The High Ridge Fire Protection District is seeking participants for its 12th annual Firehouse 5K for Autism on Saturday, April 5.
Proceeds will benefit Easterseals Midwest, a nonprofit organization that provides those on the autism spectrum with the resources and skills needed to live independently.
The 5K and 2-mile run/walk will begin at 8 a.m. at High Ridge Fire Station 1, at 2842 High Ridge Blvd.
Chief John Barton said people may register for the races beforehand or at the event for $25.
The fire district is introducing finisher medals at this year’s race, Barton said. The first 150 5K finishers will receive a medal, courtesy of the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 2665.
Barton said 135 people had signed up for the two races as of March 21.
“We’re on track to have one of the highest turnouts we’ve had in recent years,” he said. “It’s a fun event for everybody to get together and help support a great cause. We get our serious runners who are looking to improve their times; we get families who come out with their puppies who just want to walk the event. Everybody seems to have a good time.”
The race will use the same “out-and-back” course as the previous runs, Barton said, with runners beginning at Station 1, running south on High Ridge Boulevard, crossing over Hwy. PP to Gravois Road, turning around at Franks Road near the High Ridge Church of Christ High Ridge and heading back the way they came to finish at the station.
“There are a few hills, but the hills are more gradual,” he said. “There’s definitely no steep terrain or anything that’s going to be super challenging.”
Barton said High Ridge firefighters will be placed along the course to direct traffic and keep participants safe. The boulevard will be closed to traffic briefly at the start of the race, but vehicles will be allowed through once runners get going, Barton said.
High Ridge Fire will have an awards presentation for the top runners and the top first responders in both races at the station.
Barton said many first responders from other agencies participate, and some off-duty High Ridge firefighters will take part.
He said High Ridge Fire has raised more than $32,000 for Easterseals Midwest in the last decade.
“Easterseals does a lot of great work in the community to support individuals on the autism spectrum and their families,” he said. “It’s important for the fire district to support those on the spectrum, so Easterseals is a great organization for us to raise money for. They support individuals throughout the range of their needs from early childhood all the way through independent living.”
To register in advance or for more information, visit High Ridge Fire Protection District’s Facebook page.