Top 8 Things You Need to Know Ahead of Race Day

Written By Grant a Gift Autism Foundation

Thank you for registering for Race for Hope 2026! We’re looking forward to an amazing event and can’t wait to see you on race day. 

Check out all the details below to get prepared.

1. Keep Fundraising and Make an Impact

This fundraising event is fueled by peer-to-peer fundraising! You still have time to share your registration page with family and friends to gather donations. Every contribution helps to keep registration fees low, and support the mission of Grant a Gift.

The Race for Hope 2026 leaderboard is already heating up! 

Who will take home the coveted trophies for: Top Individual Fundraiser, Top Team Fundraiser or Largest Registered Team

Check Out the Top Fundraising Teams

2. Utilize the NEW Fundraiser Starter Pack

NEW this year - create your personal page, share your story, and invite your network to support a cause that matters to you. Fundraising helps you earn your race shirt and compete for Top Individual, Top Team, and Largest Team. To make it easy, we’ve created a Fundraiser Starter Pack with simple tools, templates, and messaging to help you raise support with confidence. Whether it’s your first year or you’re returning, everything you need is ready to go.

View the Starter Pack Here

3. Experience More Than Just the Race

For the first time, Etho is bringing its Recovery Zone to Race for Hope, a high energy space to reset with cold plunges, sauna sessions, bodywork, and guided stretch flows. Before the race, enjoy family-friendly activities including special appearances, Henderson Police Department meet and greet, sports mascots, a live DJ, face painting, balloon animals, and 45+ resource vendors.

We’re excited to share some incredible raffle prizes you won’t want to miss! Whether you're looking to treat yourself or enjoy a fun outing, this raffle has something for everyone.

Raffle Ticket Pricing: 1 ticket for $5 10 tickets for $20 40 tickets for $40 The raffle link will be available soon—be sure to stay tuned so you don’t miss your chance to enter. 

Raffle Prizes Include: 

  • Fabletics swag basket

  •  Peloton swag basket

  •  Bikini Fitness 1-month membership + swag 

  • Blue Man Group 4-ticket voucher + swag 

  • Chicken N Pickle: 60 minutes of court time + 2 appetizers

  •  In-N-Out: 10 value guest meal cards 

4. Pick Up Your Shirt in Advance

All participants are encouraged to pick up their Race for Hope shirt ahead of event day (if included in your registration choice, or met the fundraising goal of $50). 

Race medals will be distributed at the finish line.

Location:
Grant A Gift Autism Foundation
630 S. Rancho Dr. Ste. D (south side entrance)
Las Vegas, NV 89106

Dates and Times:

  • Tuesday, April 14 – Thursday, April 16: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

  • Friday, April 17: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Shirts will also be available for pick-up onsite the morning of the race, and day-of registrations are welcome. 

PLEASE note that due to ordering shirts in advance, if you registered after 04/01/2026 then shirts will be distributed first come, first serve. While we tried to anticipate the number of participants and shirts needed, there is still a risk that we run out. 

5. Event Details and Race Day Schedule

Race for Hope is celebrating 17 years of raising critical funds for the Ackerman Center’s clinical care, therapy, and social programming for individuals with autism and other neurodevelopmental differences.

Arrive early to allow time for check-in, parking, and exploring the event.

  • 7:15 AM - Check-in Opens

  • 7:30 AM - Resource Fair 

  • 8:00 AM - Welcome and Awards

  • 8:30 AM - Race Starts

  • 10:30 AM - Event Ends

Strollers and dogs are welcome.

Race Route Here

The race route is two loops - so you can choose to end at the first loop or continue through the 2nd for a full 5K!

Please note that this is not a timed event - enjoy the fun run! Thank you to Open Water for being our H2O sponsor this year! Restrooms will be available inside the Lee’s Family Forum Arena concourse.

6. Parking

Due to event setup and course routing, please follow posted signage and directions from event staff for designated parking areas. Plan to arrive early to ensure a smooth experience.

Parking Map Here

7. Thank You to Our Sponsors and Community

Race for Hope would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors and community partners. Thank you for helping make this event and its impact possible.

8. Visit the Resource Fair 

Arrive early so you have time to explore the Resource Fair and connect with our premium vendors! These organizations offer valuable programs, services, and resources designed to support individuals and families in our community. 

Premium Vendors:

  • Chit Chat Pediatrics

  • Proud Moments Aba

  • Allies Autism Services

  • Bridge 2 Brilliance

  • Behavioral Fluency

  • Embrace Academy

  • Peloton

  • A Balanced Approach LLC

  • Centric ABA

  • We Grow ABA

  • Lacuna Autism Services

  • Nevada Autism Center

  • Lynda Tache Global

Vendors:

  • Building Bridges

  • Happy Hearts LV

  • Eric Blank Injury Attorney

  • Las Vegas Valley Mental Health

  • Healing Hooves LLC

  • Aspire Behavioral Services

  • Sport Social

  • Spectrum Squad

  • Vector Clinical Trials

  • Family Navigation Network

  • AUTISM CARES

  • ATAP

  • Lug Vegas

  • Grant a Gift Autism Foundation

  • Lazy Dog

  • Ben & Jerry's

  • Pinkbox

  • Mindcolor Autism

  • Wynn Advocacy LLC

  • Mingo Health Solutions

Grant a Gift Autism Foundation
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