Raising awareness for autism through 5k
Participants pause before the race begins (Wellington Film and Photography group)
On Saturday, April 23, members from the community came out for the fifth annual Dan River Autism Awareness 5k. It was held at Angler’s Park and unlike the past years, the weather was warm and sunny.
They arrived eagerly to sign in, receive their new shirts, and prepare to run or walk. The event began at 9AM with the 1k Fun Run followed by the timed 5k run and walk.
Tunstall’s Interact Club played a role in the event, as well. At the last meeting, they spent the afternoon cutting out puzzle pieces which were displayed at the park. These puzzle pieces, which are the symbol for autism awareness, could be used to write encouraging messages or promote the team they were walking for.
On Saturday, students from the club could do any of the volunteering options: setting up informational signs about Autism before the 5k, helping with the Fun Run, passing out water, or being a course monitor to make sure participants were following the rules. Along with volunteering, some chose to walk or run, as well.
Sophomore Nicole Tolley was one of the members who chose to walk. Tunstall graduate, A.J. Warren, who Interact walked for last year (Team AJ), also made an appearance along the course running.
“I participated with one of my friends to hang out while doing something important. The atmosphere was filled with a lot of excitement,” said Tolley.
There is no given total yet of how much money was raised, but based on the large number of participants, it is expected to be a fair amount.
*To see more pictures, visit Dan River Autism Awareness 5k on Facebook
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Anna Catherine is a senior and this is her fourth year on the Trojan Messenger staff. It may appear, at times, because she is often editing articles,...
