It was confirmed on May 6 by Guinness World Records that Vestavia Hills-based non-profit KultureCity broke the world record title for “the most people running/jogging online simultaneously.
The title was achieved during the organization’s Stay at Home Race for Autism, held on April 26 during National Autism Awareness month.
The race, hosted via Zoom, mobilized race-goers around the world, hailing from the United States, Canada, Brazil, France and Germany.
In addition, the organization raised nearly $14,000 to support children with autism and their families amidst the coronavirus pandemic.
According to the most recent CDC statistics, 1 in 54 children in the United States has autism. Many of these children have challenges related to communication, an insistence on sameness and routine, and sensory sensitivities which are heightened during the current COVID-19 pandemic.
“Even in times of deep uncertainty, we can still find ways to come together to advocate for acceptance and inclusion,” said KultureCity co-founder Dr. Michele Kong. “This unpredictable time is especially difficult for children with autism, and it was remarkable to see individuals across the world gather virtually to break a Guinness World Records title in support of these children and their families.”
Race participants included noteworthy KultureCity supporters like former presidential candidate Andrew Yang and his wife and KultureCity board member Evelyn Yang; NBA All-Star Dominique Wilkins; Atlanta Hawks head coach Lloyd Pierce; MLB pitcher Glendon Rush; Renae Ingles, Australian netballer and wife of Utah Jazz player Joe Ingles; and actors Ken Joeng of “The Hangover,” Noah Wyle of “ER,” Christopher Gorham of “Insatiable,” and Kelly AuCoin, Stephen Kunken and Daniel Isaac of “Billions.”
