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What to Know Before You Go
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Information for 2026 PARTICIPANTS
Every Step Counts Autism Walk & 5K Run
A Rain or Shine Event
October 3, 2026 . 9:00AM - Noon
Centennial Park, Ellicott City, MD 21042
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 Register early!
Kids 10 and under register FREE
Registration increases by $5 after Noon on October 2nd. Online registration will be open through 9:45am on October 3rd. T-shirts and sizes cannot be guaranteed for registrations completed after 9/15/26 .
Packet Picket-up Options!
Avoid lines on race day! Pick up your race packet (t-shirt, race bib for 5K runners and AUSOM Superhero cape) before the event. Capes are courtesy of our Title Sponsor: Pete Pappas & Sons
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Parking is Limited in Centennial Park
**NOTE Changes to Overflow Parking Options
- Please make every effort to carpool if you are driving to the event. We are sharing the Centennial Park with other users.
- Allow enough time to park and walk to the event village in the South Area of the park near Pavilions A, B & C. The area will be congested. Allow even more time if you need to register and check-in.
- Parking volunteers in orange t-shirts will direct traffic and guide you to parking areas. Please be courteous and park only where directed.
- Overflow parking is available in several locations.
- The front parking lot of Columbia Presbyterian Church at 10001 Clarksville Pike (MD-108), across Route 108 from Centennial Park’s south entrance. No event parking is permitted in the back lot this year.
- Nearby neighborhoods - If you park on neighborhood streets, be considerate of residents and mindful of parking restrictions.
- Burleigh Manor Middle School at 4200 Centennial Lane, Ellicott City, MD. Shuttle vans will run every 10 mins from the school's parking lot. Please plan extra time to arrive on time for your event. Parking shuttles sponsored by Linwood Center
- The parking loop adjacent to the event village will be reserved for handicapped parking and loading/unloading by exhibitors/VIPs/special guests/staff. Alert one of the parking volunteers if you need handicapped parking.
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Check-in/On-site Registration
Check-in: If you did not attend Packet Pick-up, visit the event check-in/registration tables to check in and pick up your t-shirt, cape and/or race bib and a copy of the AUSOM Universe of Superheroes Map. Sponsored by Verbal Beginnings
Day-Of Registration: Anyone in your party who needs to register on-site may do so.
- Online Registration will be open through 9:45AM on October 4. Credit card registrations may be completed on your mobile device. Scan the QR code for Fast Registration when you arrive.
- Visit the Registration Table to have a volunteer assist you with cash/check registrations.
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- CLICK HERE for the Event Village Map to get your bearings before arriving
- Use your AUSOM Universe of Superheroes Map to guide you around the stations in the event village. Collect a stamp when you visit the stations. Turn in your map at the AUSOM Resource Table for a fun prize! Watch the video to preview.
- Come dressed as your favorite superhero! Prizes will be awarded for best youth, adult and dog costumes.
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- Stop by the Children's Play Area for inflatable fun, face painting, and sensory friendly activities. Sponsored by ABA Prep and Behavioral Framework
- Visit with our roving superheroes, stilt walker, and face painters! Entertainers sponsored by TBA, Face painters sponsored by SOAR Autism Center
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- Cheer on your favorite pup in the Super Pooch Parade. Sponsored by SupAbilities
- Dance to music of DJ Ice. Sponsored by SECU
- Swing through the Sponsor & Resource Fair and thank more than 50 of our generous sponsors and community partners for their support. Resource Tent sponsored by John Hopkins Howard County Medical Center, Event Village Tents sponsored by Columbia Association
- Sample goodies from two food trucks, Tastee Treats and Travelin' Tom's Coffee Truck. Sponsored by Lisa Higgins-Hussman Foundation and Brain Balance
- Catch up on your vaccinations at the Giant Pharmacy Vaccine Clinic.
- Don’t forget to snap a picture in our photo booth or at the Every Step Counts sponsor banner. Post it on your social media and remember to tag us @AutismSocietyMD on Facebook or @autismsocietymd on Instagram! Photo Booth sponsored by Harkins Builders, Signage sponsored by Sharma & Associates,
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RUN / WALK / STROLL SCHEDULE
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 Review the COURSE MAP with the routes for the 5K Run, 4K Walk and 1K Stroll.
The Start/Finish Line (marked by an orange inflatable arch) for the 5K Run, 4K Walk and 1K Stroll events is located in the South Area of Centennial Park, near Pavilion A. CLICK HERE for the Event Village map.
Listen for your event to be called and look for volunteers who will direct you to the start line.
- Warm-up and stretch at 9:30AM with SPIRIT Club
- 5K Run at 10:00AM Athletes Serving Athletes will lead off the event, followed by the other runners. Runners with dogs or strollers are asked to line up behind the other runners. Race bibs sponsored by Amigo Care ABA
- 4K Walk at 10:05AM The Super Pooch Parade will lead the event, followed by Title Sponsors, Elevate Spectrum and Pete Pappas and Sons. Sponsored by The Family of Shane Syed
- 1K Stroll at 10:10AM Linwood Center will lead the event and Spider-Man will greet participants at the 1K Stroll Finish! Sponsored by Tenable
- One water stop is located on the course. Water stations sponsored by Compassionate Care ABA and Meridian Bank
- Race route guides will be positioned at trail intersections along the walk/run route to provide directions.
- Enjoy the scenery while out with your family and friends.
- If you find yourself off course or lost, ask the nearest volunteer (wearing an orange t-shirt) for assistance or call 443-518-7678 or 443-518-7677.
- If you see another event participant who appears to be lost, please point them in the direction of the Finish line, ask a volunteer to help, or call 443-518-7678 or 443-518-7677.
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At the Finish Line
- After putting in that final burst of speed for a photo finish, pick up a Grab ‘n Go Bag with water, snacks and giveaways from our wonderful sponsors! Sponsored by MD Dept of Health Cancer & Chronic Disease Bureau and AUSOM
- Capture a photo with your team of superheroes at our Photo Booth or at the Every Step Counts Sponsor Banner to celebrate your effort. Tag AUSOM and use the hashtags #EveryStepCounts, #AutismStrongMD
- Visit the food trucks to refuel
- The event village and Children’s Play Area will remain open until noon.
- And don't forget to say Thank You to our amazing volunteers! Sponsored by Gula Tech Adventures
Awards Ceremony @ 11:30am
- Winners of the 5K Run race categories will be announced and prizes awarded
- Team Awards for Most Spirited, Largest Team and Top Fundraisers (team and individual)
- Prizes for best adult, youth and dog costumes
Awards and Prizes sponsored by Stephanie Maric, Realtor / The Legal Team of Long & Foster
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The Autism Society of Maryland is welcoming our 4-legged friends to join us for this event. we will have doggie bandanas, water, and treats for our guests at the SuperPooch Tent. The SuperPooch Parade will lead off the 4K Walk.
We are mindful that not everyone is comfortable around animals. At Every Step Counts, dogs must be on a leash and under the control of their owners at all times. You know your dog best. If your dog is unlikely to be on his or her best behavior in large crowds, noisy environmentals or around children or other dogs, we ask that you reconsider bringing him or her along.
CLICK HERE to visit the “What to Expect” page for dogs and their owners.
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Weather
- Every Step Counts will proceed rain or shine.
- The event will be cancelled only if there is a threat of tornadoes, excessive wind, or other natural disasters before the start time. Call 443-518-7677 or 443-518-7678 or check AUSOM social media (Facebook) if you are unsure of the event status.
- If a natural disaster happens during the event, an announcement will be made over the loudspeaker in the event village. Park rangers and police will go around the route to alert volunteers and participants on the course. If you have any questions, call 443-518-7677 or 443-518-7678.
Medical
- In the event of a medical emergency, Howard County emergency responders will be called. Basic first aid supplies (e.g., Bandaids) will be available at Event Check-in.
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