Every Step Counts Autism Walk & 5K Run

The Autism Society of Maryland (AUSOM) celebrates 20 years of hosting the Every Step Counts Autism Walk & 5K Run. Every Step Counts brings together individuals and families touched by Autism and the broader community for a day of connection, compassion and celebration. 

On Saturday, October 3, 2026, we are excited to bring back the SUPERHERO theme for our 5K Run, 4K Walk or 1K Stroll! Guests will enjoy family-friendly fun including an inflatable obstacle course, roving performers, face painters, bubble artists and costumed characters.  It’s a day of joy and unity, with strong support from local sponsors, elected officials and community partners.

Join us! Together we are #AutismStrongMD. The goal is to raise $120,000 toward programs and services for the local Autism community that is more than 18,000 strong!  Funds raised will directly support AUSOM’s free programs and services – including support groups, education, advocacy, social events, and advocacy – offered throughout the year.

5K Run, 4K Walk or 1K Stroll

There are many ways for you and your family and friends to participate this year! Kids 10 and under can walk or run for FREE but registration is required to receive a t-shirt. CLICK to learn more

• Timed 5K Run around Centennial Lake with awards for male, female and nonbinary finishers
• 4K Walk around Centennial Lake
• 1K Stroll for those seeking a shorter walk distance
• Become a Fundraiser

In addition to participating as a runner or walker, we invite participants to become fundraisers to help us reach our goal of $120,000. Here are some fundraising tips: 

• Ask for Donations – invite family, friends, neighbors and co-workers to support you
• Build a Team – invite family, friends, neighbors and co-workers to run or walk with you and ask them to reach out to their networks
• Share your Fundraiser and/or Team URLs in social media posts and in your e-mail signature
• Set up an integrated Facebook fundraiser to effortlessly reach your supporters
• Build some friendly competition with other participants to encourage spirit, team-building and fundraising capacity 

Event Village

The Every Step Counts event village will be back better than ever. Be sure to arrive early to visit our Resource Fair featuring event sponsors and vendors. Bring the kids! Take in the family-friendly fare that will include inflatables, entertainment by roving performers, bubble and balloon artists, and costumed characters. Fill your tank with tasty refreshments. Get up to date on your vaccines by visiting the mobile clinic hosted by Giant Food Pharmacy. Event highlights at Centennial Park will be shared on social media to put participants and spectators, regardless of their location, in the center of the action as the event unfolds. 

Become a Sponsor

Leading up to the event, sponsors and community supporters will be recognized on the event website, on social media and in promotional materials. On-site at the event, sponsors and other supporters will be featured on signage and in event highlights posted to social media. Visit the Sponsor page to learn more. 

Sign Up to Volunteer

We look forward to welcoming back our volunteers. We're offering all of the traditional volunteer tasks associated with an in-person foot race. Sign-up is easy. Visit the Every Step Counts Volunteer page to select a task and sign up online. Or click HERE to download a Volunteer Application.

Together, We Can Make a Difference!

Since 1993, the Autism Society of Maryland (AUSOM) has served Autistic individuals of all ages, their families, and the community. In October 2023, AUSOM officially expanded its service area to include Montgomery and Anne Arundel counties. We're excited for this opportunity to connect with more members of the Maryland Autism community. 

AUSOM promotes Autism acceptance and values the dignity and uniqueness of each Autistic person, opening the door to life's infinite possibilities. The organization supports community members of all ages by helping them connect with the resources they need when they need them. We continue to address the needs of the growing Autism community with information and referral services, Special Education resources and consultations, and social and support opportunities for individuals and families. Our advocacy efforts center around improving the quality of and access to, Autism-related services, as well as local, state, and national resources. 

With Autism diagnosis rising to 1 in 31 nationally and 1 in 38 in Maryland, our mission is more urgent than ever.  Help us ensure that #EveryStepCounts. With your support, we can continue to build a more connected, empowered and inclusive community.  Thank you!  

#AutismStrongMD   #EveryStepCounts 

Questions?  Contact the event coordinators at 410-290-3466 or [email protected]. 

PLEASE NOTE: To ensure the health and safety of all participants, AUSOM reserves the right to convert, at any time, the Every Step Counts Autism Walk & 5K Run into an all-virtual event.