Hundreds Participate in Annual LifeSkills Run for Autism

The 19th edition of the event raises funds for the Suzanne Vitale Clinical Education Complex at WKU.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 2:40am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An out-of-focus, impressionistic photograph depicting a group of runners and walkers of various ages participating in a community event, with blurred shapes and movement creating a warm, atmospheric scene.The annual LifeSkills Run for Autism brings the Bowling Green community together to support those with autism and their families through fundraising and awareness.Bowling Green Today

The 19th annual LifeSkills Run for Autism was held in downtown Bowling Green, Kentucky on Saturday, April 11, 2026. Hundreds of participants, including families with autistic children, ran or walked to raise funds for the Suzanne Vitale Clinical Education Complex at Western Kentucky University.

Why it matters

The LifeSkills Run for Autism is a longstanding community event that brings together local residents to support autism awareness and services in the Bowling Green area. The funds raised go directly to the Suzanne Vitale Clinical Education Complex, which provides clinical services, training, and research focused on autism spectrum disorders.

The details

The 5K run and 1-mile walk event featured hundreds of participants of all ages, including families with autistic children who ran or walked together. The event is organized annually by LifeSkills, Inc., a non-profit that provides mental health and addiction recovery services in south central Kentucky.

  • The 19th annual LifeSkills Run for Autism was held on Saturday, April 11, 2026.
  • The event has taken place every year since 2007.

The players

LifeSkills, Inc.

A non-profit organization that provides mental health and addiction recovery services in south central Kentucky, and organizes the annual LifeSkills Run for Autism.

Suzanne Vitale Clinical Education Complex

A facility at Western Kentucky University that provides clinical services, training, and research focused on autism spectrum disorders. Funds raised from the LifeSkills Run support this complex.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Events like this bring our community together to support those with autism and their families. It's heartwarming to see so many people come out each year.”

— Amanda Gorski, Participant

The takeaway

The LifeSkills Run for Autism demonstrates the Bowling Green community's ongoing commitment to supporting individuals with autism and their families through fundraising, awareness, and access to specialized services and research.