By Bre Williams
Senior Photographer
MAPSS – Multilevel Applications and Positive Support Services – hosted the second annual Autism on the Run 5k on Saturday, November 8 on the California State University, Bakersfield campus.
The event was held to raise funds for League of Dreams, which is a non-profit sports league for disabled children from the ages of 5 to 22.
MAPPS is a local Applied Behavioral Analysis company that specializes in treating and analyzing children with autism.
Attendees were encouraged to wear a costume for the run. Most attendees dressed as superheroes to show support for children living with autism.
The first 100 runners to register were given a free T-shirt to commemorate their success in running the 5k. Runners could enjoy the live DJ and take photos with Auti the turtle, who acted as a mascot for the event.
At the finish line, there were numerous vendors present awaiting the runners.
They included booths from Jamba Juice, In Shape Fitness, MAPSS and many more.
They had a game area for children to enjoy games and fun outdoor activities while the run was taking place.
Project manager and CSUB alumni Isabella Borreli said, “We are looking forward to doubling our numbers this year for the run from 100 to 200 participants.” Borreli is also a MAPPS employee and said their main cause is to help raise autism awareness in Bakersfield. Borreli suggested that, because the number of participants has doubled, autism awareness in Bakersfield has grown over the last year, and MAPSS intends to make this continue to happen.
