FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — The annual Mothers Against Drunk Driving 5K was held Sunday in Fort Lauderdale.

Hundreds of runners pounded the pavement for the MADD Dash 5K.

They’re on a mission to encourage drivers to make smarter decisions before getting behind the wheel.

Heather Geronemus established the event 15 years ago in honor of her father, who was killed by a drunk driver in Miami back in 2009.

“Everyone has the power to end drunk driving,” she said. “Just have to plan ahead for a safe and sober ride home when your plans include alcohol.”

While the tragedy still weighs heavy, Geronemus pushed through, turning her pain into purpose.

“My father was crossing the street on foot after a medical conference dinner, and he was struck by a drunk driver, and he died in the middle of Brickell,” she said. “So my dad, Dr. Robert Geronemus, a lifesaver, was killed in an instant by a person who made a terrible decision to drink all day and ultimately impacted my father and my family forever. Mothers Against Drunk Driving supported me when really no one else could, and when I was able, a year or two later, I started to think about how we could bring the community together before tragedy, because nobody wants that call from a stranger.”

Mothers Against Drunk Driving hold annual 5K in Downtown Fort Lauderdale

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Linnie Supall