Help halt autism at Step It Up Auburn Walk and 5k | Events

AUBURN, AL - Looking for a good cause and a reason to get off the couch? Alpha Xi Delta is inviting the community to their third annual Step It Up Auburn Walk and 5k benefiting Autism Speaks. 

The walk/run will be held at the Ogletree Shopping Center on Sunday, Oct. 28.

Registration starts at 11 a.m. with the race scheduled for 1 p.m.

You can pre-register online at www.stepitupauburn.com. The registration fee is $10, which includes a t-shirt for participants registered by Oct. 15. Kids 5 and under can participate for free.

The Opening Ceremonies will begin at 12:30 p.m., with special appearances by Miss Auburn, Auburn SGA president Owen Parrish, several Miss Homecoming candidates and representatives from Mud Mania. There will also be a kids’ zone with games, face painting and a bounce house.

Autism is the fastest growing serious development disability in the United States, affecting one in 88 children according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an increase of 78 percent in the past six years. More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes and pediatric cancer combined. Studies also show that autism is four to five times more common among boys, affecting one in 54. Currently, there is no medical detection or cure for autism.

“People don't realize just how prevalent autism really is,” said Sara Tilley, an Alpha Xi Delta sister. “My brother has autism and I have seen first-hand how it can affect someone’s life. The Autism walk is a great way for us to raise awareness and get the facts out there.”

Autism Speaks is dedicated to increasing awareness of autistic spectrum disorders. Since its inception by Suzanne and Bob Wright in 2005, Autism Speaks has made enormous strides, committing more than $180 million to research and developing innovative new resources for families. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit www.autismspeaks.org.