Maddie's Miles

                                               Maddie’s Miles 5K 

                                                                                   Four Paws, Two Feet, One Cause                                                 

Join us for this year’s Maddie’s Miles 5K Memorial Run/Walk in memory of Madison “Maddie” Marini — Maddie’s heart overflowed with love for animals and for people navigating the challenges of addiction. This year’s theme, “Four Paws, Two Feet, One Cause,” reflects Maddie’s deep belief in second chances — whether for a person in recovery or a rescue animal waiting for a home.

Animals have a power to heal. For those facing the weight of addiction, the companionship of an animal can be grounding, comforting, and life-changing. Their unconditional love asks nothing more than presence and care — and in return, they offer connection, purpose, and peace. Maddie understood this connection and lived it fully.

This race is more than a run or walk — it’s a shared journey of healing and hope. It’s a chance to raise awareness, honor Maddie’s memory, and support causes she was passionate about.

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 even better, they’re bringing adoptable dogs who would love to join you on the course! Whether you’re running, walking, or just showing up to support, you might just find your new best friend with four paws.

Come lace up your shoes, leash up a dog, and take a stride toward compassion, connection, and change. Every step you take is one Maddie would be proud of — for people, for pets, and for the cause that brings us all together.  

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
    https://morrowporter.com/ 

                                                                     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)​​ (CDC)​.

We cannot stop our efforts!  Those affected by addiction need our help!

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 scoopy9935@aol.com
 

 In Loving Memory of Madison "Maddie" Marini

"She is clothed 

with Strength & Dignity

and Laughs without Fear

of the Future"

Proverbs 31:25