At just five years old, Maddux has accomplished something truly remarkable—he completed the Holiday Hustle Series, finishing three 5K races over a six-week period. After crossing the finish line on New Year’s Day, we had the chance to catch up with him. At iDaph Events, one of our core values is inspiring the next generation of runners, so we couldn’t wait to hear his story. As you might expect, a conversation with a 5-year-old is full of fun tangents, but here’s what he shared about his race experience.

Why Did Maddux Join the Hustle?
Maddux's motivation was simple yet inspiring: he wanted a cool red mug and loved the idea of dressing up for the Ugly Sweater Run. His excitement for races began after completing the Bark & Bolt 5K with his mom and dad last summer. That experience gave him the confidence to take on more races—and the promise of earning fun rewards at the finish line only sweetened the deal!

The Struggles and Triumphs
Like all of us, Maddux faced challenges along the way. On New Year’s Day, he wasn’t feeling it—he thought the race might be boring and too hard. Staying at Grandma’s house with his sister seemed like a much better idea. Add in freezing temperatures, and the thought of running became even tougher. But with encouragement from his family (and maybe just a little bribery), Maddux pushed through. He tackled uphill climbs and cold weather to cross the finish line with a proud smile on his face.

Maddux’s Favorite Moments

• South Asheville Turkey Trot: He loved the big crowd and the excitement of seeing his dad as the official turkey mascot!
• Ugly Sweater Races: Meeting Santa and Mrs. Claus and getting a shiny ornament to hang on the family Christmas tree.
• New Year’s Resolution Run: Though initially hesitant, Maddux felt joy and pride in finishing a challenging race and earning his Holiday Hustle mug!

Looking Ahead
Maddux’s determination and enthusiasm are truly inspiring. He’s already brainstorming ways to bring more kids his age into the fold, hoping to create a special age group for younger runners so he can compete alongside peers. His journey reminds us that there’s joy and satisfaction in stepping out of our comfort zone and finishing something hard.

Way to go, Maddux!
You’ve shown us that no matter your age, determination and fun can carry you through any challenge. Keep running, little man—we can’t wait to see what you’ll do next!