Start the weekend with a little workout that helps children with Sanfilippo Syndrome at the 2026 Miles for His Smiles, Sanfilippo Syndrome Warrior 5K honoring Axel Steele on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2026. The 2026 Miles for His Smiles 5K will be held at the Russell Senior Center (520 Bellefonte Street, Russell, KY), starting at 2:00 p.m. ET.

Race fees:
$25 before September 7th
$30 Sept. 7th thru Sept. 11th
$35 Day of Race

The race course starts and ends at the Senior Center. Participants will head out past the Super Quik, then toward the river. Proceed along the river and back past the Senior Center. Then there is an out and back toward Worthington.

Registering guarantees you a t-shirt the day of and a spot in his fundraising race! We are also still looking for sponsors/door prizes! All donations are made in honor of Axel to Cure Sanfilippo Foundation to help fund research into treatment options and support for families like Axel’s.

Trophies will be given to first three overall male and female finishers. Awards for first three finishers in each male and female age group. See the registration page for list of age groups.

Sanfilippo Syndrome is a rare lifelong genetic disease that mainly affects the brain and spinal cord. It is caused by a problem with how the body breaks down certain large sugar molecules called glycosaminoglycans. In children with this condition, these sugar molecules build up in the body and eventually lead to damage of the central nervous system and other organ systems. Children with Sanfilippo syndrome do not usually show any problems at birth. As they grow, they may begin having trouble learning new things and might lose previously learned skills. As the disease progresses, they may develop seizures and movement disorders. Most children with Sanfilippo syndrome live into adolescence or early adulthood.

Axel is 7 years old, lives in the Russell, KY, area, and has Sanfilippo Syndrome.