Strides4CMV- Running for Ruth 2026

Strides4CMV- Running for Ruth is a memorial 5K run/walk in Owensboro, Kentucky, held in June during CMV Awareness Month. It begins at 8 a.m. Central on the Adkisson Greenbelt Park West Trail, with parking at Joe Ford Nature Park on West 2nd Street. The race remembers Ruth, the infant daughter of Madison and James Wells, who died from congenital cytomegalovirus, or CMV, a common virus that can be dangerous for newborns. The course is a paved out-and-back on the Greenbelt, starting near Joe Ford Nature Center and turning around at the 5th Street and Carter Avenue crossing. Runners and walkers share the same 5K route. The event raises funds and awareness for CMV research, education, and prevention. Madison Wells also ran Ruth’s story into the New York City Marathon as a charity participant for the National CMV Foundation. Awards are given to the top overall male and female finishers, and the top three men and women in age groups from kids through ages 70-99.