Eden Autism 5K & Fun Run/Walk

Join Eden Autism on October 4 in Princeton, NJ to support children and adults with autism! Sign up as an individual runner/walker or create a team and invite your friends!

5K & 1-Mile Fun/Walk
2 Merwick Road, Princeton, NJ
USATF Certified Course

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION - Sign up by June 12 and receive $5 off!
$40 pre-registration | $35 ages 5-17 | $35 USATF members | free for children 4 and under
$45 same-day registration

7:30 am: Same-day registration opens
9:00 am: 5K and Fun Run/Walk begin

Both the 5K and Fun Run/Walk will benefit Eden Autism's mission to support individuals with autism throughout their lifespan—from the point of diagnosis through the school years and into adulthood. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive spectrum of services designed to enable individuals with autism to lead fulfilling, productive, and engaged lives in their communities, to the full extent of their abilities. Learn more at edenautism.org. 

Race Day Details

When you arrive, head to the pre-registration tent to pick up your race bib and shirt.
The Fun Run/Walk will begin immediately after the 5K run. If you are participating in the Fun Run/Walk, look for the individuals holding the event banner and line up behind them.

Parking: Parking is free. Please follow the signs and attendants to park.

5K Race Results: After the race, you may visit compuscore.com to get your official results!

5K Awards: Awards will be given to the top 3 overall female and male 5K runners, as well as the top 3 runners in all 10-year age categories, from 9 and under to over 80. The top 3 overall non-binary 5K finishers will also receive an award. Awards can be picked up at the awards tent starting at 10:00 am.

Same-Day Registration: Your friends and family can join you the morning of the race! Simply head to the same-day registration tent to sign up.

 

Celebrating 50 years of transforming lives and building futures. 

The story of Eden began as a dream shared by 14 desperate families. In 1975, autism was a largely unknown disorder, and services for autistic individuals were extremely scarce. These pioneering parents were determined to create a better world for their children. Out of a rented church basement in Princeton, the Eden Institute (now known as Eden Autism Services) was born. “We were thrilled when we met other children like our son, David,” said Harriet Riedel, founding Eden parent. “We had never seen another autistic person. We just felt like we had come home.”
 
Over the decades, Eden continued to expand its services, ensuring that as its students aged, they received the support they needed to thrive. Much has changed over the years, but the core of Eden remains the same — to support people with autism, one individual at a time, one family at a time, one community at a time.

• The Eden School provides a 12-month education program for students ages 3 to 21 tailored to the specific abilities and requirements of each student. Community integration, recreation, and pre-employment are hallmarks of the program.

• Eden Adult Services provides essential support to individuals as they age out of school yet require continued support. Employment training and placement, residential programs, and community integration and recreation are included among our program offerings.

• Eden Outreach provides home-based services, professional development, curriculum, and consultative services.

Our mission is to improve the lives of people with autism — one individual at a time, one family at a time, one community at a time. 

For more information about Eden Autism, visit edenautism.org or call 609-987-0099. 

As an Eden Autism 5K sponsor, you will have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children and adults with autism. The Eden Autism 5K attracts 1,000 people from Central Jersey every year, making this the perfect event to showcase your company while making a difference!

Whether you're a mom-and-pop business or a global company, the Eden Autism 5K is the perfect event to engage your employees, increase your company's visibility in the community, and support local individuals of all ages with autism.

Our sponsorship packages offer plenty of ways for you to engage with our runners, walkers, and attendees. From your company's logo on our race T-shirts to courtesy registration spots, our sponsors can get involved at every level of the event. Click here to view the full list of sponsorship benefits.

To purchase your sponsorship, click here.

 

Questions?
Contact Jennifer DaCunha
Director of Development 
Phone: 609-987-0099 x3512
Email: jennifer.dacunha@edenautism.org

 

What races are being offered this year?
We have three different races: the 5K, the Fun Run/Walk, and the Virtual 5K. 

What time does each in-person race start?
The 5K will begin at 9:00 am, and the Fun Run/Walk will begin immediately after the 5K. 

Where are the in-person races being held?
Both races begin and end in front of the Eden School, 2 Merwick Road, Princeton. 

What is the difference between the 5K and the Fun Run/Walk?
The 5K is a timed 3.1-mile course. The Fun Run/Walk is held on a separate course that is approximately 1 mile and not timed.

Is the in-person Fun Run/Walk timed?
No, individuals who run or walk the Fun Run/Walk will not be timed. If you'd like to receive an official race result, please register for the in-person 5K.

How do I use RunSignUp to create/join a team or manage my fundraiser?
Click on the links below to view and download our helpful how-to guides:

How to Join or Create a Team
How to Manage My Personal Fundraiser 
How to Manage My Team

 

How does the referral work?
This year, runners and walkers have the opportunity to get a special perk for bringing friends to the race. If 5 people use your personalized referral link to sign up for the race, you will be refunded $20 of your race registration! Visit our referral page to learn more and find your link.

Can I register on the day of the race?
Yes! There will be a same-day registration tent for individuals to register on the morning of the race. 

Can I register offline?
To register offline and pay by check, please fill out this form and return the completed form to samantha.guerriero@edenautism.org or by mail: Samantha Guerriero, Eden Autism, 2 Merwick Road Princeton, NJ 08540.

Can I walk the 5K?
Yes! You can walk the 5K course. We only ask that walkers who are participating in the in-person race finish the 3.1-mile course in under an hour. 

Will there be awards for the 5K?
Yes! Awards will be given to the top 3 overall male and female runners and the top 3 male and female runners in 10-year age categories, from 9 and under to 80 and over. Awards will also be given to the top 3 overall non-binary 5K finishers.

 

Is there a deadline to register for the virtual race?
Virtual runners can sign up on the day of the race, but they must register by Sunday, September 7 to guarantee their shirt and goodie bag.

Can virtual 5K runners enter their time?
Yes! Virtual 5K runners can enter their time. More information on how to submit your results will be sent closer to race day. Please note, only in-person 5K runners are eligible for awards.

Can I bring my dog?
While we love our canine friends, dogs are NOT permitted at the in-person event.

What happens if it rains?
Our race is a rain-or-shine event! If there are dangerous weather conditions (such as thunder and lightning), we will share schedule changes and updates via email, social media, and our 5K race website.

Can I bring a stroller?
Yes! Families can run the 5K with jogging strollers. Families doing the Fun Run/Walk can bring strollers and wagons onto the course.

Have more questions? 
Contact Jennifer DaCunha at (609) 987-0099, ext. 3512 or jennifer.dacunha@edenautism.org.

The Eden Autism 5K & Fun Run/Walk is our largest annual fundraiser. All money raised during the event benefits services for children and adults with autism and their families. Since the inaugural race 22 years ago, the Eden Autism 5K has raised over $2 million! These funds have enabled us to open new residences, expand our adult day program, and help students develop vital pre-vocational skills. 2025 also marks Eden's 50th anniversary! Funds raised today will help ensure our services continue for another 50 years and beyond. To learn more about Eden Autism, visit edenautism.org.

Registration fees help offset some of the expenses associated with making the Eden Autism 5K & Fun Run/Walk a success, but fundraising is essential for us to make a difference in the lives of so many in need. Below are some helpful tips and tricks to make your personal fundraiser a success! 

 

1. Create Your Page & Set Your Goal

When you register for the race, a fundraising page will be created for you. Check out our how-to guide to learn how to customize and manage your page. 

Personalize Your Page. Tell your story. Let people know why you're passionate about the cause and why they should join you in supporting Eden. Donors are more likely to give when they feel connected to a cause. 

Set a Goal. Shoot for the stars, but make sure your goal is attainable. Donors are more likely to give to causes they believe are likely to succeed. If you hit your fundraising goal, you can always see how much farther you can go! Plus, your goal can be adjusted at any point before the race.

 

2. Make a Donation

Donating to your fundraisers shows people that you are committed to the cause. You can donate during the registration process or after you've already signed up.

 

3. Tap Into Your Network & Spread the Word

Recruit friends, family, and colleagues to raise funds — or have them join you on race day by creating a team! (Click here for our guide on how to join or create a team.) Send personal emails and texts, or call your loved ones to let them know why you're raising money for Eden and why they should join you. Asking friends and family to donate will help you build momentum. If you ask 10 friends to donate $10 — or 5 friends to donate $20 — you'll already hit $100! Every dollar amount, from $5 to $500, makes a big difference.

New This Year! This year, you can get a special perk for bringing friends to the race. If 5 people use your personalized referral link to sign up for the race, you will be refunded $20 of your race registration! To learn more, visit our referrals page. 

 

4. Share on Social Media

Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and other social media platforms make it easy to share your fundraiser with several people at once. Make sure your posts are heartfelt and personal to help people connect with your cause. If your posts are public, your friends and followers can share your fundraiser with their networks. 

 

5. Say Thank You!

Be sure to thank every donor as quickly as possible — it goes such a long way! Send them an email or text message or post a public thank you on social media to show your appreciation. By publicly thanking donors, you also raise more awareness about your fundraiser.

And make sure you stay connected after the race! Tell people about your race day experience and share photos with your donors. They helped you reach your fundraising goal, so make sure they are part of your big day. 

 

6. Double Your Impact

Many companies will match your donation, which can instantly double or even triple your fundraising total. Check with your employer to see if they offer a matching gift program. The Eden Autism Services Foundation utilizes Double the Donation’s tools and resources to increase fundraising from corporate employee matching gifts. Visit edenautism.org/give-to-eden to see if your organization participates.

 

 

Questions? We're Here to Help!

Let us know how we can help your fundraising efforts! We are happy to help set up a team page, make customized social media graphics, or answer any questions you have about fundraising for the Eden Autism 5K. Contact us and let us know how we can assist your fundraising efforts.

Celebrating 20 Years of Running For a Cause

In honor of our 20th race, we are offering special giveaways and fundraising incentives to thank our running community for two decades of support!

Perks for All Races

The first 1,000 runners and walkers who register for any race will receive:

• Long Sleeve Running Shirt

• Exclusive Finisher's Medal

• Eden 5K Hat

• Free Goodie Bag

In addition, all in-person runners and walkers will be able to enter for a chance to win door prizes! 

 

New This Year — Raise $250 and get a FREE backpack!

Individuals who raise $250 will receive an Eden Autism 5K backpack! 

In order to receive the backpack, individuals must raise at least $250 dollars by Monday, September 25. Please note, team totals do not count toward the free backpack giveaway. Registrants for all races — the 5K, the Fun Run/Walk, and the Virtual 5K — can fundraise to earn the backpack. 

 

Team Fundraising Prizes

The top 3 overall fundraising teams will receive an award to celebrate their commitment to supporting individuals with autism. 

In addition, the top 3 Eden School family teams and top 3 Eden Adult Services family teams will also receive a prize! The top 3 Eden School family teams will receive a pizza party for their child's classroom. The Top 3 Adult Service family teams will receive a pizza party for their child's day center. (Please note, if a school or adult family member's team is in the top 3 overall fundraising teams, they are not eligible to receive the school or family prize. If you have questions, please contact Samantha Guerriero at samantha.guerriero@edenautism.org.) 

 

Fundraising & How-To Guides

Need help setting up your team page? Have questions about fundraising? We got you covered! Click on the links below to view and download our helpful fundraising and how-to guides.

• How to Join or Create a Team
• How to Manage My Personal Fundraiser 
• How to Manage My Team 
• 2023 Eden Autism 5K Fundraising Guide

Refer 5 friends and get $20 off your registration!

This year, runners and walkers have the opportunity to get a special perk for bringing friends to the race. If 5 people use your personalized referral link to sign up for the race, you will be refunded $20 of your race registration! 

Locating Your Personal Referral Code

There are three main locations where you can find your referral code:

1.     Within your Confirmation Email
2.     Within your RunSignup Profile
3.     Within the confirmation page following Registration

Locating Your Referral Code From Your Confirmation Email

Within your confirmation email, you will be able to find your referral code/link. 

 

Locating Your Referral Code From Your RunSignup Profile

From your RunSignup profile, you can access your referral code by scrolling down to the bottom of your profile and selecting "My Referrals" under the Runner Links section.

 

Locating Your Referral Code From the Confirmation Page Following Registration

Following your registration, you will be taken to your confirmation page. At the top of the page, you will see a "Refer Your Friends" link. When selected, you will be able to share your referral link with your friends and family via email or social media.

 

Giveaways: The first 1,000 people who register for any race will receive a long-sleeved running shirt, hat, and finisher medal.

Course Maps: Click here to view the 3.1-mile 5K route, and click here to view the 1-mile Fun Run/Walk route.

Virtual Runners: Goodie bags will be mailed to virtual registrants who register by Sunday, September 7. We cannot guarantee goodie bags to virtual runners who register after that date.

Festival: Our race festival will be held before, during, and after the race. It will include activities for the whole family, including face painting, balloon animals, craft tables, and more!

Pakcet Pickup: Runners can pick up their race bib, shirt, and goodie bag before the race. Early packet pickup will be held at the Eden School (2 Merwick Road, Princeton, NJ) on Wednesday, October 1 from 5 to 7 pm. 

Refund Policy: All registrations are considered a donation to help support individuals with autism and are non-refundable.

While we love our canine friends, DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED at the event as many of our friends with autism are frightened by them. Alcoholic beverages are NOT permitted in the 5K or festival areas. 

 

 

1-Mile Fun Run/Walk: Long Sleeve Unisex Shirt

5K: Long Sleeve Unisex Shirt

Virtual 5K: Long Sleeve Unisex Shirt