Roots & Ruts Off-Road 5K Benefiting Els for Autism®

This race is both a fundraiser to support individuals and families affected by autism and a celebration of the strides our community continues to make in autism awareness, acceptance, and inclusion.

 

Roots & Ruts Off-Road 5K Run/Walk
Participants will start the race at The Els Center of Excellence® in Jupiter, Florida, and will continue through the North Jupiter Flatwoods Natural Area, the first certified autism-friendly trail in the state of Florida, before ending back at The Els Center of Excellence. This 5K features a scenic course through the North Jupiter Flatwoods Natural Area, a 160-acre preserve comprised of mesic flatwoods, wet flatwoods, depression marsh, and dome swamp ecosystems.

 

Packet Pickup

Pick up your race packet at the Big Easy Cafe by Ernie Els located in the Adult Services Building on The Els Center of Excellence campus. The Big Easy Cafe will be offering FREE coffee (hot or iced) with the purchase of an entrée for participants who come to pick up their race packets between 7:30AM - 2:30PM, Wednesday - Friday. Plan ahead and check out the Cafe menu HERE. Packet pickup dates and times below:

• Wednesday, April 15 from 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM

• Thursday, April 16 from 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM

• Friday, April 17 from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM 

Packet Pickup Address: 18370 Limestone Creek Road, Jupiter, FL 33458

 

Sensory-Friendly Obstacle Course
The Sensory-Friendly Obstacle Course is perfect for all ages and abilities. It features an array of obstacles that involve jumping, balancing, water, crawling, and more, all located at The Els Center of Excellence.

 

Post-Race Expo
At the Post-Race Expo, attendees can explore vendor booths showcasing products created by micro-businesses led by individuals with autism, race sponsors, and autism employment partners. The Expo will also feature delicious food provided by the Big Easy™ Cafe by Ernie Els, engaging activities, race awards, and much more — a morning you won't want to miss!

 

Virtual Race
Can't make it to the race? No need to stress; you can join in on the fun virtually!

 

Event Schedule
7:00 AM: Parking Opens at The Els Center of Excellence
7:45 AM: Welcome Announcements & National Anthem
8:00 AM: Race Begins, Post-Race Expo Opens, Sensory-Friendly Obstacle Course Opens
10:00 AM: Race & Other Activities Close

 

Secure Your Sponsorship Today!
Els for Autism relies on generous sponsors to make our events possible! Your support of the annual Roots & Ruts Off-Road 5K will play a crucial role in empowering individuals with autism and their families. In return for your generous support, your company will enjoy heightened visibility, reaching 300+ attendees and gaining increased brand exposure within the community, all while supporting the 1 in 36 individuals affected by autism. Click here to view sponsorship opportunities.

 

Additional Details
- Every runner will be provided with a disposable timing tag affixed to the race bib. AccuChipUSA will record the net timing for each participant.
- Strollers and pets are not permitted in the North Jupiter Flatwoods.
- On race day, parking directors will assist you upon entering the gates at The Els Center of Excellence.

 

If you have any questions or need further assistance, contact events@elsforautism.org.

 

Proceeds benefit Els for Autism.

Will water be provided?  

Individual water bottles will be placed at water stations along the course just past the 1 1-mile marker and again after the 2 2-mile marker. We please ask that runners dispose of these bottles in a race-provided garbage can. We also encourage participants to bring their own water bottles and/or hydration backpacks to the race. 

 

Where do I pick up my race packet?  

For dates and times please visit the website HERE. Please note that day-of packet pickup will not be permitted.

 

How will scoring be conducted?

Every runner will be provided with a disposable timing tag which will be affixed to the race bib. AccuChipUSA will record net timing for each participant, which is the elapsed time between when a runner crosses the timing mats at the start and finish lines.

 

What are the award categories?

Award groupings are as follows:

• Male Overall, 0-15, 16-30, 31-45, 46-60, 60+
• Female Overall, 0-15, 16-30, 31-45, 46-60, 60+

 

Where do I park on race day?

Upon arrival, guests will turn right and park in the lower school parking lot. 

 

Can I sign up on race day?  

Day-of-race registration will not be permitted. Be sure to secure your spot NOW while space is still available!

 

How do I find out my results?  

AccuChip will upload results in real-time to the race website where runners can check their times on their smartphones and/or computers. Additionally, Els for Autism will host a virtual awards ceremony where race winners and participants’ times will be announced. Race winners will be contacted separately by an Els for Autism staff member who will coordinate award delivery.

 

What can I expect while on the course? 

North Jupiter Flatwoods Natural Area is a 160-acre natural area preserve comprised of mesic flatwoods, wet flatwoods, depression marsh, and dome swamp ecosystems. Since the run will take place in natural woodlands, participants should be cautious and aware at all times during the race. Racers should expect to encounter multiple ground surfaces throughout the race such as pavement, gravel, sand, and grass.

 

Are strollers or bikes allowed on the course?

Both strollers and bikes are not permitted on the course. Since the race will take place in natural woodlands, participants should expect to encounter multiple uneven ground surfaces throughout the race such as pavement, gravel, sand, and grass.

 

Can I bring my pet?

Pets are not permitted at the North Jupiter Flatwoods Natural Area. 

 

PARKING MAP

 

ROUTE MAP

Roots & Ruts Off-Road 5K: Race T-Shirt or Hat

Roots & Ruts Off-Road 5K (Ages 14 and Under): Race T-Shirt or Hat