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Event Day Schedule & Festivities
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8:00 am - 9:15 am Onsite registration. Coffee and food trucks, merch and raffle ticket sales, sponsor & vendor booths, a fun kid-zone tent and sensory room with quiet activities. Stage emcee welcome and music.
- 8:45 am- Line up for 5K Run/Walk
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9:30 am - Line line up for 1M Run/Walk/Roll
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10:00 am Stage program with guest speakers and a Special Guest (announced from stage) to receive the Helix Founders award
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10:30 am Race awards and raffle winners (see prizes here) announced from from stage
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11:00 am Event ends
Bib & T-shirt Pick-up
We have three bib pick-up options - join us at whichever is most convenient!
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Friday, April 24 at The Helix School | 2:00 PM- 4:00 PM
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Address: 161 Mitchell Blvd., San Rafael
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Saturday, April 25 at Sports Basement Novato | 1:00 PM– 5:00 PM
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Address: 100 Vintage Way, Novato
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Sunday, April 26 at Registration Tent near start/finish line | 8:00 AM-9:15am
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Address: 10 Ave of the Flags, San Rafael
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Invite Friends and Family to the P2P5K!
There are several ways to show up in support of autistic learners (the cause behind the event, and the mission of the Helix School who is hosting it).
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REGISTER (in person or virtually) - Register day of at the event too
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VOLUNTEER – We still have volunteer opportunities available on event day
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DONATE – Every dollar makes a difference for The Helix School
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RAFFLE - Tickets can be purchased at any of the bib pick up locations!
Your participation supports The Helix School’s mission to create individualized, relationship-centered education for neurodivergent students. Funds raised help expand programs, enhance services, and ensure that every student has access to the tools and experiences they need to thrive.
“Helix helped our child find confidence, belonging, and possibility.” — Parent
Course Map
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Race Course & Race Results
Race timing is captured by Animo Performance LLC using MyLaps chips (in your race bib) and RaceDayScoring. Find your results after finishing by scanning QR codes in the festival area or visiting the Results Page.
Awards & Ceremony
Overall and age group results will be posted at Runsignup.com shortly after the race. Awards go to the top three overall finishers (male, female, and non-binary) in both the 5K and 1-Mile, plus first place in each age group: 12 & under, 13–19, 20–39, 40–59, and 60+. Awards will be announced and celebrated from the stage around 10:30am.
Event Parking
Parking is free in lots around the Marin Civic Center. Follow race day signs to parking and the festival area. You’ll park at Exhibit Hall parking, 10 Avenue of the Flags. Back up parking will be available at the lot at 20 Avenue of the Flags. Note that the Farmers' Market runs the same morning, so allow a little extra time.
Questions?
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Ask Britney or Diane at development@thehelixschool.org or call 415-569-5065.
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Visit the FAQs below
Community Sponsors Supporting the Paths to Possibility 5K
Champion Sponsor
Supporter Sponsors
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FAQ
Q: Where and when is the race? A: Paths to Possibility 5K Run/Walk/Roll will be held Sunday April 26, 2026 at the Marin Civic Center Lagoon Park.
Q: What time does the race start? A: Onsite registration will open at 8 am on race day, and our first participants will begin at 9 am.
Q: How can I see my race results? Results will be posted on the event website through Runsignup.
Q: Can I register on race day? Yes, onsite registration will be available, though we recommend registering in advance to avoid the lines!
Q: Can children participate in the 5K /walk/roll? A: Yes, children are encouraged to participate! We will have a 1M and 5K race route (to run or walk), to select based on the child’s ability and/or ambition level! All participants under the age of 12 should be accompanied by an adult. We also recommend that younger children participate in a shorter distance if the 5K will be challenging for them.
Q: Are strollers allowed on the course? A: Yes, strollers are welcome! However, we ask that participants with strollers start towards the back of the pack to avoid congestion and ensure a smooth experience for all participants. Please be mindful of other participants and keep your stroller to the side of the path as much as possible.
Q: Is there a special registration process for kids? A: Kids can register just like adult participants! However, there may be a reduced registration fee for younger participants. Be sure to check our website for any family or group discounts that may apply.
Q: Can I bring my dog to the run? A: For the safety of all participants, we kindly request that no pets, including dogs, accompany runners on the course. While we love our furry friends, having animals on the course can pose a risk to runners and may lead to accidents. There will be plenty of other opportunities to enjoy activities with your pet, just not on the course.
Q Where can I park for event day, isn’t this the same day as Marin Farmers Market? A: The Marin Civic Park office tells us there will be plenty of parking spaces for this event, at these parking lots (all close to the Lagoon/race start): VMA lot, Exhibit Hall lot, Avenue of the Flags stalls and overflow dirt parking lot, and Memorial Drive parking stalls. Registration will open by 7:30am, so we recommend coming early if you want a parking spot closest to the event.
Q: Is there a place to leave my belongings during the race? A: Yes, there will be a designated area for participants to store bags and personal items. Please ensure your items are clearly labeled with your name and runner number. However, we recommend bringing only essential items, as we cannot guarantee the safety of personal belongings.
Q: Is there bike parking available? A: Public bike parking is available at the Middle Arch Hall of Justice and the South Arch Admin Building.
Q: What is the policy regarding weather-related postponements or cancellations? Safety is our top priority. While we plan for a “Rain or Shine!” event, In the event of severe weather conditions (such as lightning, severe storms, atmospheric river, or extreme heat) that may pose a risk to participants, the race may be postponed or cancelled. We will monitor the weather closely and make an announcement as early as possible. Please check our website and social media platforms for real-time updates.
Q: Are there sponsorship opportunities available? A: Absolutely! Sponsorships will play an important role in bringing this event to the Bay Area communities and we will have multiple sponsor packages to choose from. Visit thehelixschool.org/p2p5K, and select ‘sponsor’[1] to provide your name and email to be alerted when sponsorship packages are available!
Q: Are there opportunities to volunteer for service hours? A: Absolutely! We will have many volunteer roles we’ll want to fill with friends and community members (including high school and college students in need of service hours). Visit thehelixschool.org/p2p5K, and select ‘volunteer’ to provide your name and email to be alerted when registration opens!
Q: Can I donate even if I don’t participate? Absolutely - donations can be made through the event website.
Q: Can individuals with mobility aids participate in the run? A: Yes, individuals using wheelchairs, mobility scooters, or other mobility aids are welcome and encouraged to participate. The race organizer will announce start times to ensure a smooth experience for everyone. We encourage all participants to respect each other’s space on the course.
Q: Are there accommodations for individuals with special needs? A: Absolutely! We have designed an accessible 1M route for participants of all abilities. If you have specific needs, please contact our event organizers ahead of time so we can provide the appropriate support, whether it's assistance with route navigation, transportation, or any other requirements.
Q: Are there activities for kids before or after the race? A: Yes! We will have various activities designed especially for kids, details to be announced as the race date approaches. These activities will be available before and after the main race, so bring the whole family for a fun day!
Q: Can I wear headphones during the run? A: If you wear headphones for sensory reasons, we recommend being vigilant about your surroundings to keep yourself and other participants (runners, walkers, wheelchairs, volunteers) safe. While we understand many runners enjoy music or podcasts, we recommend using only one earbud if you choose to wear headphones. This allows you to remain more aware of your surroundings, including other runners, volunteers, and any important announcements.
Q: Will there be accessible restrooms on site? A: Yes, Lagoon Park at the Marin Civic Center has accessible restrooms.
Q: What should I do if I have a medical emergency during the race? A: If you experience a medical emergency, look for a volunteer along the route. There will be a first aid station available and medical personnel will be prepared to assist you. Please prioritize your health and don’t hesitate to ask for help.
Q: What safety measures should I take during the run? A: Stay on marked paths and listen to announcements from race officials. It’s also a good idea to hydrate before and during the race, so take advantage of water stations along the route. If you feel unwell at any point, slow down and seek assistance.
Q: Is public transportation an option? A: Yes, you can take the SMART train to the Marin Civic Center station, or several bus routes like the 35, 49, 57, or 233 which all have stops near the Marin Civic Center Lagoon Park. From the bus stops at Civic Center Dr & N San Pedro Rd or near the Hall of Justice Arch, the park is a short walk away.
Q: What should I do if I get separated from my group? A: If you become separated from your friends or family during the run/walk/roll, try to stay on the course and head towards the finish line. There will be plenty of staff and volunteers available to help you if needed. You may also want to plan ahead and pick a spot where you can regroup.
Refund/Cancellation Policy
The vast majority of race/event costs are incurred leading up to the event and are non-refundable for Helix, so we do not issue refunds for the event.
However, If you are unable to participate after you’ve registered, here are some options:
1) Offer your entry to another participant and email us their name (email development@thehelixschool.org)
2) Donate your paid registration to Helix to cover the cost of a participant who needs financial assistance (email development@thehelixschool.org)
3) Redirect your registration fee to a donation to the Helix School (email development@thehelixschool.org)