Run for Autism 5k

Race website

https://runforautism5k.org/campaigns/140

Archived data

2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015

At The Races

April 19, 2008
One of the fastest growing races in our area continues to be the Run for Autism 5K which saw its participation level jump by another 25% this spring. Close to 400 folks traversed the scenic azalea lined neighborhoods in and around Rugby Avenue and Rose Hill Drive as they made their way back to the school at the Virginia Institute of Autism. In the process, these folks helped to raise $40,000 for this wonderful organization.
Longtime CTC member and loyal VIA fan Burkhard Spiekermann was the first one onto the school grounds as he pulled out a five second victory, covering the hilly course in an impressive 17:25. Rick Kwiatkowski was the next CTC racer into the chutes as he clocked a 19:12, good enough for 5th overall.
Valeria Niehaus narrowly outkicked CTC Masters ace Sophie Speidel for the women?s title (21:14 to 21:25), both excellent times over this challenging city course. Several other CTC members had excellent outings including Philip Stafford, Albert Connette, Brian Muszyanski, Kevin Cox, Mark Robbins, Peggy Mowbray, Nancy Fraser, Chris Thomas, Eleni Heeschen, Bob Van Dyken, Leah Craig, Anne Waybright, Anna Castle, Mary Alice Blackwell, Joan Van Dyken, Craig Sarazin, Tammy Waugh, Armand Zambardi, Deb Gilbert, Harry Freestone and Rich Barnett.
CTC volunteers were also out in force as I was ably assisted by a veteran crew of some of the club?s best including John Lloyd, Lyle Henofer, Carol Finch, Dan Monohan, Audrey Lorenzoni, Coleman Charleton, Joan Esposito, Bill Blodgett, Joanne Rogol, Kobby Hoffman, Val Lopez, Jim Bell, Cynthia Lorenzoni, and Julia Bellis.

April 14, 2007
In my 25 years of directing races, I have never organized a footrace that tripled in size from one year to the next. That is not until this years VIA 5K, which saw its numbers swell from a bit over 100 to 315 entrants between the 2006 and 2007 editions. This benefit run for the Virginia Institute of Autism has now vaulted to the #10 spot in size of our 53 area not-for-profit races.
CTC ace Burkhard Spiekermann had one of his best outings of the year as he rocketed to a 17:30 victory over this rolling Rugby Avenue neighborhood course. Fellow CTC members Pete Runge (18:46), Bob Wilder (19:30), Dave Krovetz (20:23), Brian Muszynski (20:32) and Richard Young (20:40) were all top 10 finishers at what is now becoming a very competitive event. Carolyn Hiller was the first female CTC finisher (22:04) and she was quickly followed by Cynthia Lorenzoni (22:14) who was running her first race in over two years. Other CTC times of note were clocked by Skip Mullany (20:52), Joe Stirt (24:21), Andrew Zapanta (21:46), Ed and Anna Russell (22:32), Natalie Krovetz (26:15), Nancy Fraser (28:22), Armand Zambardi (28:07), Peggy Mowbray (27:10), Harry Freestone (34:07), and Nancy Davis-Imhoff (34:10).
Thanks to the efforts of this large crowd the school was able to raise over $20,000 for programs for their autistic students. Jennifer Hearns, Tom Hintz, Carol Finch, Coleman Charlton, Sharon Fickley, and Ben Hocking were among the CTC folks who volunteered their time and expertise to help make this a safe and successful event.

April 22, 2006
One of the area?s most scenic urban courses is the setting for this popular fun run hosted by the Virginia Institute of Autism. The school, which is located off Rugby Ave on Westwood, serves as the start and finish and the 100+ field snaked its way through McIntire Park and over the rolling hills of the Greenleaf neighborhood. Several CTC members scored impressive outings in the rain starting with Brian Muszinski, who won his first road race of his career, clocking a stellar 20:46. CTC aces Patti Clevenson and Nancy Fraser won their respective age groups. (Clevenson was only 75 seconds off the overall women?s winner) and Kate Kohn, Kevin Cox (7th overall), Lisa Kwiatkowski, Andrew Hersey (4th overall), Bob Stroh, and Chris Peterson all had excellent 5K outings.
Thanks to the support of the sponsors and runners, including many who raised substantial personal sponsor support, the event was able to pass along close to $15,000 to this wonderful school. A most worthy cause.
A special thanks to Carol Finch, our CTC stalwart volunteer, who was helping at an area event for the 7th straight Saturday. Wow!