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Sunday’s 5K/10K Walk/Run Brings Family Fun And Autism Awareness To San Clemente.

With nary a bleary eye, hundreds of people waited for the third annual Hope 4 Hanna 5K and 10K race to kick off at 7 a.m. Sunday in the Walmart shopping center off Avenida Pico.

Dressed in running gear and colorful skirts, more than 500 participants showed up for the event, which raises money and awareness in the fight against autism.

“Hopefully, we will raise over $100,000 this year,” said Hope 4 Hanna co-founder Justin Alderson.

A variety of vendors were on hand to inform and entertain parents and children with information about the condition. Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) sponsored an 11 a.m. obstacle course for children dressed up like superheroes.

Race co-founder Lené Belden said her autistic daughter, Hanna, inspired the annual event. “About four years ago, we decided it would be fun for San Clemente to put on a race for autism to help families get the programs and resources they need,” she said.