Run to Transform the Lives of Children with Autism in Guatemala

Guatemala is preparing for the 16th edition of the GNC NeuroRun, a race that has become a significant platform for social impact, inclusion, and hope for hundreds of families. Scheduled for Sunday, August 2, at 7:00 AM, the event will feature 5K, 10K, and 15K routes along the Reforma – Las Américas corridor.

The NeuroRun is open to everyone, from seasoned runners to families seeking a day of solidarity and commitment to building a more inclusive society. A donation of Q150 includes an official T-shirt, runner's bib, timing chip, a participant bag, and a medal. The event promises an integrated experience with an ExpoCarrera, sponsor activations, and family-friendly spaces, merging sports with a social cause.

"A race that year after year reminds us of the power a society has when it decides to unite for a cause," said Lorena Forno, representative of the Instituto Neurológico de Guatemala (ING). "We invite Guatemalans to run with a purpose, walk with consciousness, and take concrete steps towards a more inclusive, sensitive country with greater opportunities for all." This year's NeuroRun specifically aims to strengthen ING's PUNTEA program, which provides comprehensive care for children with autism.

The primary goal is to bolster the PUNTEA program, which currently has over 400 children on its waiting list, highlighting a critical need for expanded services. Funds raised will facilitate the construction of new therapeutic areas, increasing capacity to serve 300 children and improving access to specialized services for individuals aged two to 18. The NeuroRun has a proven track record, with ING providing over 17,500 therapy hours in 2024 and achieving a record Q526,500 in fundraising in 2025. These resources have been vital in enhancing care programs and improving the quality of life for individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism and their families.

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A race that year after year reminds us of the power that a society has when it decides to unite for a cause. We invite Guatemalans to run with a purpose, to walk with consciousness, and to take concrete steps towards a more inclusive, sensitive country with greater opportunities for all. This year's NeuroRun has a very special purpose: to support the strengthening of our autism program; we believe that inclusion does not have to be a privilege, it must be an accessible reality for all.