Registration open for Athens Funky Fun Run

March 16-- Mar. 16--Families of all walks of life can now sign up for this year's Funky Fun Run to benefit the Autism Society of Alabama.

The untimed, zero-competition walk event is set for 8 a.m. Saturday, April 13, at Athens Stadium near Athens Middle School. After storms and time constraints had negative effects on the previous two years, ASA Program Director Todd Tomerlin is looking forward to a great turnout in 2019.

"I want to see teams formed, and I want competitions between friends and family," Tomerlin said. "A lot of times, you'll see a team that gets formed and everyone gets their own shirt to support that one child. It's really cool to see that happen."

Registration for the walk is $30 for adults and $20 for children 10 years and younger. It can be completed online at https://bit.ly/AthensFunkyFunRun. Each person who registers gets a special T-shirt to commemorate the event.

That said, Tomerlin encourages anyone and everyone to come out and support the teams and individuals involved.

"For families to see other people that aren't affected personally participate in something like this to support us is just unbelievable," he said. "It makes you feel like you're loved and cared about, and that's what this community does anyway. I know folks are going to do that."

Donations are also being accepted. Registrants are encouraged to ask friends and family for donations, with prizes awarded to those who meet certain milestones.

The funds raised will go to Autism Society of Alabama, but Tomerlin said the funds will be spent in Limestone County.

"Anything we raise more or less stays here," he said, adding it will go toward the cost of programs, camps, conferences and seminars for individuals with autism or their families.

If a vendor or resource wants to set up a booth at the event, Tomerlin said all they have to do is give him a call. He can be reached at 256-431-3511 or todd@autism-alabama.org.

Tomerlin said as of Thursday, K-I-N Stables had signed up to offer horse rides and American Ninja Warrior contestant Megan Dillard would be there with her three-legged therapy dog, Zeus.

Light it up blue

In honor of Autism Acceptance Month and World Autism Awareness Day, Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks and Limestone County Commission Chairman Collin Daly will light the Limestone County Courthouse blue 7 p.m.April 2.

The event is free to attend.

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