20th Annual Surfers Healing 5K & Autism Resource Fair
Saturday, August 15, 2026 | Virginia Beach Oceanfront

Join the Autism Society of Tidewater Virginia as we celebrate a major milestone, the 20th Annual Surfers Healing 5K & Autism Resource Fair!

For twenty years, this beloved community event has brought together families, runners, advocates, service providers, and supporters to raise awareness and support individuals and families affected by autism throughout the Tidewater region. Whether you're a competitive runner, casual walker, family member, or community supporter, we invite you to be part of this special anniversary celebration.

This year's event weekend will feature the Surfers Healing 5K, Autism Resource Fair, a Sensory Experience designed for individuals with sensory sensitivities, and family-friendly activities for all ages.
 

Registration
Early Bird Registration
June 8 – June 30, 2026
Register early to receive discounted pricing and secure your spot for this exciting 20th anniversary event.

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Event Weekend Schedule
Friday, August 14, 2026
Sensory Experience-FREE
8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
DoubleTree Hotel
615 Atlantic Avenue
Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Enjoy a variety of sensory-friendly activities and experiences designed to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for individuals with autism and their families.

Early Packet Pickup
3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Autism Resource Center
3509 Virginia Beach Boulevard
Virginia Beach, VA 23452

Participants are encouraged to pick up race packets on Friday to avoid race-day lines.

Saturday, August 15, 2026
Race Day Packet Pickup
6:30 AM – 7:30 AM

Participants who are unable to attend Friday packet pickup may pick up their race materials on race morning.

Surfers Healing 5K
Race Start Time: 8:00AM

Celebrate twenty years of impact as runners and walkers take to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront in support of autism programs, resources, and services throughout our community.

Sensory Experience
8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
DoubleTree Hotel
615 Atlantic Avenue
Virginia Beach, VA 23451

The Sensory Experience will continue throughout race day, offering families a comfortable and engaging environment to enjoy during the event.

Autism Resource Fair-

8:00AM-3:00PM

The oceanfront boardwalk, Surfers Healing Campsite, & Sensory Experience

Meet local organizations, service providers, schools, therapists, recreation programs, and community partners who support individuals with autism and their families.

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Autism Society Family-Friendly Afterparty
Details Coming Soon

Join us after the race as we continue the celebration with a family-friendly gathering featuring fun activities, community connections, and opportunities to celebrate 20 years of making a difference.

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Become a Sponsor

Join us as we celebrate the 20th Annual Surfers Healing 5K & Autism Resource Fair and help create lasting impact for individuals with autism and their families throughout the Tidewater region.

For two decades, this event has brought together families, businesses, community leaders, and advocates in support of a more inclusive community. As a sponsor, your organization will play a vital role in helping us continue this important work while gaining meaningful visibility among event participants, families, professionals, and community supporters.

New Opportunities for 2026

In addition to sponsorship recognition at the Surfers Healing 5K and Resource Fair, sponsors can expand their community engagement through participation in several event experiences, including:
 

• The Surfers Healing Camp

• The Destination Family Services Sensory Experience hosted at the DoubleTree by Hilton

• The Virginia Beach Oceanfront Boardwalk during the 5K

• The Autism Society Family-Friendly Afterparty

These opportunities allow sponsors to connect directly with hundreds of families and community members throughout the event weekend.

Why Participate?

Every registration & sponsorship helps support the Autism Society of Tidewater Virginia's mission to create connections, empowering everyone in the autism community with the resources needed to live fully.

Your participation & sponsorship helps fund:
 

• Family support programs

• Social and recreational opportunities

• Educational workshops

• Community outreach initiatives

• Autism Resource Center services

• Inclusive events throughout the year

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Reserve Your Sponsorship Today 

As we celebrate 20 years of impact, we invite businesses, organizations, and community partners to join us in making this milestone event our most successful yet.

Sponsorship commitments are requested by July 12, 2026, with payment due by August 1, 2026, to ensure inclusion in event marketing materials and promotional campaigns.

Together, we can celebrate 20 years of supporting the autism community while building a brighter future for the next generation.

For 20 years, this event has helped bring our community together. Join us on August 15, 2026, as we celebrate the impact we've made and the future we're building together.

Register today and be part of our 20th Anniversary Celebration!

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