The Race of The Redeemed was a 5K run hosted by Johnnie Collins and Crystal Spangler to raise awareness for people with autism. The race took place at the Fair Grove Senior Center on October 4th, 2025.
Collins started her first race in 2022 with Crystal Spangler, “…when my friend Crystal Spangler, who is a certified nutritionist, told me about a Couch to 5K program that was centered on Jesus, the idea for this 5K came into view. We partnered to host it.”
Collins added, “She incorporated that Revelation Wellness couch to 5K program and I helped with scripture focus and we began to step out! That was in 2022, the first Race Of The Redeemed and it was $15 to sign up.”
Collins believes that raising awareness for autism is important. Collins said, “From what I’ve gathered about the topic, being on the spectrum can include a wide range of differences in a person that are very difficult to navigate.”
Collins faced a few challenges while hosting the race. Collins stated, “There are so many aspects of it that people never think of until they try to do it.” Collins continued, “There’s timing, check-in, cheering on the participants, shirts, music, any other fun things to include to draw people in, marking out the route and making sure it’s visibly easy to follow, social media coverage, flyers and other advertisement, figuring out how to get sponsors, and other things involved.”
Casey Cox is the founder of “Show Me Romey,” a foundation that dedicates its time to providing education, resources, and support to children with special needs and their families. She was invited by Collins to speak at the race this year about why it’s important to raise awareness for autism.
Spangler helped Collins start the races. “Race of the Redeemed began as a step of obedience and faith taken by Johnnie Collins and myself in seeking God’s will for organizing a 5K in Fair Grove with God at the heart of its mission,” Spangler said.
She encourages training and preparation for the race. Spangler stated, “We encourage preparing for your best race through training in the weeks leading up to the race.” Spangler added, “Couch to 5K programs are a great option and we have utilized the couch to 5K training program by Revelation Wellness in the past as a way to train together, build faith and build connectedness within the race community.”
Collins and Spangler decided to open the race for anyone to join, helping raise awareness for autism. Collins stated, “This 5K doesn’t happen without God Almighty.”
