Autism Society - The Heartland 5K/1K Fun Run

2023 Event FAQ 

Where can I enter the Autism Society - The Heartland 5K/1K Fun Run? 

You can find all the details and enter the Autism Society - The Heartland 5K/1K Fun Run here.

Who can take part? 

The Autism Society - The Heartland 5K/1K Fun Run is for anyone! 

What are the distance options? 

There is a 5km and a 1km option.

What is the difference between the in-person and virtual options for this event?

The in-person 5k and 1k will be physically held at Worlds of Fun. Runners will get to experience running through Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun for both distances. 5k runners will be chip timed at the in-person event. If you are participating in-person for the 5k or 1k you MUST get your items at the packet pick-up or the day of the race: they will NOT be shipped to you. For the virtual event, participants will time themselves for the 5k and enter their finishing time online. Participants who sign up for the 5k or 1k virtual option will be shipped their t-shirt and/or finisher's medal.

How much is it to register? 

The Autism Society - The Heartland 5K/1K Fun Run event is $40 to register for the In-person 5K and $25 to register for the 1K. The Virtual 5K option is $45 to register and the upcharge of $5 is to help cover shipping costs of participants' t-shirts and finishers' medals. 

What is included in the registration fee?

In the $40 registration fee for the in-person 5K you will receive a t-shirt, finisher's medal, sponsorship materials, and ability to record your time. In the $45 registration fee for the virtual 5K you will receive a t-shirt, finisher's medal, sponsorship materials, and shipping. In the $25 registration fee for the 1K you will receive a t-shirt and sponsorship materials. For the first 300 registered runners of the FULL-PRICE in-person or virtual 5K, you will also receive a FREE Worlds of Fun ticket good for the 2022 season. Those who register after March 25, 2023 will NOT be guaranteed a t-shirt.

Is there a late registration?

Yes. Late registration for the 5K is $50 and will be the day of the event. There is no late registration for the 1K. Late registration does not guarantee a t-shirt or finisher's medal for the participant.

I received a FREE Worlds of Fun ticket last year as part of the 5th Annual 5K/1K Fun Run in 2022. Can I use that ticket this season?

No. Tickets distributed in 2022 were only redeemable during the regular Worlds of Fun season through September 6, 2022.

Can I receive a refund for this event?

No. Our refund policy for this event has been clearly posted on our website since registration began February 10, 2023 and refunds are not allowed for this race. You can see our refund policy here.

Can I change my registration from in-person to virtual, or from virtual to in-person?

Yes. Please email ashfundraisingcoord@gmail.com with your full name and what you would like to change about your registration. You can also contact the race director here.

Do I have to wear a mask to the in-person event, even though it is outside?

No. Mask mandates for Kansas City Missouri have been dropped.

What is a virtual race? 

A virtual race is a race that can be run or walked from any location you choose, on any day or time you choose before April 29, 2023.

Where can I complete my virtual run? 

You should plan your run/walk route before starting your event. The run/walk should only be completed on footpaths/pathways or also on pathways within public parks. Please follow government guidelines and exercise within the advised distance from your home. 

Can I still run the intended route at Worlds of Fun if I registered for the virtual option?

No. Runners are NOT to attend the race at Worlds of Fun on April 29, 2023, unless you have registered for the in-person event.

When will my t-shirt and/or medal arrive if I chose the virtual option? 

If you registered before the March 25, 2023 t-shirt guarantee date, your items will arrive BEFORE the event on April 29. You can also attend one of our packet pick-up events. If you cannot attend a pickup event, your items will be mailed to you. You will receive an email when your order has been mailed. If you registered for the event after the March 25, 2023 t-shirt guarantee date, your items will arrive after the event, you will not be guaranteed the items, and you should be receiving communication from Autism Society - The Heartland’s Fundraising Coordinator, Jessica Bennett. For more information on your delivery you can contact ashfundraisingcoord@gmail.com. If you chose the in-person option, your items will NOT be mailed to you.

How do I submit my time virtually? 

There are TWO ways to enter your time.

1. Use the link in your Athlinks Virtual Race email to get to your exclusive Time Input page. Once you've entered a time, you'll be able to claim your result to your Athlinks profile.

2. You can search for your name on your Event Result Page, claim your Virtual Race Page which will require that you either sign into your Athlinks account, or join Athlinks, and post there.

How do I submit a time virtually for someone under 16?

Athlinks has updated the input method for athletes under 16. Please be sure to use the link from your Athlinks Virtual Race email to navigate to your Time Input page. If you no longer have the link for your under 16 participant, do not attempt to claim their result as your own. Please submit a request with the event name, child's name, and time to be entered and we can get that in for you.

Can I edit my time virtually after adding it to my Virtual Race Page?

Yes; after you post your time, you should still be able to see the dark "Post Your Time" box underneath the time you submitted. Feel free to edit if you made a mistake, but keep it honest. The world is watching ;) (Note - you must be logged in to see this option & it must be before the event end date to submit results.)

What apps should I use to track my run? 

There are several apps available, such as Strava, Map My Run, Nike Run, and Run Keeper.

Do I have to submit my time for the virtual 5K?

No. Submitting your 5K time is optional.

Can I submit my time for the 1K event?

No. Timing results are only available to registered 5K participants.

Will there be a prize for the top runners?

Yes. There will be a prize available to the top three male and top three female in-person 5K registered runners who attend the in-person event. These prizes will be given to the winners the day of the event, April 29, 2023. There will not be prizes for the 1K event or virtual 5K event.

How will I know if I am a top runner who will receive a prize?

Top 5K runners will be announced at the event and via social media. You can also check the results page to view the top runners the day of the race: https://www.givesignup.org/Race/Results/105550#resultSetId-237325;perpage:100 

Where can I see the results? 

On the day of the event, April 29, 2023, there will be a live leader board available to view. You can find more information and the results page here.