The Autism Speaks 5K Will Take Place this July 4th in Potomac, MD to Raise Funds for Autism Research, Services and Advocacy for the 15th Consecutive Year

Potomac, MD, April 02, 2015 --(PR.com)-- What: The National Capital Area Chapter of Autism Speaks, the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization, will hold the 15th Anniversary Autism Speaks 5K Run/1-Mile Walk fundraising and awareness event for individuals affected by autism, along with their families, friends and other community members. Event proceeds will support Autism Speaks’ work, both locally and nationally, to increase awareness about the growing autism health crisis, fund innovative autism research and family services, and advocate for the needs of individuals with autism and their families in Washington, DC and beyond.

The Autism Speaks 5K will feature:
- *New for 2015* A pre-race Expo on July 3rd
- A technical shirt for all participants
- A finish line festival with great food, refreshments, and awards to top three finishers in age groups
- A Virtual 5K component for those who will be out of town
- An additional packet pick-up at Fleet Feet Gaithersburg for added convenience
- And more.

Who: Thousands of families and friends from around the community with a connection to autism.

When: Saturday, July 4, 2015

7:30 AM Pre-race warm-up
8:00 AM 5K road race begins
8:07 AM Stroller derby begins
8:10 AM 1-Mile walk begins

Where: Potomac Library, just northeast of the intersection of River and Falls Road in Potomac, Maryland.

About Autism Speaks: Autism Speaks is the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization. It is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Mr. Wright is the former vice chairman of General Electric and chief executive officer of NBC and NBC Universal. Since its inception, Autism Speaks has committed more than $525 million to its mission, the majority in science and medical research. Each year, Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are held in more than 100 cities across North America. On the global front, Autism Speaks has established partnerships in more than 60 countries on five continents to foster international research, services and awareness. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit autismspeaks.org.

For more information about the 15th Anniversary Autism Speaks 5K, please visit www.AutismSpeaks5K.org or contact Susan Pereles at AutismSpeaks5K@AutismSpeaks.org or (202) 955-3111.