their networks.
• Utilize Social Media: Share your Fundraiser and/or Team URLs in posts and email signatures.
• Facebook Fundraiser: Set up an integrated Facebook fundraiser to effortlessly reach your supporters.

🎪 Event Village

The Every Step Counts event village will be back better than ever. Be sure to arrive early to visit our Resource Fair featuring event sponsors and vendors. Bring the kids!

• Family-Friendly Fun: Inflatables, entertainment by roving performers, bubble and balloon artists, and costumed characters.
• Tasty Refreshments: Fill your tank with delicious food and drinks.
• Mobile Clinic: Get up to date on your vaccines hosted by Giant Food Pharmacy.

📈 Sponsorship Opportunities

Leading up to the event, sponsors and community supporters will be recognized on the event website, on social media, and in promotional materials. Visit the Sponsor page to learn more.

🙌 Volunteer Sign-Up

We look forward to welcoming back our volunteers. We're offering all of the traditional volunteer tasks associated with an in-person foot race. Sign-up is easy.

• Online Sign-Up: Visit the Every Step Counts Volunteer page to select a task and sign up online.
• Download Application: Click HERE to download a Volunteer Application.

🌍 Together, We Can Make a Difference!

Since 1993, the Autism Society of Maryland (AUSOM) has served Autistic individuals of all ages, their families, and the community. In October 2023, AUSOM officially expanded its service area to include Montgomery and Anne Arundel counties. We're excited for this opportunity to connect with more members of the Maryland Autism community.

🔗 Contact Information

Questions? Contact the event coordinators at 410-290-3466 or info@autismsocietymd.org.

📝 Important Note

To ensure the health and safety of all participants, AUSOM reserves the right to convert, at any time, the Every Step Counts Autism Walk & 5K Run into an all-virtual event.

Sign up today at Every Step Counts Autism Walk & 5K Run. Thank you!