press release

CALLING OHIO RUNNERS! Be part of the 1st RUN FOR AUTISM – Cleveland Team

Cleveland, Ohio – The Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon welcomed the Organization for Autism Research (OAR) as a Charity Partner this week, setting the stage for OAR’s first RUN FOR AUTISM- Cleveland on Sunday May, 18.  OAR plans to field a team of 25 runners in its Cleveland debut and welcomes runners of all levels to join the first RUN FOR AUTISM- Cleveland team in the 10K race, half-marathon, or marathon.

OAR is a national charity committed to excellence in its research and services to individuals with autism and their families, educators, and caregivers.  The RUN FOR AUTISM is OAR’s signature fundraising effort, having raised more than $1.4 million since its inception in 2003.

“With the Chicago and the Marine Corps Marathons as our major races each October, our schedule needed more balance,” said OAR Executive Director, Mike Maloney.  “We have been looking for a high quality race in the first half of the year to balance out. Cleveland does that by offering with a high quality event in the first half of the year, three races of varying length, and a great program for charities.”

Members of OAR’s RUN FOR AUTISM team receive team gear and fundraising support.  OAR has a no pressure, “set and meet your own goal” fundraising approach.  “It’s worked well for us to this point,” Maloney commented.  “The people who choose to run for us invariably believe in the cause and OAR’s work.  Motivating them to fundraise has not been a problem as the results clearly demonstrate.”

To become a member of the first RUN FOR AUTISM – Cleveland Team, visit OAR’s Web site, www.researchautism.org/news/run.asp or contact OAR’s RUN FOR AUTISM staff toll-free at (866) 366-9710 or e-mail: run@researchautism.org.

About OAR: The Organization for Autism Research is a national, non-profit organization committed to excellence in its services to families, educators, caregivers and individuals with autism. OAR’s mission is to apply research to the challenges of autism. No other organization has this as their primary focus. Since 2002, OAR has awarded more than $1.4 million for applied research studies and published four community friendly resource guides in its Life Journey through Autism guide series: A Parent’s Guide to Research, An Educator’s Guide to Autism, An Educator’s Guide to Asperger Syndrome and A Guide for Transition to Adulthood.

For information on OAR, please go the Web site www.researchautism.org.

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