SLS Community Hosting 2025 SLS Dash 5K & Fun Run for Neurodiversity on November 8th
Presented by Buffalo Builders — Celebrating Neurodiversity, Movement, and Community in Northwest Arkansas
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Ashton McCombs IV
Executive Director, SLS Community
Email: am********@**********ty.org
Website: www.slscommunity.org/sls-dash
FAYETTEVILLE, AR — October 10, 2025 — SLS Community, a Fayetteville-based nonprofit and service provider for neurodivergent adults, invites runners, walkers, and volunteers to join the 2025 SLS Dash 5K & Fun Run for Neurodiversity on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Kessler Mountain Regional Park in Fayetteville.
The event starts with race-day check-in beginning at 7:00 AM and the races kick off at 9:00 AM. Participants can choose between a 5K course ($35 registration)and a 1-mile Fun Run ($25 registration)—both wheelchair accessible and open to all ages and ability levels. For neurodivergent participants, registration is $10 for either race.
The SLS Dash is designed for runners & walkers of all backgrounds and abilities, both neurodivergent and neurotypical. This is an empowering, energetic, and social opportunity to connect with others and enjoy a morning of activity, music, and camaraderie. Whether you run, walk, jog, or roll, every mile makes a difference and celebrates the strengths of the neurodivergent community in Northwest Arkansas.
“The SLS Dash is a really fun, inclusive event that we have grown significantly since the inaugural race in 2022,” said Ashton McCombs, SLS Community Executive Director. “The goal of this race is to provide an accessible, community-based outlet for movement and activity for runners and walkers, regardless of your background or fitness level.”
Event Details
- Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025
- Time: Check-in at 7:00 AM | Race starts at 9:00 AM
- Location: Kessler Mountain Regional Park — 2600 WC 200, Fayetteville, AR 72701
- Events: 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run (both wheelchair accessible)
- Registration Fees: $35 (5K) | $25 (Fun Run) | Discount for neurodivergent participants ($10 for either race) via promo codes in registration
Register today as a runner, walker, volunteer, or fundraiser via the race site at www.slscommunity.org/sls-dash
Race Day Highlights
- Superhero Theme: “Dash Like a Hero”. Both racers and volunteers are encouraged to show as their favorite superhero to keep the post-Halloween fun alive. Not into superheroes? Feel free to repurpose any family-friendly Halloween costume or just show up however is comfortable.
- Live DJ: Great music to celebrate & keep vibes high.
- Vendor Village: Local food trucks, vendors, and activities for all ages.
- Swag for All Participants: Every racer receives a T-shirt, medal, and race bag filled with goodies.
- Accessible & Inclusive: Wheelchair-accessible courses, race partners, and training plans available for neurodivergent participants.
- Discounts for Neurodivergent Participants: Special registration promo codes available during online sign-up to lower registration costs to $10 for either race.
More Than a Race
Proceeds and donations from the SLS Dash directly support SLS Community’s services, advocacy, events, and initiatives for neurodivergent adults. The focus of this year’s race is supporting Program Forge, SLS Community’s new vocational equipping and supported employment program. Program Forge helps neurodivergent adults learn skills to forge paths toward meaningful employment and long-term success in the workplace.
Volunteer Opportunities
You don’t have to be a runner to participate! Volunteers are essential to the success of the SLS Dash and are needed for roles including:
- Registration and check-in
- Course marshals, “rabbit” and “tail” runners
- Water and refreshment stations
- Setup and teardown crews
- Race partners for neurodivergent runners, as requested
All volunteers receive a free T-shirt, community service hours (if needed), and the chance to help make this inclusive event shine.
About SLS Community
SLS Community is a Fayetteville-founded non-profit service provider that is building towards a live/work/play community in south Fayetteville where neurodivergent adults can find meaningful work, housing options, and have access to individualized supportive services that fuel choice and independence. These resources will be enmeshed throughout a future mixed-use development called Cato Springs in a holistic approach to supporting this population in adulthood. This race weaves throughout the site of expansion plans in Cato Springs, nestled below Mount Kessler. In the near term, SLS Community is expanding residential & day services, advocacy efforts, and community events for neurodivergent adults in Northwest Arkansas.
The SLS Dash honors the memory of Ashton McCombs III, the co-founder of SLS Community and an avid runner.
About Buffalo Builders
Buffalo Builders is the Presenting Sponsor for the SLS Dash. Buffalo Builders is an Arkansas-based full-service construction firm that provides a high level of expertise in general contracting, design-build, construction management, & consulting services for project owners across the United States.
Learn more at https://buffalo.builders/
Join the 2025 SLS Dash 5K & Fun Run for Neurodiversity — because every hero belongs at the finish line!
