Autism awareness walk/run back in Murphys this month

The fourth annual Off the Beaten Path Walk/Run for Autism Awareness returns to Murphys later this month with new features.

The April 25 event at Murphys Community Park, organized by the Mind Matters clinic, will now include a 1-mile run open to boys and girls age 7 and younger. Two other races, a 5K and 10K, are open to men and women of all ages.

The scenic course will begin at the park and continue on Six Mile Road past rolling hills and vineyards. Check-in will start at 7 a.m. Following a warmup session conducted by Kat Juarez-Sutton, the first race will begin at 8. Awards will be presented in a variety of categories.

The entry fee for the 5K and 10K races is $25 for those registering by April 20. After that date, including race day, registrations will be $30. Each participant will receive a commemorative shirt.

For the 1K race, the fee is $5 until race day, when it increases to $10. For this race, support runners, such as parents or older siblings, are welcome.

Entry blanks are available at several locations, including the Mind Matters office, 150 Big Trees Road in Murphys. They also may be downloaded from the website www.mindmattersclinic.org. Online registration is available by going to www.active.com and searching for “Off the Beaten Path.”

To add to the festive atmosphere, those in the park will be entertained by the music of Plan B’s Vince and Keno Rojas. Food and beverages will be available to purchase from Arnold Pantry.

There also will be opportunities to learn about the many programs offered by Mind Matters and other agencies that provide services to families dealing with a variety of learning and emotional issues. Among the organizations scheduled to participate in this “education row” are Mind Matters, Harmony Ranch, the Disability Resource Agency for Independent Living, Creative Support Alternatives and Calaveras Youth Mentoring.

Mind Matters helps individuals and families cope with the consequences of autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and learning disabilities. The clinic does it through treatment, counseling and education. It also strives to promote a better public understanding of these debilitating health issues.

For more information, call (209) 728-2184.

This story was originally published April 5, 2015 at 9:11 PM with the headline "Autism awareness walk/run back in Murphys this month."