Autism Speaks hosts 5K, walk on Saturday

Autism Speaks will host two events Saturday: a competitive 5K at 8 a.m. and a fundraising walk at 10:55 a.m., both at the Clinton Presidential Center, 1200 President Clinton Ave. in Little Rock.

Racers will be timed. Awards will be given out three deep overall and in age groups, and also to the top male and female runner in the master and grand master categories. The awards ceremony will take place at 9:30 a.m.

Ed Buckner will be the master of ceremonies for the walk beginning at 10:30 and state Attorney General Leslie Rutledge will speak as an honorary chairman at 10:45.

In and around the race and walk, beginning at 8 and going until noon Saturday, a resource fair will have 30 presenters and free light refreshments. Entertainment includes activities for kids “young and old,” demonstrations by All-Star ATA Martial Arts and Cheer City United and music by Bree Ogden and DJ Xavier Riley.

There is no fee for the walk but donations will be accepted. Any walker who raises at least $150 will receive an Autism Speaks T-shirt.

Online registration for the 5K is available until noon Wednesday for $30, $35 for those interested in an event T-shirt. T-shirts are only guaranteed to the first 200 registrants.

Advance packet pickup will be available from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday at the Clinton Presidential Center (look for a tent outside on the grounds).

Race-day registration and packet pickup will begin at 7 a.m. Saturday. The 5K will begin at 8 on Third Street in front of the headquarters of Heifer International.

For registration and more information, at autismspeaks. org look under “Get Involved” for “Find a Walk Near You” and click on the map of Arkansas.

Please send tips for active recreation to cbyrd@arkansasonline.com