16th Annual Run Wild for Autism 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run & Walk

16TH ANNUAL 5K AND 1 MILE FUN RUN & WALK 
All proceeds benefit Pathfinders for Autism!

Sunday, September 27, 2026

Please join Pathfinders for Autism for our 16th Annual Run Wild for Autism. We are thrilled to be hosting our 16th year to bring a day of awareness, competition and fundraising for the community. We look forward to seeing you on September 27th at the Maryland Zoo and Druid Hill Park.

 

COVID-19 Health Security Plan: Creating a safe experience at the 12th Annual Run Wild for Autism 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run & Walk is our top priority! 

Safety of participants, volunteers, sponsors and staff is of utmost importance to Pathfinders for Autism and Charm City Run Events. We are committed to following all local, state, national and CDC guidelines at the 12th Annual Run Wild for Autism event. Charm City Run has developed efficient and effective race day COVID-19 protocols and procedures. While guidelines and health metrics continue to evolve, we are prepared with procedures that may include, but are not limited to: caps on participation consistent with outdoor gathering guidelines; contactless packet pickup; mandatory mask wearing for participants, volunteers and staff at all times (with the exception of when actively participating in the race); minimal spectators; social distancing and small group wave starts for participants; sanitizer stations throughout the event space; elimination of bag check and shirt exchanges; sealed grab-and-go water bottles at water stops; individually wrapped post-race snacks. 

As the event draws closer, expect clear and continuous communication via email and website updates on the strategies we’ll use to keep everyone safe. Any questions? Please contact us at events@charmcityrun.com. 

For more information on COVID-19, please visit The CDC Website.

 5K Course

Fun Run/Walk Course Map

REFUND, TRANSFER, AND CANCELLATION POLICIES

We want to be completely transparent with our policies regarding refunds, deferrals, and cancellations. If you are interested in signing up for this race please read this section carefully prior to registering. All interested participants will be shown these policies during the registration process and must agree to adhere to them in order to be admitted to the event.

Refunds

Race registration fees (and the processing charge from RunSignup) are not refundable. These funds are used to pay for race premiums, permits, supplies, staffing, and other costs incurred before, during, and after the event is held. To be consistent and fair to everyone we cannot make exceptions to this policy.

Transfers

We offer the option for registrants to transfer their entry to another eligible participant up to two weeks prior to the race (September 7, 2025). After this deadline passes we are unable to allow transfers as race materials have been received and prepped for the event. Again, to be consistent and fair to everyone we cannot make exceptions to this policy. Registrants may transfer their entry to another registrant by going into their profile on runsignup.com and choosing "Manage Registration" next to the race.

Cancellation

2020 and 2021 showed just how unpredictable our world can be, and the running industry was certainly no exception. We know that it's important to have as much information at your disposal when making a decision whether to sign up for a race or not, and we want you to know exactly what will happen should the 2025 in-person race not be able to take place as originally planned. If we are forced to cancel the in-person race, all registrants will be transferred to the virtual event.

If you have any questions about our policies please email us at info@bluecheetahtiming PRIOR to registering.

LION SPONSOR - $15,000
EXCLUSIVE OFFER SOLD OUT! 

TIGER SPONSOR - $10,000
EXCLUSIVE OFFER 

• Inclusion of Company name on all media materials* 

• Company logo in priority placement on: 

  • Social Media (3 exclusive posts*) 

  • Website 

  • Premier Sponsor Banner 

  • Event T-shirt 

• Logo visibility at bib pick-up locations » Recognition during awards ceremony » VIP Vendor Table in Vendor Village Pavilion with priority placement 

• 30 race entries (inc. chip timing, T-shirts, Zoo admission, giveaways, and refreshments) 

CHEETAH SPONSOR - $7,500 

• Inclusion of Company name on all media materials* 

• Company logo in priority placement on: 

  • Social Media (3 exclusive posts*) 

  • Website 

  • Premier Sponsor Banner 

  • Event T-shirt 

• Recognition during awards ceremony » VIP Vendor Table in Vendor Village Pavilion with priority placement 

• 20 race entries (inc. chip timing, T-shirts, Zoo admission, giveaways, and refreshments) 

 

PENGUIN SPONSOR - $5,000 

• Company sign placed at highly visible Ambassador Avenue 

• Company logo in priority placement on: 

  • Website 

  • Event T-shirt 

  • Sponsor Sign 

  • Social Media mention

• Vendor Table in Vendor Village Pavilion » Emcee mention at post-race celebration » 15 race entries (inc. chip timing, T-shirts, Zoo admission, giveaways, and refreshments) 

BEAR CUB SPONSOR - $2,500 

• Company sign at highly visible Kids Activities area 

• Company logo in priority placement on: 

  • Website 

  • Event T-shirt 

  • Sponsor Sign 

• Social Media mention 

• Vendor Table in Vendor Village Pavilion » Emcee mention at post-race celebration » 10 race entries (inc. chip timing, T-shirts, Zoo admission, giveaways, and refreshments) 

CAMEL SPONSOR - $2,500 

• Company sign placed at highly visible Water Stop and Refreshments areas

• Company logo in priority placement on: 

  • Website 

  • Event T-shirt 

  • Sponsor Sign 

• Social Media mention 

• Vendor Table in Vendor Village Pavilion

• Emcee mention at post-race celebration

• 10 race entries (inc. chip timing, T-shirts, Zoo admission, giveaways, and refreshments) 

FAMILY TEAM SPONSOR - $2,500 

• Company logo included on Family Team Incentive flyer and online graphic

• Company logo in priority placement on: 

  • Website

  • Event T-Shirt

  • Sponsor Sign

• Social Media Mention 

• Vendor Table in Vendor Village

• Emcee Mention at Family Team awards

• 10 race entries (inc. chip timing, T-shirts, Zoo admission, giveaways, and refreshments) 

TORTOISE SPONSOR - $1,500 (for profit rate) $1,000 (non-profit rate)

• Company logo placement on Race Day Banner 

• Vendor Table in Vendor Village Pavilion

• 4 Post Race Celebration/Zoo admissions and event T-shirts 

CORPORATE PARTNER - $1,500 

• Company logo in priority placement on:

  • Website

  • Sponsor Sign

  • Ambassador Avenue Sign 

• 10 entries for race (includes chip timing, T-shirts, Zoo admission, giveaways, and refreshments)

• Exclusive event volunteer opportunities 

CORPORATE TEAM - $1,000
» Company logo in priority placement on:
 • Website
 • Sponsor Sign
 • Ambassador Avenue Sign
» 6 entries for race (includes chip timing, 
T-shirts, Zoo admission, giveaways, and 
refreshments)
» Exclusive event volunteer opportunities

 

Registration is now closed! If you are an event sponsor, please contact Bill Freeman at BFreeman@pathfindersforautism.org for team registration information.

Registrations completed after noon on September 1st cannot be guaranteed a t-shirt.

Race registration fees (and the processing charge from RunSignup) are not refundable. These funds are used to pay for race premiums, permits, supplies, staffing, and other costs incurred before, during, and after the event is held. To be consistent and fair to everyone we cannot make exceptions to this policy.

Get Ready to Run Wild!!!
We’re so excited to see you at the 15th Annual Run Wild for Autism 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run & Walk on Sunday, September 21st at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore!

Here’s everything you need to know to have a smooth and fun race day:

 
📍 Event Location & Parking
Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
1 Safari Place, Baltimore, MD 21217

Parking is FREE for all participants. This is a sold-out event, so please plan your travel time accordingly. 
Follow event signage to the main entrance
 
🎫 Packet Pickup
Race Day Pickup: If you have not picked up your packet yet, please plan to arrive early. Packet pickup begins at 7:00 AM at the Zoo’s main gate pavilion. This is a SOLD-OUT event and there will be crowds. 

 
⏰ Race Day Schedule
7:00 AM — Pickup begins, music, entertainment, and bib customization
8:00 AM — ISI Elite Training fun warm up. Autumn DeCosmo national anthem. 
8:30 AM — 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk start
(Please arrive on time—zoo security will not allow late entries)
Post race fun in the Water Fowl Pavillion. Be sure to visit all our amazing sponsors, grab a snack, play some games, and have fun. 
 
💡 Helpful Info
Rain or shine event (check PFA social media for severe weather updates)
No day-of registration (we are SOLD OUT!) Everyone attending must already be registered for the event. 
Accessibility: Please see the Maryland Zoo Accessibility page
Post-Race Snacks: Water, bagels, fruit, and more in the Waterfowl Pavilion
Activities: Animal ambassadors, children’s games, vendor tables, music, and awards for top 5K finishers
Zoo Admission: Registered participants with a bib get complimentary same-day admission at check-in. We cannot give zoo admissions to anyone that does not have their race bib. 
📌 Please also review the Zoo’s visitor FAQs for do’s and don’ts before your visit.

 
💙 Keep Fundraising!
Fundraising stays open until October 15th—keep sharing your page to reach incentive levels and support families living with autism. If you have not yet done so, please share your fundraising page on social media and with friends and family.

SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES

Sponsorship packages are no longer available. You can still support Pathfinders for Autism by making a donation today. 

DONATIONS AND FUNDRAISING

The most important component to Run Wild for Autism is our families and partners coming together to raise funds that help us continue to serve the autism community. Your dollars allow the PFA staff to offer resources, training - both in person and virtual, and recreation events. It is because of YOU that we have been and will continue to serve our families. Here is a helpful guide to help you get started fundraising for Run Wild!

There are many great fundraising incentives for raising funds that support PFA programs. Please donate today!

VOLUNTEERS

Run Wild can only succeed with the support of volunteers! If you are interested in volunteering or know someone who is, please register here: Run Wild Volunteers – Pathfinders for Autism

PACKET PICK UP

AMENITIES

– 15th Annual Run Wild for Autism t-shirt (Register by noon on August 29th to guarantee a shirt.)
– Race managed by Blue Cheetah Sports Timing
– ZOO ADMISSION: Individuals registered for the in-person race will receive Zoo passes, good for September 21st ONLY.

 AWARDS

Top Male Finisher
Top Female Finisher
Top Male Finisher in the following age brackets: 1-10, 11-15, 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+
Top Female Finisher in the following age brackets: 1-10, 11-15, 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+
Top Overall Fundraising Team
Top Individual Fundraiser

BENEFICIARY: PATHFINDERS FOR AUTISM

Pathfinders for Autism is a statewide organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with autism and their families. The organization was founded in 2000 by parents of children with autism, including Baltimore Orioles Hall of Famer William "B.J." Surhoff and his wife Polly Winde Surhoff. Pathfinders for Autism works to support and improve the lives of individuals with autism through expansive, customized programming, and by providing resources, training, information and activities free of charge.

KNOW-BEFORE-YOU-GO and FAQs

Coming Soon!

1 Mile Fun Run & Walk: Sports Cotton T-Shirt

5K: Sports Cotton T-Shirt