Maddie's Miles
Winston-Salem, North Carolina · Saturday, October 3, 2026
The Maddie's Miles is a 5k, running, and walking event held on Saturday, October 3, 2026. It is located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
- Date
- Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Location
- Winston-Salem, North Carolina
27205
United States
OpenStreetMap Google Maps - Links
- runsignup.com
Maddie’s Miles 5K
Still in the Game
Join us for this year’s Maddie’s Miles 5K Memorial Run/Walk in memory of Madison “Maddie” Marini
Every year, the theme for Maddie’s Miles reflects something Maddie loved. This year’s theme, “Still in the Game”, honors her love for sports. Maddie loved playing them, watching them, and cheering on her favorite teams. The excitement, teamwork, and heart that come with sports were a big part of who she was.
But this theme also carries a deeper meaning. In the face of addiction, loss, and recovery, we are reminded that hope, love, and community are still in the game. Every step taken at Maddie’s Miles represents a commitment to keep fighting, to support those struggling with addiction, and to honor the lives that continue to inspire us.
Together, we run for Maddie, for those we’ve lost, for those in recovery, and for the belief that no one should ever feel like they are out of the game.
We're thrilled to welcome back Ruff Love Rescue https://www.ruffloverescue.com/ A rescue organization that was close to Maddie's heart. They'll be set up at the event— and bringing adoptable dogs who would love to join you on the course!
Maddie's Miles 5k Run/Walk event is at Jamison Park in Winston-Salem. This run will be held on an out and back course on Muddy Creek Greenway. There will be auction items, prizes, & food!
PRESENTING SPONSOR
Maddie's Miles is proudly sponsored by
Morrow, Porter, Vermitsky & Taylor, PLLC
Attorneys at Law- Proudly serving W-S since 1987
3890 Vest Mill Road Winston-Salem, NC 27103
336-265-6203
WHY WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT
Each year over 100,000 people die from drug overdoses in the US. This staggering number includes deaths from opioids, synthetic opioids, and other substances. Each death, is someone's child, mother, father, aunt, uncle, friend, etc. Efforts to combat this crisis include increased funding for treatment and prevention, as well as harm reduction strategies such as the distribution of naloxone, a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses. Despite this, the number of overdose deaths remains alarmingly high, highlighting the need for comprehensive and sustained efforts to address the root causes of addiction (CDC Blogs).
MADDIE
My amazing, intelligent, talented and beautiful daughter Madison “Maddie” Marini, struggled with addiction for many years. Limited resources, financial obstacles and the undeniable Stigma that still exists today, made her road to recovery not possible. Maddie had hopes and dreams of attending college and becoming a forensic anthropologist. She was nicknamed "Bones" after her favorite TV show character, who played a forensic anthropologist. Maddie was always so intrigued by the thought of being able to find out what might have happened to people, so that she would be able to give families answers and closure about their loved ones. Never did I ever imagine, I would be the one needing answers and closure. When Maddie walked into a room, you might not have known who she was, but you never forgot her. She had the most vibrant personality that commanded the entire room.
Tragically, on December 29th, 2016, at the very young age of 22, Maddie lost her battle with addiction and died from an accidental overdose. There are truly no words that can describe the immense pain in my heart and the ache I carry every each day, from missing and wanting her back so badly.
WHERE THE MONEY GOES
Proceeds from the Maddie's Miles event support Phoenix Rising of Winston Salem, Inc., a non-profit dedicated to combating addiction through local drug court support. Funds also aid other local non-profits, aiming to prevent further lives from being lost to addiction and accidental overdoses. Visit https://phoenixrisingwinstonsalem.org/
RAIN OR SHINE EVENT
∗ If you would like a Maddie's Miles T-shirt, but do not plan to participate in the event on October 4th, 2025, please do not register for the race. Instead, consider making a minimum donation of $20.00 and email me your t-shirt size at [email protected]
In Loving Memory of Madison "Maddie" Marini
"She is clothed
with Strength & Dignity
and Laughs without Fear
of the Future"
Proverbs 31:25