Vermont PANDAS & PANS Awareness 5K Run/Walk 2026

The Vermont PANDAS & PANS Awareness 5K Run/Walk is a 5K in Burlington, starting and ending at the Burlington Surf Club on Lakeside Avenue. It is designed as a fun run and walk, allowing competitive runners to race while walkers and families can participate at a more relaxed pace. The event aims to raise awareness for PANS/PANDAS, an autoimmune disorder that can affect children and young adults. The day features a DJ, refreshments, t-shirts, medals, prizes, and access to information and specialists who can discuss the condition. PANS refers to Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome, and PANDAS refers to Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections. The event collaborates with The Alex Manfull Fund, a New Hampshire 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on awareness, education, and research for post-infectious neuroimmune disorders. Net proceeds benefit Dartmouth Hospital’s Neuroimmune Psychiatric Disorder clinic.