Run the Race...Stop the Stigma!  

Summer Smith was a loving mother of three boys who lost her 12-year battle with addiction on January 9th, 2015.   Summer's mom Kristin has established this race in her memory. Summer desired to live a life in recovery and fought hard to overcome the disease of addiction. 

The 9th Annual Summer Smith 5k Addiction Awareness Memorial Run is an event that will be held on May 3rd, 2025, at Guilderland High School in Guilderland, New York. Start time of the 5k will be 10 am. Both runners and walkers are welcome. This is a child friendly/ dog friendly event. The race will be preceded by a Memory Ceremony at 9:00 am.  Proceeds from this year's run will be utilized to create a short documentary regarding the Summer Smith Addiction Awareness Memorial Run and the positive impact it has had on the community, while serving as an inspiration for many who have experienced a similar loss and to share the hope of recovery. Additionally, proceeds are used to support a $750 Scholarship in Summer's Memory given to a selected Senior at Guilderland High School who is planning to attend college and major in a career in human or health services as well as the Dawn Viti Memorial Rescue Dog $ 1000 Donation to help a dog with special needs or a dog rescue organization.

Our goal for the Summer Smith 5k Addiction Awareness Memorial Run is to bring attention to the current epidemic of the disease of addiction that is sweeping the country and killing our children. We wish to reduce the stigma associated with this disease and to provide education and awareness regarding addiction while sharing the hope of recovery. If one person is saved, or one conversation is started between a parent and a child, then our goal will have been reached. We look forward to seeing you there!