
From the Organizer
My Story:
Madison and James Wells, tragically lost their infant daughter, Ruth, in June 2024 at just seven months old due to congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV), a common but often overlooked virus that can have devastating effects on newborns. Despite a lengthy and courageous battle, her sweet girl passed away, leaving behind a legacy of strength, love, and resilience.
In her daughter’s memory, Madison ran the 2025 New York City Marathon as a charity runner for the National CMV Foundation. As part of this incredible journey, we are again organizing a Memorial 5K Run/Walk on June 20, 2026, in Owensboro, Kentucky in partnership with Strides 4 CMV during CMV awareness month, to raise awareness and critical funds to support CMV research, education, and prevention efforts.
Madison completed her marathon last year in 5:29:26 with a average pace of 12:34.
Start Time:
8 AM (Central Time)
Location:
Adkisson Greenbelt Park West Trail
Parking at Joe Ford Nature Park – 3870 West 2nd Street Owensboro, KY 42301
and GRADD 300 Gradd Way, Owensboro, KY 42301
This is an out and back race on the paved Greenbelt starting at the Joe Ford Nature Center with the turn around point at 5th Street and Carter Avenue crossing.
Price:
$25 **Must register by 5/31 to guarantee a race shirt**
$30 on race day (cash or check only on race day)
**No guarantee on shirts for race day registration or after 5/31**
Pre-Packet Pick Up:
Friday, June 19th 2-6pm
Terry’s Tees
1359 E 4th St, Owensboro, KY 42303
Race Day Check-In/ Registration:
Saturday, June 20th 7-7:30am at the Joe Ford Nature Park
Awards:
Overall Top Male and Female - Gift Card to Legends- Outfitters of Active People
Top 3 Male & Female in each age group below:
1-12, 13-19; 20-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60-69; 70-99
Events
Weather
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
85°
Typical Low
66°
Chance of Rain
28%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Calhoun Lock 2, 14 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
60,112
as of 2023
Elevation
399 ft
Nearest Airport
OWB
Owensboro Daviess County Airport · 3 mi
Major Hub
SDF
Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport · 81 mi
Time Zone
Central Time
From Endurance Grid
A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Strides4CMV- Running for Ruth, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
12
Days to train
Coming Up
Rudy Rumble Trail Run
Less than a mile away
Bluegrass Mountain Cup - Rudy Mines XC
Less than a mile away
The Forge Challenge
Less than a mile away
MKK's Rugged Race Presented by Independence Bank
Less than a mile away
From Endurance Grid
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Strides4CMV- Running for Ruth
Jun 20, 2026