A Fun Run for Affected Autistics.
- jakepfvaccaro6991
- Apr 14
- 3 min read
One Saturday morning, over 250 runners lined up to run five kilometers in the name of charity. With sneakers tied and water bottles on standby, the runners made their mark as they raced to raise money for autism awareness.
On Saturday April 5th, at Sam Smith Park in Cartersville, Ga., hundreds of people showed up to take part in an event to raise awareness for adults with autism. This event, known as Elevating Autism, drew a sizeable crowd. From Cartersville itself to as far away as Florida, countless individuals came out in support.
The event began promptly at 8:00, with a five-kilometer run around the park. The first runner to arrive at the end was a young man from Jasper named Nicholas Robinson, who crossed the finish line 19 minutes and 45 seconds after the start of the race. As the time passed, more and more people of all ages came down the finish line over the course of the next hour.
Around 9:00, a mile run for fun began at the finish line of the 5k. There were not as many runners for this event, but there were still a fair amount. It took roughly ten minutes for the first mile runner to complete the race.
Also at the event were various activities to keep those not participating in the running occupied. A fire truck was there for children to look at while members of the fire department were present to amuse them. There was also a stand full of donuts and coffee to keep all the runners fed and happy.
Once all the running had been completed, awards were passed out. The fastest three male and female runners of the 5k were given medals. As were the fastest runners of several different age groups. From children younger than ten, to people well into their fifties, if not older. The three fastest male and female runners of the mile were also given medals, despite the fact that the mile run was meant to be for fun.
The whole event was organized by a woman named Mandy Beavers. She worked in association with Boost Abilities, LLC, Academy ABA, and Wire2Wire Running to organize the event. Beavers was inspired to put the event together for her 26-year-old autistic son, Caleb.
“My son was affected at a local pool where the police were involved. And it didn’t have a real reason or cause for that. But ultimately, we did get the charges dropped. So I just wanted to bring awareness to other people in the community of what autism is, and some of the characteristics.” Beavers said.
Those accusing him, as well as on site police, did little to deescalate the situation as it was unfurling. Nor did they make substantial effort to get Caleb’s side of the story.
But in response to all the unpleasantness that surrounded her son, Beavers felt that she needed to educate others on adults with autism. How best to understand them and handle them in the event a situation similar to Caleb’s were to occur. To that end, she spent three months putting the event in the park together. Beavers even managed to win the support of Cartersville’s mayor, Matt Santini, who made a proclamation declaring April 5th ‘Bartow Co. Autism Awareness Day’ in his city.
With 259 registered runners, the event surpassed Beavers’ expectations by a wide margin for being the first time this event was held. Given the success of the inaugural run of Elevating Autism, Beavers plans on holding a similar event on an annual basis.
“Yes, we will do this every year. One day in April. And I probably will still focus on the beginning of April because that’s Autism Awareness Month.” Beavers said.
To learn more and to donate, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/GA/Cartersville/ElevatingAutism5K
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