WRC Logo
runsignup.com

Roots & Ruts Off-Road 5K Benefiting Els for Autism®

location_city JUPITER

location_on Florida

flag United States

calendar_today 18 Apr, 2026

nordic_walking Others

language Official Website

Register

About the Event

This race is both a fundraiser to support individuals and families affected by autism and a celebration of the strides our community continues to make in autism awareness, acceptance, and inclusion.

 

Roots & Ruts Off-Road 5K Run/Walk
Participants will start the race at The Els Center of Excellence® in Jupiter, Florida, and will continue through the North Jupiter Flatwoods Natural Area, the first certified autism-friendly trail in the state of Florida, before ending back at The Els Center of Excellence. This 5K features a scenic course through the North Jupiter Flatwoods Natural Area, a 160-acre preserve comprised of mesic flatwoods, wet flatwoods, depression marsh, and dome swamp ecosystems.

 

Packet Pickup

Pick up your race packet at the Big Easy Cafe by Ernie Els located in the Adult Services Building on The Els Center of Excellence campus. The Big Easy Cafe will be offering FREE coffee (hot or iced) with the purchase of an entrée for participants who come to pick up their race packets between 7:30AM - 2:30PM, Wednesday - Friday. Plan ahead and check out the Cafe menu HERE. Packet pickup dates and times below:

Packet Pickup Address: 18370 Limestone Creek Road, Jupiter, FL 33458

 

Sensory-Friendly Obstacle Course
The Sensory-Friendly Obstacle Course is perfect for all ages and abilities. It features an array of obstacles that involve jumping, balancing, water, crawling, and more, all located at The Els Center of Excellence.

 

Post-Race Expo
At the Post-Race Expo, attendees can explore vendor booths showcasing products created by micro-businesses led by individuals with autism, race sponsors, and autism employment partners. The Expo will also feature delicious food provided by the Big Easy™ Cafe by Ernie Els, engaging activities, race awards, and much more — a morning you won't want to miss!

 

Virtual Race
Can't make it to the race? No need to stress; you can join in on the fun virtually!

 

Event Schedule
7:00 AM: Parking Opens at The Els Center of Excellence
7:45 AM: Welcome Announcements & National Anthem
8:00 AM: Race Begins, Post-Race Expo Opens, Sensory-Friendly Obstacle Course Opens
11:00 AM: Race & Other Activities Close

 

Secure Your Sponsorship Today!
Els for Autism relies on generous sponsors to make our events possible! Your support of the annual Roots & Ruts Off-Road 5K will play a crucial role in empowering individuals with autism and their families. In return for your generous support, your company will enjoy heightened visibility, reaching 300+ attendees and gaining increased brand exposure within the community, all while supporting the 1 in 36 individuals affected by autism. Click here to view sponsorship opportunities.

 

Additional Details
- Every runner will be provided with a disposable timing tag affixed to the race bib. AccuChipUSA will record the net timing for each participant.
- Strollers and pets are not permitted in the North Jupiter Flatwoods.
- On race day, parking directors will assist you upon entering the gates at The Els Center of Excellence.

 

If you have any questions or need further assistance, contact events@elsforautism.org.

 
Proceeds benefit Els for Autism.

Races Offered

Virtual Roots & Ruts Off-Road 5K

Apr 18, 2026

straighten

Distance — 5K

terrain

Type — Obstacle race

timer

00:00

Running for Heroes 1 Mile Walk

Apr 18, 2026

straighten

Distance — 1 Miles

terrain

Type — Obstacle race

timer

07:30

Running for Heroes 5K

Apr 18, 2026

straighten

Distance — 3.1 Miles

terrain

Type — Obstacle race

timer

07:30

Running for Heroes 5k - Military ID Required

Apr 18, 2026

straighten

Distance — 3.1 Miles

terrain

Type — Obstacle race

timer

07:30

Running for Heroes Virtual 5K

Apr 18, 2026

straighten

Distance — 3.1 Miles

terrain

Type — Obstacle race

timer

07:30

Roots & Ruts Off-Road 5K

Apr 18, 2026

straighten

Distance — 5K

terrain

Type — Obstacle race

timer

08:00

Roots & Ruts Off-Road 5K (Ages 14 and Under)

Apr 18, 2026

straighten

Distance — 5K

terrain

Type — Obstacle race

timer

08:00

Sensory-Friendly Obstacle Course

Apr 18, 2026

straighten

Distance — Sensory-Friendly Obstacle Course

terrain

Type — Obstacle race

timer

08:00

Weather Overview

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

Temp (°C)
Feels Like (°C)
thermostat 20.6° / 26.7°
wb_sunny 20.6° / 26.5°
Wind (km/h)
Humidity (%)
air 15.2 /
water_drop 72.0%

Hotels & Places to Stay

Nearby Races

Guanabanas Resolution Fun Run/Walk

Guanabanas Resolution Fun Run/Walk

location_on Jupiter, Florida, US

calendar_today Jan 01, 2026

5K
Adele Marie Bradley Scholarship 5K

Adele Marie Bradley Scholarship 5K

location_on Jupiter, Florida, US

calendar_today Jan 10, 2026

5K Ultra
Classics by the Sea 5K/10K

Classics by the Sea 5K/10K

location_on Jupiter, Florida, US

calendar_today Jan 17, 2026

5K 10K
Kaitlin's Angel Run

Kaitlin's Angel Run

location_on Jupiter, Florida, US

calendar_today Jan 18, 2026

5K

Recommended for You

Hand-picked events we think you’ll love.

Our pick
Run Manatee - Rye Preserve 5K -2026

Nov 21, 2026

Run Manatee - Rye Preserve 5K -2026

The RUN Manatee 5k series offers THREE adventures to celebrate ONE community. Participants will discover Manatee County…

Read more
Our pick
Turkey Trails - Sioux Falls

Nov 28, 2026

Turkey Trails - Sioux Falls

Join us for the annual Turkey Trails 5k/10k!  A fun, Thanksgiving-themed event that is perfect for the whole family.The…

Read more
Our pick
Candy Cane Course- Lincoln

Dec 13, 2026

Candy Cane Course- Lincoln

Join us for the annual Candy Cane Course 5k/12k!  A fun, Christmas-themed event that is perfect for the whole family.Th…

Read more
Our pick
Space Coast Triathlon and Duathlon

Mar 21, 2027

Space Coast Triathlon and Duathlon

WE ARE NOW OFFERING AN AQUABIKE DIVISION! Triathlon Information:Join us for the annual Space Coast Triathlon, held in …

Read more

Get race deals & updates

Subscribe to our newsletter for curated race picks and discounts.