Autism Society Southern Illinois Color Fun Run set for April 12

CARTERVILLE, Ill. (KFVS) - A chance to end the week on a colorful note is returning to southern Illinois.

On Saturday, April 12, at 10 a.m., Autism Society Southern Illinois’ Color Fun Run gets underway.

This year, the untimed, one-mile event is taking place at its new location on John A. Logan Road in Carterville. Organizers say the new route will be more stroller-friendly.

People can register as individuals or as a team online by clicking here.

An award will be given to the Top Fundraising Champion.

The event is for the whole family, but pets should be left at home. Service dogs are permitted.

For the 2025 Color Fun Run, 750 people are registered.

Participants will begin the route in waves of two or three, passing through four different color stations, where volunteers will cover them in colored powder.

There are no more event shirts available, but any plain white shirt will do. Teams can also show up in their own shirts.

Organizers say the powder can be washed out, but items that are tough to clean are not recommended to bring.

Ashley Showalter said she’s been involved in Autism Society Southern Illinois for several years, starting when her son was diagnosed at the age of three.

“I was that mom that wanted to have a community behind me, there wasn’t a lot of resources. I was new to what autism was,” Showalter said.

The group started small.

“I came across another lady in Carbondale, and she had the same situation. Our sons are actually born on the same day, same year. When she reached out, I ended up meeting her, and we’ve been locked in ever since,” Showalter said.

Showalter said the Color Fun Run was the group’s first big event, starting at SIU Carbondale, then moving to the Du Quoin State Fair Grounds, and now taking place in Carterville.

The funds raised go to help Autism Society Southern Illinois connect families in the community to resources they need, including scholarships for equine therapy and swimming lessons.

Showalter said visiting the group’s Facebook page is the best way to learn more and receive updates.

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