America on the Move in Tennessee

5K Breakthrough Run for Autism

Regal Cinemas Pinnacle Stadium 18 at Turkey Creek
Apr 18th, 2009

Breakthrough Corporation, a non-profit organization providing services for adults with autism in East Tennessee, will host the third annual 5K Breakthrough Run for Autism on Saturday, April 18. The 5K run and one-mile fun run starts at 8 a.m. at Regal Cinemas Pinnacle Stadium 18 at Turkey Creek in Knoxville, and the course goes through quiet neighborhoods behind the Turkey Creek shopping and entertainment complex.

The Breakthrough Run for Autism invites anyone with disabilities who would like to participate in the walk or run to register as a Breakthrough Buddy. If desired, a volunteer will accompany the buddy on the course, and buddies will receive special recognition, ribbons and gift certificates as awards are presented after the race. About 25 Breakthrough Buddies took part in last year’s run.

Runners may register as individuals or on teams that include Open, Competitive, Women’s, and Schools. Walkers are welcome. Custom designed awards will be presented to the top three overall race winners, and to first place in masters (40+), grandmasters (50+) and veterans (60+). Other awards will be presented for first to third place winners in the age divisions ranging from 10 and under to 75+.

The Breakthrough Run for Autism benefits Breakthrough Corporation, a non-profit started 10 years ago by parents committed to improving the lives of adults with autism. Breakthrough aims to provide individualized services that offer quality care, a safe environment, family connection and community involvement, according to Judi Brookshire and Susan Lee, race co-directors and Breakthrough board members.

With grants, donations, and funds raised through such events as the Breakthrough Run, Breakthrough has acquired property and broken ground on three houses that will provide supported living for adults with autism. Breakthrough is developing housing, recreational and educational programs in a neighborhood setting for adults with autism. When complete, Breakthrough will become the first such organization in Tennessee to provide those services to adults with autism.

Breakthrough currently provides structured day services for adults with autism, as well as a respite and recreation program in partnership with the University of Tennessee Department of Exercise, Sports and Leisure Studies and the YMCA of East Tennessee.

Among Breakthrough Buddies in last year’s race were John and Timothy Ritchie, twin sons of Beth Ritchie, a Breakthrough board member. The 23-year-old twins, who each have autism, participated in an organized race for the first time last year. “I don’t think they intended to walk the whole three miles, but they just kept going,” Ritchie said. “They had never participated in an activity like that before.”

The top awards in this race will be unique artwork, sculptures called “Robotz,” created by John Ryan Lee, a young adult with autism. Other awards will be hand-crafted puzzle symbols made by Dan Whitson, a friend of Breakthrough. The multicolored puzzle piece ribbon is the recognized symbol for autism. State Sen. Tim Burchett and State Rep. Ryan Haynes plan to be on hand to help distribute awards.

The Breakthrough Run for Autism is the second of three 5K runs in the Spring Fling Series, with each race benefitting worthy causes. The first is the Run for the Schools April 4, benefitting Knox County schools, and the third is the Run for the Deaf May 2, benefitting the Tennessee School for the Deaf. Runners participating in all three races will be eligible for cash awards based on cumulative time after the third race.

Show Time: Apr 18th 8:00 AM
Tickets: Registration is $10 for students in grades K-12 and $20 for adults and should be received or postmarked by April 5. Registration includes a t-shirt. Late registration fees are $12 for students K-12 and $25 for others. Runners may pre-register or sign up the morning of the race from 7:00 until 7:30 a.m. at the Pinnacle Stadium parking lot. Late registrants will receive t-shirts as supplies last.