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November 8, 2025 | Charlotte, NC

Charlotte Empower Walk & 5K Run

Register Now

Join us for the Empower Walk & 5K Run

Looking for the Autism Speaks Walk? You’ve come to the right place!

The Empower Walk & 5K Run combines our signature Walk with an exciting new 5K Run. While we’ve updated the name and logo, our mission remains unchanged: to create a more inclusive world.

This page is your go-to resource for all the essential details about the event. Learn how your participation directly supports crucial programs and services, ensuring they remain accessible to the autism community and continue to make a lasting impact.

News & Updates

Sometimes the environment at an Autism Speaks Walk can become overwhelming for people with sensory sensitivities. All of our walks allow access to a quiet space that can be used as a safe outlet if you or your loved one living with autism becomes overwhelmed. We recommend finding the quiet area of your walk when you arrive and share its location with your team for ease of access later on in the day should it be needed.

About the Empower Walk & 5K Run

The Autism Speaks Empower Walk & 5K Run is more than just a walk or run — it's a celebration of community, inclusion, and progress. This exciting event combines everything you love about the traditional Autism Speaks Walk with the added energy of a 5K run!

Whether you're walking, running, or cheering from the sidelines, you'll be part of an inspiring experience filled with connection and purpose. The event features a wide range of activities for all ages and abilities, including:

  • 🌐 Resource Fair
    A robust lineup of tools, services, and supports that span the entire autism lifespan.
  • 🤝 Friendship Bracelet Station
    Create and share bracelets to celebrate unity and connection.
  • 🦸‍♂️ Superhero Sprint
    A fun, fast-paced race for all ages— with capes!
  • 📸 Photo Opportunities
    Capture unforgettable memories at our themed selfie stations.
  • 🎉 And So Much More!
    Games, entertainment, community partners, and surprises around every corner.

Join us as we take bold steps toward a world where all people with autism can reach their full potential. Come for the cause, stay for the community — and leave empowered.

Location

Symphony Park
4400 Sharon Road
Charlotte, NC 28211

Schedule

TBD

Questions?

Please reach out to:

Lisa Harrington
Email
(770) 401-4292

Become a Volunteer

Every Autism Speaks event thrives thanks to volunteers like you—bringing energy, support, and heart. From setup to cheering on participants, your time sparks change and strengthens the autism community.

Sign Up

Become a Sponsor

Join us as an Official Sponsor of the Empower Walk & 5K Run—lift up voices, light the way for families, and take meaningful action that leaves a lasting impact on the autism community.

More Info

Empower Walk & 5K Run Progress

13Participants
1Teams
$10,375Total Fundraising
Raised $10,375
Goal $128,000

Empower Your Fundraising Journey!

Elevate your fundraising game! We've got all the tools you need to succeed. Share eye-catching social media graphics on Instagram and Facebook, stay organized with our cutting-edge app, and tap into a wealth of resources—like our comprehensive Fundraising Guide, packed with expert tips and ready-to-use templates for social media and email. With everything you need to stay connected, inspired, and on track, success is within reach!

View Fundraising Tools

Top Fundraisers

Top 10 Participants
View All Participants
Top 10 Teams
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Top 10 Companies
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Presenting Sponsor

[Behavioral Framework] *Presenting Sponsor* ^

Bronze Sponsors

[ABS Kids] *Bronze Sponsors*
[Compleat Kidz] *Bronze Sponsors*
[Cross River Therapy] *Bronze Sponsors*
[GM Financial] *Bronze Sponsors*

Service Provider Sponsors

[Achievements ABA] *Service Provider Sponsors*
[Attain ABA Therapy] *Service Provider Sponsors*
[Mosaic Pediatric Therapy] *Service Provider Sponsors*

The Empower Walk & 5K Run has a variety of partnership opportunities that allow your organization to deepen its impact and create social change for the autism community.

For more information on partnership opportunities, please contact: Lisa Harrington, (770) 401-4292, nationalcapital@autismspeaks.org.

[Behavioral Framework] *Presenting Sponsor* ^
[ABS Kids] *Bronze Sponsors*
[Compleat Kidz] *Bronze Sponsors*
[Cross River Therapy] *Bronze Sponsors*
[GM Financial] *Bronze Sponsors*
[Achievements ABA] *Service Provider Sponsors*
[Attain ABA Therapy] *Service Provider Sponsors*
[Mosaic Pediatric Therapy] *Service Provider Sponsors*

Join Us at the Empower Walk & 5K Run and Kickstart Your Fundraising Journey!

Make an Impact

Charlotte Empower Walk & 5K Run

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Company List Page
Campaign Progress
of Goal
$10,374 Raised
$128,000.00
Make a gift!
Team Honor Roll
Sams Special
$400
Top Fundraisers
Walk
Tara Sams
$125
Top Donors
ABS Kids
Cross River Therapy
First National Bank of South Carolina
Mosaic Pediatric Therapy
Red Robin
Full Donor List
Resources About Event News & Updates FAQ Become a Sponsor Volunteer
Help and Support Fundraising Contact Us Autism Response Team AutismSpeaks.org

© 2025 Autism Speaks Inc.
501(c)(3) organization, EIN: 20-2329938.

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