Even though Marcus Merkley is only 7 years old, he has some grown-up ideas about how to create connection and community. 

Marcus has autism and struggled with feelings of inadequacy in public school as he fell behind the other students. His parents made the decision to homeschool Marcus to help him gain confidence and motivation. 

His mom, Melanie Merkley, quit her job last fall and signed Marcus up with My Tech High, an organization that helps families create a tailor-made education program, catered to each child. 

“He has come so far and so fast,” Merkley said. “He went from below grade level in kindergarten to at or above grade level in his current first-grade level. He believes he is capable of anything and wants to be a scientist, adventurer, bodybuilder and a cop when he grows up.”

My Tech High asked students to submit service project ideas and the organization would select a few projects it would fund with a small donation. Marcus had the idea to organize a fun run for kids with autism, where they could get a T-shirt and a medal, just like in a real race. 

His idea was selected and Marcus was given a $200 stipend to get the run started. The Active with Autism Fun Run is a 1k for kids with autism. It will be held Saturday, June 25 at the West Bountiful City Park (550 W. 1600 N.), with start times beginning at 10 a.m. 

“It’s not a sanctioned event, it’s a community service project,” Merkley said. “I will probably stagger start times around the park. I don’t want these kids overwhelmed by standing in a crowd. He’s always been really concerned about the people around him. He’s so excited about it, I had to follow through because this was very important to him.”

Because it’s a short run, it’s geared toward young children, but Merkley said she hasn’t set an age limit. “If the parents feel that this is something that would make their child feel accomplished, there’s no age requirement.”

The $200 will cover costs for 10 participants, so Merkley set up a GoFundMe page to raise money so more kids can be involved. Visit gofund.me/79f54427 for more information, or to  make a donation.

“[Marcus] has never let autism hold him back and continues to believe he can do anything and everything,” Merkley said. “He wants to spread that positivity.”

With a limited number of sporting events geared toward children with autism, Marcus would like the fun run to become an annual event.

“I want the kids to feel special and strong,” he said. λ