Annual 5K Run/Walk For Autism On Tap

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in every 68 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, and about 1 percent of the world's population has the disability. A 2014 Bloomberg article cited that more than 3.5 million Americans are diagnosed.

The CDC called it "the fastest-growing developmental disabiliity" because the number of cases have increased by 119 percent from 2000 to 2010.

To bring awareness to the Valley, the Shenandoah Valley Autism Partnership is partnering with community organizations for the 11th annual 5K Run/Walk For Autism to support individuals and their families.

The 5K will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 21, at the University Commons on the Eastern Mennonite University campus.

Check-in will take place prior to the race, from 7:15 to 8:30 a.m., with introductions starting at 9 a.m.

Participating organizations include James Madison University's Gamma Sigma Sigma, Circle K International and the Student Occupational Therapy Association. The race attracts over 1,000 runners and walkers each year, making it one of the largest 5Ks in the Valley.

T-shirt registration ended April 10. However, online registration is still available until Thursday, April 19, at noon. The early registration fee is $20 and it's $30 for walk-ups. Groups with more than five individuals receive a discounted rate of $15 per person.

Registration can be completed online at www.vamomentum.com/autism-5k-sign-up.html.