Outrun Addiction is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2018 in Enfield, CT that is not only dedicated to honoring the lives lost to addiction, but to celebrate those in recovery and to support those who are still battling addiction alongside their friends and families.

Addiction is unfortunately a reality that has impacted both founder, Vanessa Smith, and Vice President, Lissa Rivera. Starting at a very young age, they both grew up with parents who struggled with the disease of addiction and witnessed firsthand the hardship associated with it. As a way to cope, Vanessa became an avid runner – using it as a form of escape when times were tough. This escape allowed her to recognize the symbolic connection between running and recovery. Whether you’re a runner or a recovering addict, you know that it’s not always easy or fun. You have to push yourself to overcome any hills or obstacles that are in your way and you are going to want to quit time after time. But then you realize it’s all just a matter of putting one foot in front of the other, step by step/day by day and not giving up. Then the thought of doing this together as a community with others who can relate in one form or another, seemed to make the challenges so much easier.

The Outrun Addiction Annual 5K run/walk has gathered hundreds of people each year in effort to spread awareness to this epidemic, and to remind those affected that they are not alone. That we are going to Outrun Addiction, together – and beat it to the finish line.

Outrun Addiction’s mission is to raise money for local charities that focus on drug addiction, substance abuse education, awareness, stigma, research, prevention and recovery. Since this non-profit organization went live with its first 5K event on 10/6/2018, it has raised and donated $71,000 to the following local addiction awareness groups: The Alex Fisher Foundation, Community Addiction Awareness Project, Today I Matter Inc., and TriCircle Inc.