Thank you for being a part of the Miles for Meso community and the 8th Annual Alton Miles for Meso 5K Run & 3K Fun Run/Walk. Here is everything you need to know about attending the race this Saturday.
Packet Pick Up + Registration
If you are already registered for the race, early packet pickup is available for both runners & walkers from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 23 at the Simmons Hanly Conroy building in Alton at 1 Court Street, across from Marquette High School. Registration will be available at packet pick up.
Online registration will remain open until the race. On race day, registration, check-in and packet pickup lasts from 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. at the Registration Tent located in Simmons Hanly Conroy’s main parking lot. Included in your race packet is a black, long-sleeved Miles for Meso T-shirt, your race number, and a race bag filled with sponsor goodies.
Schedule of Events
Festivities at the Alton race begin at 7:30 a.m. The 5K Race/3K Walk will begin at 9 a.m. We recommend everyone be there by 8:15 a.m. Here’s the full schedule of events:
- 7:30 AM – Race Day Registration Opens.
- 7:30 AM – Vendor Fair, Dog Adoption & Kids’ Activities Start.
- 8:00 AM – Meso Warrior Bib Photo at MFM Arch.
- 8:30 AM – Program Begins (Cheerleader routine, ADAO special speaker, National Anthem)
- 9:00 AM – Start of 5K Run & 3K Fun Run/Walk
- 10:00 AM – Jordan Zevon Special Musical Performance
- 10:15 AM – Awards Ceremony
- 11:00 AM – Vendor Fair, Adoption & Kids’ Activities Close.
Parking
Parking on race day is available in several lots located north of the firm building at the corner of Easton & Court streets, along Alby Street between E. 3rd and E. 5th streets and at Alton City Hall, 101 E. 3rd Street. Additional angled public parking is available along Market & E. 4th streets. Click here to view a parking map.
Safety on the Course
Alton’s brick streets, rolling hills and scenic Mississippi River view make the Miles for Meso course popular with both runners and walkers. (Take a video tour of the course!) Due to some overlap of the 5K Run and the 3K Walk courses, some areas have 2-way traffic. Be cautious of on-coming traffic in these areas. Course Marshalls and signs will be placed along the course to help direct traffic, but please still take extra precaution along the 2-way runner traffic areas.
The Alton Police Department will direct traffic and close some streets along the course. The 5K route will be marked in ORANGE, including arrows spray painted on the ground and coordinating signs along the course. The 3K course will be marked with BLUE arrows and coordinating blue signs. If your race bib is blue, follow the blue arrows. If your race bib is orange, follow the orange arrows.
As another safety precaution, please leave your headphones at home. They are NOT allowed. In addition, please limit stroller use on the course. If you plan to walk with a stroller, please be courteous and use the sidewalks for the safety of you and others.
Award Ceremony + Jordan Zevon Performance
The Age Group 5K and 3K walk will begin at 9 a.m. The top 5 overall men and women 5K runners will receive cash prizes. The top three runners in their Age Groups will also receive 1st-3rd place medals. All kids under the age of 16 will receive a participation prize when they cross the finish line.
The awards ceremony will begin at roughly 10:15 a.m., after a performance by Jordan Zevon, the son of Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Warren Zevon. This year’s race will feature a Jumbotron which will show a live-stream of the activities on stage so everyone can see the excitement.
Meso Warrior Community Dinner + Ribbons
The race’s charity, the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization, is hosting a community dinner at 6 p.m., Friday, Sat. 23 at Gentelin’s on Broadway. Anyone who is currently fighting a mesothelioma diagnosis and their families or anyone who has lost a loved one to an asbestos-related disease is invited to attend. Please R.S.V.P online as soon as possible here: http://bit.ly/2btCUgk.
Meso Warrior ribbons are available to recognize patients and families who’ve been impacted by asbestos-related diseases. These ribbons are designed to attach to the event bibs. Please be sure to pick up your ribbon on race day from Volunteer Amy Fair who will be handing out ribbons at the Registration Table.
Thank You for Your Support!
Thank you, once again, for your participation in this year’s Alton Miles for Meso race. Last year, we raised more than $30,000 for mesothelioma research and support, and, with your help, we’re hoping to once again make a difference in the fight against mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.
If you have any additional questions or concerns before Saturday, send an e-mail to [email protected] or call our toll free number 1-877-304-MESO (6376).
See you on race day!
Robin Misukonis
Race Director
