Tyler Run for Autism celebrates 15 years with 5K and 10K races

The annual event raises funds for autism therapies and family support in the local community.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:08pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A bold, abstract silkscreen-style illustration featuring a repeated icon of a running shoe in bright neon pink, yellow, and blue, conveying the energetic spirit of the Tyler Run for Autism event.The vibrant annual Tyler Run for Autism event brings the community together to support local families through fundraising and celebration.Tyler Today

The 15th annual Tyler Run for Autism is taking place this Saturday, featuring a 5K, a 10K, and a variety of vendors and activities for families. The event was started by a group of local moms who wanted to help cover the costs of therapies and support services for children with autism that were not covered by insurance. All proceeds from the run go directly to assisting these families in the Tyler, Texas area.

Why it matters

The Tyler Run for Autism has become an important annual tradition that brings the community together to raise awareness and funds for autism support services. As insurance coverage for many autism therapies remains limited, events like this play a crucial role in helping local families access the care and resources they need.

The details

In addition to the 5K and 10K races, the Tyler Run for Autism will feature a wide variety of vendors, activities, and entertainment for attendees. Organizers say participants can expect to see everything from unicorns and bunny rabbits to bounce houses, face painters, video games, balloons, clowns, and bubbles. A low-sensory area will also be provided to accommodate all attendees. Registration and packet pickup will take place on Friday at Bubba's 33 before the main event on Saturday morning.

  • The 15th annual Tyler Run for Autism will take place this Saturday, April 12, 2026.
  • Packet pickup and registration will be held on Friday, April 11, 2026 at Bubba's 33.

The players

Leigh Ann Cook

An organizer for the Tyler Run for Autism event.

Tyler Run for Autism

An annual 5K and 10K run that raises funds for autism therapies and support services in the Tyler, Texas community.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It was started by a group of moms, actually, who were seeing big changes with their kids with certain types of therapy, but they also were seeing the insurance didn't cover a lot of those therapies.”

— Leigh Ann Cook, Event Organizer

“Every dime that we raise from this event is donated straight to those families. We've kind of amped things up a little bit and we're going big.”

— Leigh Ann Cook, Event Organizer

“We want everyone to bring their kids. Everyone is walking the same thing. We want you to come as you are. No matter how you celebrate autism, we want you there. If even if you don't have a diagnosis of autism, we just want you there.”

— Leigh Ann Cook, Event Organizer

What’s next

Runners can register for the 5K or 10K races on the Tyler Run for Autism website before the event on Saturday. Packet pickup and registration will also be available on Friday at Bubba's 33.

The takeaway

The Tyler Run for Autism has become an annual tradition that brings the local community together to support families affected by autism. By raising funds for therapies and services not covered by insurance, the event plays a vital role in ensuring these families have access to the resources they need.