SYRACUSE — The Lakes Area Autism Network will hold its fifth annual Run for Autism on Saturday, Nov. 3 at Wawasee High School.

The event features a 5K run and one-mile fun run/ walk and will raise funds for LAAN’s programs as the network advocates for equal opportunities and provides access to activities for individuals on the autism spectrum, as well as their parents and the teachers and community members that serve them. Cost to run in the 5K is $20 pre-registration or $25 the day of the race, and the   one-mile event is $15 pre-registration or $20 on race day. The event will convene at the Wawasee High School cross country course and track with a 9 a.m. start time for the 5K and a 9:30 a.m. start for the one-mile run/walk.

There are a number of sponsorships available for the race. A Gold Level sponsorship is $500 or more, and this sponsor will be a headline sponsor on the race day t-shirts. Silver Level sponsorships can be had from $100-$499, and these sponsors will be printed on the back of the t-shirts if their donations are received by Oct. 19. Sponsorships at the Bronze Level can be made at any amount, and receipts will be provided for tax purposes. The LAAN is also seeking food and water donations for race participants.

Among the programs LAAN provides are grants for families and professionals to purchase needed supplies, supports and equipment and for training events and other resources as they strive to improve the lives of individuals with autism. The network also holds two annual all-day training events in the community for parents, professionals and other community members, and teams with North Pointe Cinema to host free sensory-friendly movies for families.

Those who wish to register for the run or donate can do so here.