‘It’s heartwarming’: Local running store hosts Labor Day race in support of autism nonprofit

Autism Connection of PA, a Pittsburgh nonprofit, has a “huge mission and a limited budget,” said Director of Operations Tammi Morton.

So fundraising events like the Labor Day Run for Autism are vital.

Gingerbread Man Running Co., a store for runners with locations in Indiana and Greensburg, has hosted the Run for Autism benefiting the nonprofit since 2018. Since its first year, the event has raised about $18,000 to $20,000 for the nonprofit.

Autism Connection of PA receives about 250 calls a month from families and adults who are on the autism spectrum asking for support and advocacy. Founded in 1996, the nonprofit connects families and individuals across the state with resources — including email and phone support, autism news and sensory-friendly activities. It also offers training and presentations to community groups.

The Run for Autism features a half marathon, 10k and 5k. Each race is held on the Five Star Trail, a roughly 8-mile long trail spanning from Youngwood, near Westmoreland County Community College, to Lynch Field in Greensburg.

Morton said about 50 people attend the event each year. She always looks forward to seeing “that sense of community” on race day.

“Getting connected with Autism Connection (of PA) is a great way to understand autism as a spectrum, and it really informs how (people with autism) present differently,” Morton said. “(For those on the spectrum) it’s kind of letting go of a feeling of isolation and a feeling of being ‘other’ and different, and really just being part of the community.”

The nonprofit’s mission and values resonate with Gingerbread Man Running owner Matt Gaudet, which is how the partnership began, said Zack Hunter, the store’s director of marketing.

“(Matt) just really likes what (the nonprofit’s) message is and the fact that it’s local,” Hunter said. “We’re a local community and we’re big about supporting the local community. So that’s something that he felt passionate about.”

Gingerbread Man Running wants the race to be a “bigger event” this year, for spectators and runners alike, Hunter said.

There will be vendors, food trucks and prizes given throughout the day.

“This is something we take a lot of pride in every year,” Hunter said. “This isn’t about promoting the store or promoting the timing business. It’s really about promoting a community feel — that aspect of life that sometimes gets pushed to the side.”

The nonprofit will use the event’s proceeds to host presentations, offer training to first responders and schools, provide a stipend to its support groups, and address the individual needs of its members.

A big focus for the nonprofit right now is addressing homelessness, Morton said.

“It’s heartwarming whenever a company or an organization that is outside of the field of autism rallies together to support our cause,” Morton said. “It helps our families and autistic adult friends feel supported when they see events designed to support them.”