The High Ridge Fire Protection District is inviting runners and walkers to participate in its 11th annual Firehouse 5K for Autism on April 6.
Fire Chief John Barton said participants may sign up for either the 5K or the 2-mile walk in advance or on the day of the race. It costs $25 to enter either event.
Proceeds will benefit Easterseals Midwest.
The race begins at 8 a.m. at High Ridge Fire’s Station 1, 2842 High Ridge Blvd. It also will end at the firehouse.
“It’s the same route we typically take,” Barton said. “People will leave the firehouse and go to downtown High Ridge Boulevard to Franks Road, then turn around and run back to the finish line in front of the firehouse.”
Barton said the route may look flat and smooth, but it is more challenging for runners than it seems.
“It’s a gradual downhill when you’re running to Franks Road, which means on the second half of the route it’s a gradual uphill,” he said. “It’s not bad, but it is a little bit challenging.”
Barton said the fire district started the 5K so it could give back to local families affected by autism.
“Almost every year those funds have gone to benefit Easterseals Midwest, an organization that provides services for families with someone on the spectrum,” he said. “It’s an organization that we’ve been working with for a long time and feel proud that we can support them with this event.”
Barton said an awards ceremony and light refreshments of fruit and granola bars will follow the race. He said the top three males and females from various age brackets will be awarded, and the top three first responders also will receive a prize.
He said High Ridge Fire personnel will guide runners along the route, adding that organizers hope to have about 100 participants in the 5K and raise about $3,000 for Easterseals.
According to its website, Easterseals helps people with disabilities address life challenges through physical rehabilitation, job training and social skills training.
“(Easterseals) provides everything from therapy to respite for the parents to parent education,” Barton said. “We’ve raised over $30,000 for autism support agencies over the years just with this event.”
He said all are welcome to participate in the 5K and walk.
“It’s a family-friendly event, so families will bring up their kids in strollers, and some people bring up their dogs to run along with them,” he said. “It gets a good turnout, for sure, and it’s a worthwhile cause.”
For more race information, check out the High Ridge Fire Protection District’s Facebook page.