About Us

Our 5k was founded in 2017 and was originally titled "Sprint with Spike" when Madison Elementary hosted its first ever 5k race. The following year we partnered with our D44 neighbors, Hammerschmidt Elementary, and formed the Stars & Spikes 5k. Since then, our two schools have gathered for our race annually (even virtually in 2020) in the Spring at Madison Elementary. 

Our original mission when creating this event in 2017 was to provide an opportunity for our students, families and community to come together around fun and fitness and that is still our mission to this day. We began in 2017 with just under 200 runners and this past year our event eclipsed the 900 runner mark! Our event is focused around fun and is a very laid back racing atmosphere for kids and adults of all levels of fitness.  We are a not-for-profit event and any proceeds are utilized to improve the race the following year. 

We are a student, family and community centered race, but anyone is welcome to join us! You do not need to be affiliated with Madison or Hammerschmidt to run in our race. We hope to see you this year as we gather once again for this fun-filled event!

For questions, please contact our race director. 

Ryan Kuehne (rkuehne@sd44.org)