Coloring the Pieces

Runners had a good time, got some exercise, and most importantly raised awareness for autism. 
Photo by Patrice Mitchell

In honor of Autism Awareness month, the Concord University chapter of the Counsel for Exceptional Children (CUCEC) hosted a 5k Color Run to raise funds and spread awareness Saturday, April 18.  

The CUCEC is a new campus organization, just started on campus this year. Leading the organization are the president, Allyssa Painter, and faculty advisor Dr. Kathy Tucker.  

 Tucker has quite a bit of experience with exceptional children. “I was a teacher in the classroom for years. Now I am here at Concord working mainly with the special education majors,” she explained. 

 The race drew in over 40 participants, the youngest being a toddler who was pushed along in a stroller, along with numerous other members of the community. 20 volunteers participated in the coordination of the event, including members of the CUCEC as well as fraternity members and other Concord University students and faculty.  

Concord students like Cassie Molchanoff are always eager to lace up for a good cause. 
Photo by Patrice Mitchell

The CUCEC has been planning this event since the beginning of the semester.  “Several of us know someone or have someone in our family with autism. It is really important for us to raise awareness for it,” said Painter. 

The temperature reached nearly 80 degrees Saturday, but that didn’t slow the runners down. The race started and ended at the football field and trailed all around campus, and even the climb to the observatory located near the football field. 

  “The hill was brutal,” said second place winner Weston Keith.  

There was a nurse on site for any emergencies or if any runners got sick from the heat or overexertion, which they did. The volunteers and race coordinators also fought dehydration and had water available for runners at various checkpoints.  

Prizes including gift cards, gift baskets, and Concord gear were awarded to the winners. First place winner, Elyse Boland, said after the race that she planned to use her winnings to eat as soon as possible. 

The true cause for Autism is unknown, and at this point there is no cure. Tucker explains,   “In the past, the autism numbers use to be one in every 200 were diagnosed. Now those numbers are one in 68. A portion of the proceeds made today will go towards Autism Speaks for continued research.”  

There are many different types of autism, and no one with autism has the exact same symptoms or struggles as others. The Counsel for Exceptional Children has devoted their organization to helping promote and execute educational advancements to benefit children with Autism and other social developmental issues. The organization is hoping to make this 5k an annual event during Autism Awareness month.