The annual Mercedes-Benz Stadium 5K/Walk Like MADD drew over 8,500 participants to downtown Atlanta on Saturday, September 30. The record-breaking crowd furthers MADD’s mission across the state of Georgia: To end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes, and prevent underage drinking. The event also provided an opportunity for those impacted by drunk driving to walk in memory and in honor of their loved ones.

MADD Georgia joined its Community Partners – the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC – and Race Organizer – Atlanta Track Club – to address the state’s 366 fatalities. Proceeds raised were the highest for a single race in MADD’s 37-year history.

“Drunk driving is still the number one cause of death on our roadways, and is always 100% preventable, leaving behind thousands of heartbroken family members and friends. The Mercedes-Benz Stadium 5K/Walk Like MADD helps us in our efforts to put drunk driving in the rearview mirror. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all who worked to make this event such a success, including our volunteers, participants and our extraordinary Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC partners,” said MADD CEO Debbie Weir.

“Atlanta continues to rise up to end drunk driving,” stated Arthur Blank, owner of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC. “This city has come together to support MADD’s mission at record-setting levels for the past three years thanks to the strong partnership with the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United FC, Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Atlanta Track Club. We are proud to stand by MADD and all of the runners and walkers who are lining up for this cause.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Georgia saw a 31% increase in DUI fatalities in 2015, with 26% of all fatalities being alcohol related. Proceeds raised by Mercedes-Benz Stadium 5K/Walk Like MADD will increase MADD Georgia’s capacity to serve victims of drunk driving across the state, through advocacy, support and education.

MADD Georgia would like to extend a special thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, Mercedes-Benz; Premier Sponsor Lyft; Premier Sponsors Gatorade, Zaxby’s and Harry Norman Realty; Supporting Sponsors The Home Depot, American Family Insurance and AAA-The Auto Club Group; Event Sponsors Georgia Automobile Dealers Association, Tyler E. Sands Foundation, Fried Rogers Goldberg LLC and Icebyrd; Friend of MADD Sponsors Holder Construction, Sherwin-Williams, Priority Payment Systems and John and Shiela Priore; and MADD Advocate Sponsors Houghton Law Firm, Ragland Law Firm, Springfield Baptist Church and The Simon Law Firm.