Photo courtesy of Autism Society of Alabama.
Chocolate 5k
Runners eat chocolate along the way during the Chocolate 5K, supporting the Autism Society of Alabama.
The Autism Society of Alabama (ASA) will host its unique Chocolate 5K fundraiser at Hoover Metropolitan Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 30 from 9-11 a.m.
Participants in the run are given chocolate treats at stations along the course and are given more chocolate after they cross the finish line.
“There isn't anything like it in Birmingham,” said Lauren Reid, fundraising and events manager for the ASA. “It brings out a different group of supporters, ones who might not like running but love chocolate – Ghirardelli chocolate, as a matter of fact.”
And it’s all for a good cause. The event supports the ASA’s mission to improve services for the roughly 50,000 people with autism in the state of Alabama through education and advocacy.
The Chocolate 5K helps support such ASA programs as the Alabama Autism Respite Program, according to Reid. “Through fundraisers we can grow this to include more cities in Alabama,” she said.
About 250 walkers and runners took part in the Chocolate 5K in 2015, and the number could grow to 400 this year, according to Reid.
Registration for the Chocolate 5K this Saturday is $35 through Jan. 29. There will be a $40 charge for walk-up registration. To register, go to nrroadracing.com/races/thechocolate5k-birmingham-al-16.
The Autism Society of Alabama on April 16 will hold its Walk for Autism & 5K Race to Solve the Puzzle at Veterans Park on Valleydale Road, according to Reid. For more information about the ASA, go to autism-alabama.org.
This post was updated on Jan. 26 to correct the location of the Chocolate 5K.
