Miles for Minds: Supporting Young Learners

29 miles for 29 years.

Hi everyone! I’m Madison Dunlap, and my journey with running started when I was just 3 years old. I’ll never forget my first race, a 1-mile Fun Run. That moment sparked something in me, and I’ve been in love with running ever since. That passion carried me to the University of Cincinnati, where I was honored to compete in Division 1 Cross Country and Track & Field. After graduating, I couldn’t let go of the competitive drive, so I continued to push myself, running four marathons, two Abbott World Majors, and now gearing up for my fifth.

In the last six years, I’ve lived in six different cities and three different states, but my heart has brought me back home to Cleveland, Ohio. Over the past year, I’ve felt a strong calling to give back to the community I grew up in, especially after seeing the challenges with illiteracy in the area. That’s why I’ve decided to spend my birthday dedicating my next race—29 miles for 29 years—to raise funds for Cleveland Public Schools. I hope this journey can make a difference where it’s needed most. Please consider donating to my cause and a special shoutout will be given to you during my birthday run.