Every Step Counts Autism Walk & 5K Run

The Autism Society of Maryland (AUSOM) celebrates 20 years of hosting the Every Step Counts Autism Walk & 5K Run. Every Step Counts brings together individuals and families touched by Autism and the broader community for a day of connection, compassion and celebration. 

On Saturday, October 3, 2026, we are excited to bring back the SUPERHERO theme for our 5K Run, 4K Walk or 1K Stroll! Guests will enjoy family-friendly fun including an inflatable obstacle course, roving performers, face painters, bubble artists and costumed characters.  It’s a day of joy and unity, with strong support from local sponsors, elected officials and community partners.

Join us! Together we are #AutismStrongMD. The goal is to raise $120,000 toward programs and services for the local Autism community that is more than 18,000 strong!  Funds raised will directly support AUSOM’s free programs and services – including support groups, education, advocacy, social events, and advocacy – offered throughout the year.

5K Run, 4K Walk or 1K Stroll

There are many ways for you and your family and friends to participate this year! Kids 10 and under can walk or run for FREE but registration is required to receive a t-shirt. CLICK to learn more

• Timed 5K Run around Centennial Lake with awards for male, female and nonbinary finishers
• 4K Walk around Centennial Lake
• 1K Stroll for those seeking a shorter walk distance
• Become a Fundraiser

In addition to participating as a runner or walker, we invite participants to become fundraisers to help us reach our goal of $120,000. Here are some fundraising tips: 

• Ask for Donations – invite family, friends, neighbors and co-workers to support you
• Build a Team – invite family, friends, neighbors and co-workers to run or walk with you and ask them to reach out to their networks
• Share your Fundraiser and/or Team URLs in social media posts and in your e-mail signature
• Set up an integrated Facebook fundraiser to effortlessly reach your supporters
• Build some friendly competition with other participants to encourage spirit, team-building and fundraising capacity 

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! Take in the family-friendly fare that will include inflatables, entertainment by roving performers, bubble and balloon artists, and costumed characters. Fill your tank with tasty refreshments. Get up to date on your vaccines by visiting the mobile clinic hosted by Giant Food Pharmacy. Event highlights at Centennial Park will be shared on social media to put participants and spectators, regardless of their location, in the center of the action as the event unfolds. 

Become a Sponsor

Leading up to the event, sponsors and community supporters will be recognized on the event website, on social media and in promotional materials. On-site at the event, sponsors and other supporters will be featured on signage and in event highlights posted to social media. Visit the Sponsor page to learn more. 

Sign Up to Volunteer

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. Visit the Every Step Counts Volunteer page to select a task and sign up online. Or 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. 

AUSOM promotes Autism acceptance and values the dignity and uniqueness of each Autistic person, opening the door to life's infinite possibilities. The organization supports community members of all ages by helping them connect with the resources they need when they need them. We continue to address the needs of the growing Autism community with information and referral services, Special Education resources and consultations, and social and support opportunities for individuals and families. Our advocacy efforts center around improving the quality of and access to, Autism-related services, as well as local, state, and national resources. 

With Autism diagnosis rising to 1 in 31 nationally and 1 in 38 in Maryland, our mission is more urgent than ever.  Help us ensure that #EveryStepCounts. With your support, we can continue to build a more connected, empowered and inclusive community.  Thank you!  

#AutismStrongMD   #EveryStepCounts 

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

PLEASE 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. 

Check out this year's T-shirt!! You'll make #EveryStepCount wearing this black t-shirt with the Every Step Counts logo front and center. The t-shirts are 100% cotton or a cotton-poly blend and are available in a range of adult and youth sizes.

Our shirts are printed by young adults with Autism at My Life Learning Center, an organization that creates sustainable microbusinesses to train and employ young adults with Autism to generate wealth through ownership, working side-by-side with neurotypical adults. Click to learn more https://mylifelearningcenter.org/

Together we are #AutismStrongMD!

Awards for the Top Three Overall Finishers in the following categories will include a custom medal and gift card:

Overall Male Finishers
1st Place
2nd Place
3rd Place

Overall Female Finishers
1st Place
2nd Place
3rd Place

Overall Non-Binary Finishers
1st Place
2nd Place
3rd Place

1st Place Finishers in the following age brackets will win a custom medal and gift card:

Under 16 Male
Under 16 Female

16-29 Male
16-29 Female

30-39 Male
30-39 Female

40-49 Male
40-49 Female

50-59 Male
50-59 Female

60-69 Male
60-69 Female

70+ Male
70+ Female

Will you join us as a sponsor this year?! Every Step Counts is Saturday, October 3, 2026.  Don't miss this opportunity to connect with the local Autism community through promotion on the event website and social media, and in person with a sponsor table at the event.

Please click on the link at the bottom of the page to download the Sponsor Packet (PDF).  Questions?  melissa.rosenberg@autismsocietymd.org or 443-518-7677.

Mark your calendar!

1.)  June 1, 2025 - Every Step Counts Registration Opens

2.)  September 15, 2025 - Registrations AFTER Sept. 15 cannot be guaranteed a t-shirt and/or the size of choice.

3.)  September 30, 5:00-7:00pm  Packet Pick-up at AUSOM, 9770 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia, MD

4.)  October 1, 4:30-7:00pm at Feet First Sports, Wilde Lake Village Center, 5305 Village Center Drive #110, Columbia, MD

4.)  October 3 at Noon  Registration fees increase $5 for the in-person 5K Run, 4K Walk and 1K Stroll

5.)  October 4, 9am-Noon  Every Step Counts Autism Walk & 5K Run at Centennial Park featuring an event village with sponsors and vendors, children's entertainment, and tasty refreshments  See you there!

IN-PERSON Every Step Counts Autism Walk & 5K Run

October 7, 2023  from 8am-Noon

Centennial Park, Ellicott City, MD

HCAS's annual Every Step Counts Autism Walk & 5K Run has something for everyone. Every Step Counts features a timed 5K run and 4K walk around Centennial Lake in Ellicott City, MD, as well as a 1K walk for those who prefer a shorter distance. Participants may also register to participate virtually in these events at the time and location of their choosing.

Thank you for walking or running with us in support of individuals and their families who are navigating the Autism journey.

#EveryStepCounts  #AutismStrongMD

OVERVIEW of the IN-PERSON Every Step Counts Autism Walk & 5K Run

• The 4K walk & 5K run is a hybrid event with two options for participating: 1) in-person at Centennial Park on Oct. 7 OR 2) virtual--anywhere, anytime. [Click here to learn about the Virtual Walk & 5K Run]
• This year's event will feature a timed 5K run, a 4K walk and a 1K stroll.
• Sponsors and community partners will join us in the event village for a vendor fair, children's activities and refreshments. 
• Event coordinators and volunteers will be on-site to assist with check-in and on-site registration.
• The Start/Finish line will be the same for all participants. [See Course Map]
• Race route guides will be positioned along the event route to direct participants, as needed.
• One water stop will be located at about Mile 2.
• The 5K run will be a timed event with bibs and chips. 
• Runners will start at 10:00am followed by walkers at 10:10am.

PRIOR TO OCTOBER 7

• Participants may register online up to 9:45am on October 7 [Register HERE] or register at Centennial Park starting at 9:00am on October 7.
• Team captains are encouraged to recruit their team members and get them registered before the event.
• T-shirt sizes are guaranteed for participants who register by September 15th.
• Pick up your race packet on Thursday, October 5 from 4:30-7:00pm at Feet First in Wilde Lake Village Center or at Centennial Park on October 7.
• Team captains can arrange to pick up their team members’ packets at Packet Pick-up.
• Participants will receive additional instructions the week before the event.
   
• If you'd like to preview the event route, check out the Every Step Counts Virtual Course Video.

ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7 at Centennial Park

To ensure the health and safety of all participants and volunteers, runners and walkers are asked to do the following:

• Allow enough time to park and walk to the race village to check-in at least 15 minutes prior to the start time.
• We will follow the most recent CDC and Howard County guidelines regarding COVID-19. If you are sick or exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, chills, cough, difficulty breathing, muscle aches, sore throat, diarrhea, recent loss of taste or smell), or if someone you live with has been diagnosed with COVID-19 within the last 14 days, please stay home and do not enter the event area.

THE MORNING OF THE EVENT:

• Arrive at the Check-In Area at Centennial Park 15 minutes prior to your start time. You will be directed to the starting line as the time for your event approaches (5K, 4K Walk or 1K Stroll).  Please listen for the announcement.  
• Snap some photos at the event banner to post to your fundraising or team page and/or social media. 
• Please share your participation on social media and use the hashtags #EveryStepCounts and #AutismStrongMD.  
• Visit our Sponsors in the Sponsor Tent in the Event Village.
• Enjoy entertainment and activities in the Event Village.
• Wait for the Race Manager to release you at the Start line.
• If you're a runner, use a GPS-based app such as Strava or MapMyRun to record your time.
  
  ONCE YOU COMPLETE YOUR RUN OR WALK, we invite you to:
• Pick up a Grab 'n Go bag with water and a snack in the Finish Area.
  

Thank you for supporting the Autism community!  

Contact the event coordinators at 410-290-3466 or info@howard-autism.org for more information.

PLEASE NOTE: These event protocols are subject to change as CDC, state, and local guidelines are released.  To ensure the health and safety of all participants, HCAS reserves the right to convert, at any time, the Every Step Counts Autism Walk & 5K Run into an all-virtual event. 

New this year was the Kick-Off Event on August 30th from 4:00-6:00pm, a festive Car Parade & Packet Pick-Up wound through the HCAS parking lot.  Participants were able to:

• Pick up their t-shirt, bib and packet
• Groove to the music of DJ Ice
• Rub elbows with Star Wars and other costumed characters
• Smile for a Drone Photo!
• Wave to friends in their cars
• Get great giveaways from our sponsors
• Win prizes for the best decorated cars

All from the comfort and safety of their cars!

How to pick up your t-shirt and race bib

1.) AUSOM, Saturday, September 26 from 10:00am-Noon  Drop by the lobby of the Nonprofit Collaborative, 9770 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia, MD

2.) AUSOM, Wednesday, September 30 from 4:30-7:00pm  Drop by the lobby of the Nonprofit Collaborative, 9770 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia, MD

3.) AUSOM Office by appointment  Arrange an alternative pick-up from the AUSOM office from September 30th to October 3rd.  Please call or email us to schedule a time at 410-290-3466 or info@autismsocietymd.org.  Our office is located at 9770 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia, MD.

3.) Every Step Counts Event Village, Saturday, October 3  Packets will be available for pick up at event Check-in at Centennial Park South, 10000 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, MD.

Team captains: Please call ahead so that we can pull your team's packets together before your arrival. Contact us at 410-290-3466 or info@autismsocietymd.org

CLICK HERE for RunSignUp help page on setting up the Raceday Checkin app on your mobile device

Registering to Run or Walk?

While you are not obligated to fundraise to participate in the event, RunSignUp automatically sets up a Personal Fundraiser for you as part of the registration process. You will also be prompted to join or create a Fundraising Team. Here are the steps to complete your registration. To expedite the registration process, complete the "REQUIRED" steps when on the Donation page. You may personalize your fundraising pages (personal and/or team) at any time by logging into your RunSignUp profile.

If you would like to be a fundraiser for this event without participating in the event, you will need to register as a walker or runner by following the steps below. You do not need to run or walk in order to fundraise.

Scroll down to the bottom for instructions on how to make a donation.

1. Navigate to the Walk/Run Page  

2. Select Register to begin the registration process

3. Enter all participant information and click Continue  (more than one participant may be registered at a time)

4. On the "Donation" page, scroll down to the Become a Fundraiser section to create a personal Fundraiser  (required of you, the primary, and each additional participant you are registering)

5. Enter a name for your new Fundraiser (usually auto-filled as the participant's name)

6. Enter a goal for your new Fundraiser  [optional]

7. Select the affiliate you are supporting from the Support an Affiliate* drop-down menu  [REQUIRED - for each registrant]

8. Personalize your Fundraiser URL to share with others  [optional]

9. Add a message to describe your Fundraiser  [optional]

10. Now you will join or create a Fundraising Team  (required only for the primary participant on the registration; all additional participants will be added to the team that is joined or created by the primary registrant)

11. Join an existing Fundraising Team by selecting a team from the drop-down menu then skip to Step 16  [REQUIRED - Option 1, Step 11]  OR

12. Create a new Fundraising Team by toggling to "YES" under Create a Team Fundraiser  [REQUIRED - Option 2, Steps 12-13]

13. Enter a name for your Fundraising Team (must be different from the personal Fundraiser name; case-sensitive) 

14. Enter a goal for your new Fundraising Team  [optional]

15. Add a message to describe your Fundraising Team  [optional]

16. Now select a donation level that you would like to donate towards your Fundraiser  [optional]

17. Select who this donation will be on behalf of  [optional]

18. Click Continue and proceed through the remaining registration steps

19. Review your info, enter your payment details and complete registration by clicking on the Confirm Payment button

20. If you have a Facebook page, please consider taking a few moments to follow the prompts to quickly sync your Every Steps Count fundraiser with an automated Facebook Fundraiser. 

Want to Make a Donation?

1. Navigate to the Walk/Run Page

2. Click the Donate button

3. Select a Fundraiser or Fundraising Team to indicate who you are supporting

4. Either select from the given list of Donation Levels or type in your own amount into the Any Amount box

5. Select the tribute for your Donation, if applicable

6. Select if you would like to send a message to the race or fundraiser and type your message

7. Enter your payment information and click on the Confirm Donation button

Download one of our event graphics for your social media posts! RunSignUp makes it easy to set up a Facebook fundraiser. Visit your Every Step Counts fundraising page for more details. CLICK HERE to login

Event Logo

Save the Date - Social Media

Poster

Dear Friends: 

Each day, as it has for 27 years, the Howard County Autism Society provides support, resources, and advocacy for individuals with autism and their families with services that are available at no or low cost to all who seek them. The time of COVID-19 has been no different as HCAS pivoted this spring to provide over 100 hours of programming; 1:1 supports from our special education consultant and social worker; scores of autism-specific resources on our website; and emergency grants for families most seriously impacted by the pandemic.    

Help us continue these efforts by becoming a sponsor of our 2020 Annual Autism Walk & 5K Run on October 3, 2020.  Your participation today will help keep our programs strong, connecting people with autism to life’s infinite possibilities!

In light of guidance from the CDC and in keeping with the Road to Recovery plan initiated by the State of Maryland, we are reimagining this year as a hybrid event on October 3, 2020 with the option for runners, walkers and supporters to participate either virtually or in person at Centennial Park.  

As a sponsor of #EveryStepCounts, you will “feel the love” from the moment registration opens in July through the actual event on October 3rd with new and exciting options for 2020 based on your level of support: 

• Visibility on our Virtual 5K Run Course, a digitalized version of the actual 5K run at Centennial Park!
• Digital marketing presence on our website, social media, and Facebook LIVE event on October 3rd
• Promotional opportunities through contest prizes, fundraising incentives, and event awards (e.g. eGift Cards, giveaways, etc.)
• Vendor Station at our Kick-Off Event on August 30th, a Car Parade & Packet Pick-Up through the HCAS parking lot
• Chance to form a team at your organization to run and walk with us either virtually or in person

And … our audience will be even larger this year as we join forces with the Autism Society of Baltimore-Chesapeake, working together to support a local autism community that is more than 5,000 strong!   

The event brings together those touched by autism and the greater community in an energizing and fun environment.  There will be a multitude of engaging contests, activities and fundraising challenges in the weeks and months leading up to the event.  We will be sharing hundreds of pictures, stories and videos provided by individuals, families and sponsors showing their support for the autism community.

Best of all, proceeds from the event will continue to stay right here in Central Maryland, directly impacting the lives of local children and adults with autism. This year, our goal is to collectively raise $75,000.    

Nationally the prevalence of autism is estimated at 1 in 54 births by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).  The overall rate in Maryland is about 1 in 52–one of the highest in the country-and Howard County has the highest incidence of autism per capita in the state owing to the quality of its educational system, support services and accepting community.  Now more than ever, #EveryStepCounts so that we can continue to provide critical services, raise awareness, and educate the public about the complexities of autism.  

Please CLICK HERE to download our sponsorship packet with information about our event and the benefits of joining us as a sponsor this year. Should you have additional questions, please contact Melissa at 410-290-3466 or email melissa.rosenberg@howard-autism.org .

#EveryStepCounts   #AutismStrongMD

 Warm regards,  

Robin Kittleman, Chair                                             Melissa Rosenberg, Executive Director

VIRTUAL Every Step Counts Autism Walk & 5K Run

Anywhere, Any time. It's Your Choice!

The Howard County Autism Society's Every Step Counts Autism Walk & 5K Run features a timed 5K run and a 4K walk around Centennial Lake in Ellicott City, MD, along with a 1K stroll for those who would like a shorter option. Participants also have the option to register to run or walk these events virtually at the location and time of their choice. Here is a guide to participate in the VIRTUAL Walk & 5K Run. 

If you'd like to learn about the event at Centennial Park, please click here, On-site Walk & 5K Run.

Thank you for walking and running with us in support of individuals and their families who are navigating the Autism journey.

#EveryStepCounts #AutismStrongMD

OVERVIEW of the VIRTUAL Every Step Counts Autism Walk & 5K Run

Participants in the VIRTUAL Walk & 5K Run are invited to:

• Run or walk at a time and location of your choosing
• Join or form a fundraising team to net more support for the Autism community
• Participate individually, with family and friends, or with your team
• Wear your Every Step Counts t-shirt 
• Get creative by making signs or chalk art, wearing crazy costumes, having team themes, etc.
• Post photos and videos of your virtual participation to social media and tag HCAS or ASBC
• Record, if desired, your time and/or distance with GPS-based apps (e.g., STRAVA) and report them on the event website

PRIOR TO OCTOBER 7

• Pick up your race packet (t-shirt only, virtual participants will not receive race bibs)
  • Packet Pick-up Thursday, October 5 from 4:30-7:00pm at Feet First, Wilde Lake Village Center, 5305 Village Center Drive #110, Columbia, MD
  • By special arrangement at the HCAS Office:  9770 Patuxent Woods Dr, Suite 308, Columbia, MD. Call 410-290-3466 or email info@howard-autism.org
  • By mail. Allow enough time for delivery. Purchase the shipping add-on for each participant during registration or contact the HCAS office at 410-290-3466 or info@howard-autism.org 
• Team captains can pick up their team members’ packets

ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7

• Run or walk in solidarity with us on October 7 at a time and location of your choosing 
• Check out the Every Step Counts virtual course video
• Log in to Facebook for the happenings at Centennial Park in the morning 

Thank you for supporting the Autism community!  

Contact the event coordinators at 410-290-3466 or info@howard-autism.org for more information.

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

Thank you for your interest in volunteering at the Autism Society of Maryland’s Every Step Counts Autism Walk & 5K Run from 9am to Noon on Saturday, October 3, 2026. Please complete the following steps to sign up as a volunteer. If you are the leader of a group of volunteers, please contact Susanne Mason at susanne.mason@autismsocietymd.org.

ONLINE

1. Visit the Volunteer page on the event website to learn about how you can help before, during and after Every Step Counts, and to SIGN UP.

2. Choose a timeslot and click on the blue "Volunteer" button for your preferred task to begin the sign-up process.

3. Follow the prompts to create, or log into, your RunSignUp account. Don't remember your password? No worries. It's very easy to reset it.

4. Complete the online Volunteer Application by answering the questions in the online form, which replaces the AUSOM Volunteer Application for this event. Some questions are specific to the task.

5. Sign up early to get the volunteer task of your choice.

BY MAIL
If you would prefer to sign up by mail, download the application here, AUSOM Volunteer Application, or email susanne.mason@autismsocietymd.org or call 410-290-3466 to request a copy. Write in your preferred task for Every Step Counts Autism Walk & 5K Run, and send the form by Sept. 15 to:  AUSOM, 9770 Patuxent Woods Drive, Suite 308, Columbia, MD 21046.

Information for Participants

Every Step Counts Autism Walk & 5K Run

Centennial Park, Ellicott City, MD 21042

October 3, 2026

9:00AM - Noon

Before You Arrive

• Register early! Registration increases by $5 after midnight on October 1, 2026.
• Avoid lines on race day! Pick up you race packet (t-shirt, 5K bib) before the event.  
  • AUSOM office September 26 (Saturday) 10:00am-Noon at 9770 Patuxent Woods Dr, Columbia, MD.
  • AUSOM office September 30 (Wednesday) 4:30-7:00pm at 9770 Patuxent Woods Dr, Columbia, MD.
  • Every Step Counts on October 3 from 9:00-11:30am, Centennial Park, 10000 Route 108, Ellicott City, MD.
  • By mail but allow time for delivery. Purchase the shipping add-on for each participant during registration before 9/11/26
  • Team captains can pick up their team members’ packets
  • Contact AUSOM for more info, 410-290-3466 or email info@autismsocietymd.org
• Review the event map (below) and the routes for the 5K Run, 4K Walk and 1K Stroll. Race route guides will be positioned at trail intersections along the walk/run route to provide directions. 
• Please make every effort to carpool if you are driving to the event. Centennial Park South has limited parking.
• If you are sick or exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, chills, cough, difficulty breathing, muscle aches, sore throat, diarrhea, recent loss of taste or smell), please stay home and do not enter the event area.

What to Do When You Arrive

Parking

• Allow enough time to park and walk to the main event area which is in the South Area of the park near Pavilions A, B & C. The area will be congested. Allow even more time if you need to register and check-in. The event village and registration area opens at 9:00am. Online registration will remain open until 9:45am.
• Look for our Parking Volunteers in the orange t-shirts who will direct traffic and can guide you to parking areas.     
• Park only where directed. Parking is limited in the South Area of Centennial Park.
• Overflow parking is available at Columbia Presbyterian Church across Route 108 from Centennial Park’s main South entrance at 10001 Clarksville Pike (MD-108).
• The parking loop adjacent to the main event area will be reserved for handicapped parking and loading/unloading by exhibitors/VIPs/special guests/staff.

Check-in/On-site Registration

• Check-in:  If you did not attend a Packet Pick-up, visit the registration tables near the Start/Finish to check in and pick up your t-shirt, cape and/or bib.
• On-site Registration:  Anyone in your party who needs to register on-site may do so at the registration tables. Credit cards, checks and cash will be accepted.
  • Online Registration will remain open through 9:45AM on October 3. Price of registration increases at midnight on October 2. Registrations with credit card payment may be completed online on a mobile device by the participant. Registrations with cash or check payment will be processed through the event website by a volunteer on site.
  • Off-line Registration requires a completed registration form for each participant (Click on PDF link below) with payment (CC#, check or cash). Bring these items to the event on October 3.

Event Village

• The Start/Finish Line (marked by an inflatable arch) for the 5K Run, 4K Walk and 1K Stroll events is located in the South Area of Centennial Park, near Pavilion A (see map below).
• Event check-in, on-site registration, entertainment and Grab 'n Go tables are located nearby in the event village.
• Stop by the Children's Play Area for inflatable fun and lawn games.
• Visit with our roving entertainers, bubble artist and face painters!
• Say hello to Rosie the Pony.
• Participate in costume and cape decoration contests.
• Cheer on your favorite pup in the SuperPooch Parade.
• Visit the photobooth for a super souvenir.
• Dance to music by DJ Ice.
• Swing through the Sponsor & Resource Fair and thank our generous sponsors and partners for their support.
• Sample goodies from two food trucks.
• Catch up on your vaccinations at the Giant Pharmacy Vaccine Clinic.
• Don’t forget to snap a team photo or Go LIVE at our sponsor banner on the volleyball court at the park. Post on your social media and remember to tag us @AutismSocietyMD on Facebook or @autismsocietymd on Instagram!
• When you finish your run or walk, grab a bottle of water and giveaways from our wonderful sponsors!

Out on the Course

• 5K Run starts at 10:00AM
• 4K Walk starts at 10:05AM led by the SuperPooch Parade
• 1K Stroll starts at 10:10AM
• Review the map (below) of the three event courses.
• Race route guides will be out on the course at trail intersections to point you in the right direction for your event.
• If you find yourself off course or lost, ask the nearest Volunteer (wearing an orange t-shirt) for assistance or call 443-518-7678 or 443-518-7677.
• If you see another event participant who appears to be lost, please point them in the direction of the Finish line, ask a Volunteer to help, or call 443-518-7678 or 443-518-7677.
• Enjoy the scenery while out with family and friends.

At the Finish Line

• After putting in that final burst of speed for a photo finish, capture a Finish Line photo at our colorful Photo Backdrop to celebrate your effort.
• Visit the food trucks to refuel

Awards Ceremony

• At 11:15AM, winners of awards for the company team and family team that raised the most money, the team with the most members, and the most spirited team will be announced and prizes presented.
• Winners of the 5K Run race categories will be announced and prizes awarded.

Emergency Plans

Weather – The event will proceed rain or shine. The event will be cancelled only if there is a threat of tornadoes, excessive wind, or other natural disasters before the start time. Call 443-518-7677 or 443-518-7678 or check AUSOM social media (Facebook) if you are unsure of the event status.

If a natural disaster happens during the event, an announcement will be made over the loud speaker in the race village. Park rangers and police will go around the route to alert volunteers and participants on the course. If you have any question while carrying out your volunteer duties, call 443-518-7677 or 443-518-7678.

Medical – In the event of a medical emergency, Howard County emergency responders will be called. Basic first aid supplies (e.g., Bandaids) will be available at the check-in area.

Please keep a look out for event participants and others who appear to be lost. If you see someone wandering around the course, please point them in the direction of the finish line.

The Every Step Counts Autism Walk & 5K Run takes place at Centennial Park in Ellicott City, MD. The 5K Run course (in blue) features a paved foot trail that meanders around the lake, with a few rolling hills, straight-aways, and one or two steep climbs. The 4K Walk course (in yellow) shares much of the run route. The 1K Stroll is marked in red. Race route guides and directional signs will be stationed at intersections along the course to provide assistance with navigating the route, if necessary. There will be one water stop. Preview the 5K Run route by watching our Virtual Course Video from 2020.

Centennial Park is a popular park in Howard County. Along the route, we invite participants to take in the scenery as well as spot wildlife and water birds. We will be sharing the park with other visitors who are picnicking, participating in sports activities, and fishing and boating.

Park amenities include indoor restroom facilities and drinking fountains located near the event start/finish and about 3.5K into the clockwise event route. Other amenities include rental pavilions, a bandshell, a snack bar, pedal boat and kayak rentals, tennis courts, sports fields, and a boat launch.