On October 26, 2024, our Inclusive Fitness community laced up their sneakers and took on the 25th Annual Flutie 5K for Autism in Natick — and it quickly became one of our proudest moments yet.
Two Months of Training, One Big Day
Before we ever hit the starting line, the hard work had already begun. For nearly two months, our athletes trained with purpose, both in and out of the gym.
Six teams, each led by a coach co-captain, competed to rack up the most miles logged. Shoutout to The Doppelgänger Gang for their top spot! Sessions in the gym were filled with sled pushes, deadlifts, farmer’s carries, and rope swings, building strength and endurance. Outside the gym, sneakers hit the trails and sidewalks as athletes and families tracked mile after mile together.
Our Biggest Gathering Yet
When race day arrived, more than 100 athletes, families, and friends gathered on a cool, sunny fall morning — the largest Inclusive Fitness crew we’ve ever had in one place.
We pinned on our bibs, snapped a big team photo, and soaked in the excitement. Out on the course, athletes walked, jogged, rolled, and cheered one another on. Some crossed the finish line of their very first race. Some ran strong from the start. Every mile was packed with high-fives, smiles, and support.
A Milestone Moment for Inclusive Fitness
Thanks to every athlete who trained, every family member who encouraged, every friend who cheered, and every donor who believed in our mission, the Flutie 5K became a milestone for Inclusive Fitness.
Together, we:
- Raised over $26,000 for the Inclusive Fitness Scholarship Fund, supported by 250 generous donors
- Logged more than 1,600 miles during training with 75 athletes and families
- Brought together over 100 athletes, families, and friends on race day
- Ranked among the top three fundraising teams across all charity partners
Strengthening the Scholarship Fund
Every dollar raised helps more athletes train in a space built for them, with coaching that respects their strengths, challenges, and goals.
A huge thank you to the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism for being an incredible partner. Thanks to this support, more than 50 athletes have already accessed training through the Scholarship Fund — and this is just the beginning.
"I love the coaches at Inclusive Fitness. Training for the Flutie 5K has been so fun. Fitness here is different; it’s fun, challenging, and helps me reach my goals. This scholarship means so much. It makes working out possible for people like us. It gives us a chance to do something we love.”
