Race to Combat Autism

April is Autism Awareness Month, and what better way to honor the one in 88 children who are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders each year than having people devoted to the cause running a race that will raise funds to combat the disease.

“We’ve done this race; this is our sixth year,” exclaimed Jodi Heywood, the group fitness manager at Harbor Fitness, which organizes the annual fundraiser every year around the same time.

“We wanted to pick something that would help within our communities. Autism has become much more prevalent and diagnosed and we felt that we wanted to work with something important and help our kids get the services that they need,” Heywood added.

The proceeds from the 5k (3.1 mile) upcoming race/walk, which will take place on Sunday April 28, will help support the HeartShare School for children with autism and special needs.

“When the HeartShare School opened five year ago, we had 48 students; today we have 75,” said the President and CEO of HeartShare, William Guarinello.

Tickets cost $25. The route will begin in front of the gym, located at 9215 Fourth Avenue, circle through the historic and scenic Fort Hamilton Army Base, and end back at Harbor Fitness.

Ways to get involved include: buying a raffle ticket, to be sold in any of the four Harbor Fitness locations which are: Bay Ridge; Park Slope: 191 15th Street; Mill Basin: 6161 Strickland Avenue; or Marine Park: 2825 Nostrand Avenue; joining the race, volunteering or simply cheering on the runners.

A 10 a.m. pee wee warm-up for kids will kick off the fun, continued with the 10:30 a.m. adult 5k walk/run and a post-run party where awards will be given out, at 11 a.m.

You can register online: http://www.rockapulcorun.com/#!race-against-autism/c1imq or in person at any of the four locations.

For more information, call: 718-238-9400.