Race Towards Autism Acceptance 5k, 10k, 1M & 1/4 Mile Dash

About the Event

The Race Towards Autism Acceptance 5k, 10k, 1M & 1/4 Mile Dash is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Fredericksburg, VA. Hosted at John Lee Pratt Park, this event is dedicated to promoting autism awareness, acceptance, and inclusion within the community. Beyond the competitive and fun run aspects, the race features a high-energy atmosphere with live music stationed along the race path and a comprehensive family festival at the finish line. Events like this provide vital visibility for the autistic community; according to recent CDC data, approximately 1 in 36 children in the United States is identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), highlighting the importance of community-wide inclusion and support initiatives.

Race Category	Distance	Start Time	Key Features
Autism Acceptance 10K	10 km	7:30 AM EDT	Live Path Music
Autism Acceptance 5K	5 km	7:30 AM EDT	Live Path Music
1-Miler / 1/4 Mile Dash	Various	Morning (Staggered)	Inclusive / All Abilities

Participation and Family Festival

The event is centered at John Lee Pratt Park on River Road, with all race distances starting within the park grounds. Following the athletic events, participants and their families can enjoy a massive festival designed for all ages and abilities. The festival lineup includes a bounce house and slide, DJ music, various games, and local vendors. Special features such as Project Lifesaver demonstrations, animal interactions, and food trucks ensure a full day of engagement. The park's existing playground and open spaces further contribute to the family-friendly nature of the day.

Registration and Fees

Registration is currently open with tiered pricing. The 5K is currently $33.63 and the 10K is $49.64 (inclusive of all fees), with rates scheduled to increase on March 31, 2026. The 1-Miler and 1/4 Mile Dash options are available for $22.95 and $17.61, respectively. Virtual options are also provided for those who wish to support the cause from afar, with packages ranging from $12.28 to $33.63. Note that the deadline for virtual registration including a shirt is April 7th. For specific inquiries regarding vendor space or volunteer opportunities, event contact Travis Bishop can be reached via the official race portal.

Races Offered

1-Miler

Apr 18, 2026

straighten

Distance — 1mi

terrain

Type — Running

timer

07:30

sell

$22.95

1/4 Mile Dash

Apr 18, 2026

straighten

Distance — 0.4km

terrain

Type — Running

timer

07:30

sell

$17.61

10K

Apr 18, 2026

straighten

Distance — 10km

terrain

Type — Running

timer

07:30

sell

$49.64

5K

Apr 18, 2026

straighten

Distance — 5km

terrain

Type — Running

timer

07:30

sell

$33.63

Weather Overview

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for April in Fredericksburg.

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

thermostat 10.3° / 22.5°

wb_sunny 7.4° / 19.7°

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

air 12.2 /

water_drop 59.9%

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

thermostat 10.3° / 22.5°

wb_sunny 7.4° / 19.7°

air 12.2 km/h

water_drop 59.9%

About Fredericksburg

Learn more about the host city, Fredericksburg.

Fredericksburg is a city in Northern Virginia. The downtown area has experienced a revival since the 1970s allowing a strong arts community to thrive. Galleries, music venues, and fine dining can all be found in the historic district. While the city has seen massive growth, the downtown area and battlefields have been well preserved due to strong local commitment to historic preservation, providing a unique blend of old and new culture.