6th Annual All Out for Autism Huge Success!

Editor's note: Our New Canaan HamletHub editor, Rachel Lampen, participated in "All Out for Autism". She shares her experience here:

Yesterday I joined hundreds for the All Out for Autism 5k walk / run organized by New Balance, New Canaan. You couldn't miss us because there were so many of us, all wearing bright florescent yellow t-shirts (the ladies from the New Canaan Hockey Team were in pink!).

Adults, children and dogs took to the streets, where spirits remained high throughout the race. We set off just after 6:30pm from Elm Street, walkers allowing the runners to start first. The whole event was brilliantly organized and the route was really pretty - walking us up past Irwin Park, looping on to Oenoke Ridge and back down in to New Canaan.

Weather conditions were perfect - not too hot - and it remained dry for the sixth consecutive year.

I finished in 52:50 ahead of my husband but beaten by my son Charlie, who finished at 50:26. Following are the results for the male and female winners, both are from New Canaan:

MEN'S WINNER: Mike St. George - 18:56
WOMEN'S WINNER: Eliza Hompe - 19:51

I spoke to Ron Rosenfeld, Owner of New Balance New Canaan who said: "We are all exhausted today but thrilled with the event. We are still following up with sponsors but anticipate we have raised between $15 - $16,000. Proceeds will benefit programs and events at the New Canaan YMCA for individuals with special needs."  

All Out for Autism was created in 2009 by New Balance owners Ron and Tina Rosenfeld, who were surprised at the number of individuals with Autism who came into the store. In their ongoing efforts to give back to the community, Ron and Tina and SPED*Net saw an opportunity to extend their mission of health and fitness into the community.