Joplin, Mo. - Adults, children, dogs – and dinosaurs – participated in the 17th Annual Freeman 5K and Walk for Autism on Saturday, April 20.

The theme for this year’s event focused on the prehistoric – dinosaurs, that is – and the hundreds of area residents who showed up to participate in the race or cheer from the sidelines didn’t disappoint. 

At the start of the race, an early runner wore a full-sized Tyrannosaurus Rex costume. A Velociraptor and a horned Triceratops followed close behind. Children inside carts pulled by their parents wore cute dinosaur pajamas, while a dog was spotted dressed as a Brontosaurus.

In all, more than 600-plus people participated, some walking nearby Mercy Park, while the runners forged ahead, completing a predetermined 5K course through south central Joplin neighborhoods. It was the largest turnout ever for the annual event, Leffen Center officials reported.

“It means so much to see so many people out here in support,” Teresa Rosebrough-Sneed, Bill & Virginia Leffen Center for Autism Assistant Clinical Director said. “It just shows how much awareness and acceptance can be spread for children with autism.”

In total, more than $35,000 was raised to help the Leffen Center provide diagnostic, treatment and educational services for individuals on the autism spectrum disorder. Last year’s event raised $30,000. 

“This will help our families get the much-needed services that we offer in our area,” Rosebrough-Sneed said. 

More than 5.4 million adults in the nation, or 2.2% of the U.S. population, are on the autism spectrum. About four in every 100 boys and one in every 100 girls have autism. 

For more information or to learn more about the services the Bill & Virginia Leffen Center for Autism offers, visit freemanhealth.com/ozarkcenter/autism-services or call 417.347.7850.