Running4Miracles
Every step of Running4Miracles carries a story.
What began as a personal journey inspired by Brooks’ premature birth has grown into a purpose-driven mission to honor miracle children, encourage families, and support NICU-related causes across the country. Each marathon represents more than a finish line—it represents hope, perseverance, and the power of living a MiracleMission.
Through these completed marathon efforts, Running4Miracles has continued its 50-state mission to recognize premature babies and their families while raising awareness and support for the life-changing care NICUs provide.
Running4Miracles by the Numbers
- 14 States Completed
- 340+ Miles Raced
- 14 Miracle Stories Honored
- $23,000+ Raised to Support NICU-Related Causes
The Journey
Leg #14 – Nashville
Tennessee | April 25, 2026
Honoring Brixton
More than 2 months before his due date, Brixton faced an immediate fight for survival, weighing 2 pounds, 6.5 ounces and spending 60 days in the NICU learning to breathe and grow stronger. At Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, he continued to overcome challenges through surgeries, therapies, and ongoing care. A determined and inspiring child, Brixton reflects strength, faith, and the impact of care that helped bring him home.
Leg #13 – Myrtle Beach
South Carolina | March 7, 2026
Honoring Oliver
Requiring immediate breathing support due to underdeveloped lungs, Oliver faced significant challenges following his premature arrival at 34 weeks. Transported to the NICU at McLeod Children’s Hospital, he spent 12 days growing stronger with the support of dedicated caregivers and his family. A thriving, kind, and compassionate child, Oliver reflects hope, resilience, and the powerful difference expert care and early intervention can make.
Leg #12 – Marshall University
West Virginia | November 8, 2025
Honoring AlbaRose
Weighing just 1 pound, 14 ounces at 27 weeks, AlbaRose faced serious challenges as her lungs struggled, a heart vessel remained open, and she experienced brain bleeds. Cared for at Hoops Family Children’s Hospital, she spent 131 days in the NICU receiving constant support from a dedicated medical team while beginning early recovery. A joyful and determined child, AlbaRose reflects resilience, faith, and the powerful impact of expert care.
Leg #11 – Twin Cities
Minnesota | October 5, 2025
Honoring Twins Ben & Kate
At just 23 weeks and 2 days, twins Ben & Kate entered the world weighing barely over a pound each, facing an uncertain fight for survival. After six months in the NICU filled with surgeries and challenges, they were diagnosed with cerebral palsy and began therapies with the support of a dedicated medical team. Full of personality—Ben bringing laughter and Kate showing determination—their story reflects resilience, joy, and the belief that miracles can happen.
Leg #10 – Coastal Delaware
Delaware | April 13, 2025
Honoring Marcella
At four weeks old, Marcella’s condition suddenly changed when she was diagnosed with Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC), leading to multiple surgeries and a fight for survival. Treated at Nemours Children’s Hospital, she spent 196 days receiving specialized care, including innovative procedures that saved her life. A true fighter, Marcella continues to grow stronger, inspiring others with her resilience and the remarkable care that made her recovery possible.
Leg #9 – Louisiana (Baton Rouge)
Louisiana | January 18, 2025
Honoring MJ
Arriving 13 weeks early at 27 weeks, Michael “M.J.” Greene weighed just 2 pounds 5 ounces and soon faced a worsening brain bleed requiring specialized medical care. Transferred to Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital, he spent over four months in the NICU undergoing five surgeries and receiving constant support from a dedicated team. His story reflects strength and perseverance as he continues therapies and shows meaningful progress each day.
Leg #8 – Oklahoma City Memorial
Oklahoma | April 28, 2024
Honoring Twins Veronica & Vivianne
Facing micro-premature twins, Veronica & Vivianne arrived weighing barely over a pound and confronting serious medical challenges. Cared for at OK Children’s Hospital, they spent months in the NICU overcoming complications including eye disease, respiratory issues, and brain bleeds with support from a dedicated team. Their journey reflects resilience, determination, and the lasting impact of expert care as they continue to grow with strength.
Leg #7 – Shamrock VA Beach
Virginia | March 17, 2024
Honoring Ruby
Nearly 15 weeks early, Ruby entered the world weighing just 1 pound, 6 ounces, her cry giving her parents hope for the days ahead. Transferred to Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters’ NICU, she spent 103 days receiving specialized care that helped her overcome serious challenges and grow stronger each day with the support of a dedicated medical team. Ruby is bubbly, joyful, and loves the color red, marshmallows, chocolate, and playing doctor.
Leg #6 – Newport Beach
Rhode Island | October 8, 2023
Honoring Twins Nate & Sean
At just 23 weeks and 4 days, Nate and Sean entered the world weighing barely over a pound and facing a 50% chance of survival as micro-preemie twins. After a dramatic delivery and 150 days in the NICU at Hasbro Children’s Hospital, both boys endured surgeries and constant care that helped them grow stronger each day. They continue to grow and thrive—true warriors whose story reflects resilience, hope, and compassionate care.
Leg #5 – KY Derby Festival
Kentucky | April 29, 2023
Honoring The Baker Four
Against the odds of a high-risk pregnancy, Luke, Eloise, Ruby, and Annie—the Baker Four—entered the world at 31 weeks, beginning astory of resilience and family strength. Delivered with a skilled team at Norton Women’s and Children’s Hospital, the babies spent their earliest weeks growing stronger in the NICU before heading home together. They are thriving children whose story reflects expert care, strength, and unexpected blessings.
Leg #4 – Little Rock
Arkansas | March 5, 2023
Honoring Jacob
Born with less than a five percent chance of survival, Jacob entered the world facing a rare condition called prune belly syndrome, leading to kidney and lung disease. Transported to Arkansas Children’s Hospital, he spent months in the NICU and later relied on dialysis while waiting for a transplant and receiving specialized care along the way. Through his mother’s life-saving kidney donation, Jacob received a second chance and now thrives as an active, joyful child.
Leg #3 – Indy Monumental
Indiana | November 5, 2022
Honoring Carlie
As a micro-preemie, Carlie weighed just 1 pound, 4 ounces and faced not only the challenges of prematurity but also a critical heart defect. Through her mother’s determination and the expertise of the team at Riley Hospital for Children, she underwent life-saving surgery to repair a narrowed aorta and received care that helped her grow stronger each day. Her energy and joy reflect resilience, strength, and the power of never giving up.
Leg #2 – Air Force
Ohio | September 17, 2022
Honoring Mason
At 34 weeks, Mason faced serious complications caused by an undiagnosed placental issue. Transported to Dayton Children’s Hospital, he spent 45 days in the NICU receiving specialized, life-saving care that helped him grow stronger each day with the support of a dedicated medical team. Now known as a true fighter—“Champ!”—Mason is a smart, inquisitive, and loving child whose story reflects the hope made possible through dedicated care teams.
Leg #1 – Pittsburgh
Pennsylvania | May 1, 2022
Honoring Hunter
Facing a life-threatening placental abruption, Hunter entered the world at 32 weeks, putting both him and his mother at serious risk. With the support of the medical team at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and care made possible through Children’s Miracle Network, he was given a fighting chance and received care that helped him grow stronger each day. A healthy, vibrant child, he continues to grow and thrive with the continued support of services.