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Gingerbread Man Running Company’s Labor Day Run for Autism Connection

Gingerbread Man Running Company presents the Labor Day Half Marathon on MONDAY September 4, 2023, that will benefit Autism Connection of Pennsylvania. A portion of the race proceeds will benefit ACOP.

They have events for the whole family.  Runners can take on our half marathon course, 10k, or 5k. 

Registration and parking will take place at the Youngwood Fire Department, with a short walk to the race start.

Race day registration will be through Run Sign Up only. No paper registrations accepted the day of the event.

Register Here!

The course will take place on the 5 Star Trail, connecting roads, and the wooded trail near WCCC.

Half Marathon Course: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/gp/bookmark/view/id/7388658

10k Course: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/gp/bookmark/view/id/7388726

5k Course: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/gp/bookmark/view/id/7388688

There is a 3 1/2-hour cap on the half marathon and 10K, so both courses are a run-only course.  Participants may walk or run the 5k course.  Awards will go to the fastest time for runners.  There are no separate awards for walkers.

The Half Marathon begins at 7:30, followed by the 5k and 10k shortly after. You must be registered by 8/15/2023 to be guaranteed race materials.  Late registrations will be offered a water bottle or a shirt from previous year events.  Half marathon participants will also receive a finisher medal.  Awards will be given to the overall male/female finishers and the top age group finishers for each event.

Packet pickup information will be emailed a week before the race and posted on the Facebook event page.

Gingerbread Man Running Co logo

Gingerbread Man Running Company Hosts Run for Autism Connection

The Gingerbread Man Running Company’s Run for Autism Connection of PA is open for registration and volunteers. Autism Connection recently visited the new GBM store location in Shadyside, where sales associate, Aaron and store manager, Luke, showed us the process of finding the right running shoes. We also talked about the Labor Day Run for Autism Connection, and why it is important to Gingerbread Man Running Company.

GBM Shares Some Memories from the First Run for Autism Connection

One of our store employees, Justin, won first place at the very first Race for Autism. This was before Justin was an employee and he did so well at the race it really sticks out in our minds. The first time Luke ran the Autism Connection half-marathon, Luke finished the race and ran back to help other runners get past the hill…he even brought them water and encouraged them to keep going! We think this is a great illustration of the spirit that the Race for Autism carries every year.

Luke, the bike guy, manager at the 2022 gingerbread run

Luke “The Bike Guy” at the 2022 Labor Day Run for Autism Connection

Why We Support Autism Connection of PA

The behavioral and social boundaries that exist for autistic people can often make participating in events, like a race, feel daunting. Autism Connection reflects GBM’s goals to make exercising more accessible for everyone, by acknowledging the barriers that folks with autism face and working to eliminate those barriers.

Exercise accessibility is something GBM takes seriously and the benefits of steady movement and spending time outside can benefit anyone. We all know the physical benefits of consistent exercise, but it’s been shown there are several long-term mental health benefits of spending time outside and consistent movement. This race not only encourages holistic health, but also a sense of community.

Inspirational Words for the Runners

Any of these races- the 5k, the 10k, and/or the half are ACHIEVABLE! We all have different goals, but at the end of the day, just showing up is a win.

Artisan Gingerbread Man Cookie Visits GMB Running Company

This gingerbread man artisan cookie was part of a batch created by self advocate and professional baker, Rachel, in Pittsburgh.

Autism Connection of PA looks forward to this year’s Labor Day Run, and we welcome runners and volunteers to join us this September. We had a wonderful time at the 2022 Gingerbread Man Run for Autism Connection, and we can’t wait to see everyone in the upcoming event!
For those interested in running 5k/10k/Half-Marathon (or walking the 5k): Register Here
 
For those interested in volunteering: Sign Up Here