As the dark clouds rolled in and a light mist drizzled upon the crowds, the competitors of Saturday's "We Are ... Curing Autism Now 5K Race/3K Walk" did not seem to mind the cooler temperatures and sunless skies.

"I like this runner's weather -- when it's 90 degrees and the humidity is rising, it can be rough," Centre County resident Tim Spigelmyer said as he dabbed at his forehead. "A little mist in the air is refreshing."

The race, sponsored by Beta Sigma Beta fraternity, 255 E. Fairmount Ave., and Pi Beta Phi sorority, drew about 400 participants -- an impressive turnout for the inaugural event, event coordinators said.

"The idea ... is to show a collegiate model for [Cure Autism Now Foundation] in the future," Beta Sigma Beta President Adam Dorfman said.

He said an alumnus originally approached the fraternity with the idea of teaming with the organization.

"One of our alumni has a child with autism -- we're trying to bring back the philanthropic experience," he said. Dorfman estimated the funds raised through the race to be around $70,000.

As participants were performing calf stretches or refueling with bananas and bagels, many spoke about their personal reasons for joining the event.

"A close friend of the family has a couple of kids with autism -- they've had a rough past," Ashley Fields (senior-chemical engineering) said. "It put up the red flag, like 'go do this.' "

In addition to aiding a charitable cause, State College resident Meira Minard said the atypical race route also attracted her to participate.

"It was a nice change of scenery," Minard said of the downtown State College course. "It was a little hilly, but it wasn't the same old start at the IM Building where it loops around campus."

Dressed in a heart-shaped, felt outfit that reached past his knees, Shawn Datchuk was doling out patterned hearts for the racers to pin on their sleeves.

"As special ed educators, we don't make a lot of money -- we have good hearts," said Datchuk, Penn State Student Council for Exceptional Children president. "These are our hearts that we wear on our sleeves."

Brightly colored raffle baskets lined display tables in an effort to raise even more money.

"I want to go to the spa -- we can go and get a pedicure," Dana Maser (freshman-kinesiology) said jokingly as she looked through the area salon gift certificates packed in her winning basket.

Also showcased was an online auction at www.psucureautismnow.org. The Web site, which will be open for bids until Saturday, featured such prizes as seats in a Beaver Stadium luxury suite and autographed Penn State football memorabilia.

Despite completing the race in his huge felt costume, Datchuk said the wardrobe hindrance did not lessen his tenacity.

"It was so hot that I almost ripped it off," he said.

"But as soon as I saw this sign that said 'do this for my grandchildren,' I just couldn't," he added.