Mark your calendars for the 18th annual Walk/Run for Abilis will take place on Sunday, October 15, at Greenwich Point Park in Old Greenwich.
Participants can walk 1-mile or run a 5k in-person — or participant virtually from anywhere in the world.
Participants are encouraged to register in advance at abilis.us/walkrun. Registration is free for walkers, $40 for adult 5k runners 18+ and $20 for runners ages 11-17.
Billy Blanks Jr gets the crowd warmed up at the 2022 Walk/Run for Abilis. Photo: Leslie Yager
Activities at this year’s Walk/Run for Abilis include celebrity fitness guru and choreographer Billy Blanks Jr, who will once again be the master of ceremonies for the event and warm up the crowd with fun dance moves, music and stretching exercises.
The Dance Pointe troupe will be there to put on a show with some of their dance moves.
Carnival for a Cause, face painting and a balloon artist will entertain the kids.
Walk/Run for Abilis provides a fun opportunity for family, friends and Abilis community members to join together for a morning of physical fitness and to enjoy the beauty of Greenwich Point Park.
Proceeds of the event support Abilis programs and services for individuals with disabilities and their families.
The Abilis Walk/Run is the organization’s largest annual fundraiser and its signature “friend-raising” event of the year.
Many who take part in Walk/Run for Abilis do so because they are inspired by a friend or family member with a developmental disability.
Prizes are awarded for best outfits and teams are encouraged to create team t-shirts, buttons, hats or create their own banner to increase visibility, show team spirit and potentially win an Abilis creativity award.
Those who choose to participate virtually, from another county, state or country, can do so and post on social media with the hashtag #walkrunforabilis. The morning event opens up at 7:30am, with the 5k run and kids’ activities at 9:00am, followed by the 5k run awards, a Walk warm-up session and other activities, with the Walk starting at 11:00am. The whole event is over by 12:00pm.
Click here to register or donate.
Ross Perry gives an old friend a bear hug at 2022 Walk/Run for Abilis at Tod’s Point. Oct 16, 2022 Photo: Leslie Yager