Thank you for being part of the Miles for Meso community and the 12th Annual Alton Miles for Meso 5k Run & 3k Fun Run/Walk, organized and presented by Simmons Hanly Conroy and the Metro Tri Club.
Normally, the event would take place in historic downtown Alton, Ill., at the firm’s national headquarters, across from Marquette High School. However, the race was changed to an all virtual format for 2020 to ensure the safety of participants in light of COVID-19.
This means that anytime from Saturday, Sept. 26 through Friday, Oct 2, participants may instead run or walk their favorite 5K or 3K route individually or with their family groups. Please be safe and follow state and local social distancing requirements.
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about participating in this year’s virtual event.
Race Bags + Shirts
Everyone who registered by Thursday, Sept. 18 should have received their shirts + goodie bags in the mail this past week.
Everyone who registered starting Friday, Sept. 19, will receive their packets and shirts when the Miles for Meso team mails out the finisher medals in mid-October.
Included in your race packet is a long-sleeved Miles for Meso moisture-wicking shirt, your race bibs, MFM swag, and sponsor goodies. Check out the unpacking video on the Miles for Meso Facebook page.
Virtual Race Day is Saturday
Nearly 1,000 people have signed up for this year’s race.
“We are overwhelmed by the virtual outpouring of support we’ve seen both in registrations, returning sponsors, and in the community engagement on our Miles for Meso Facebook page,” said Todd Adamitis, the firm’s Chief Operating Officer and Miles for Meso (MFM) Committee Chair in a recent press release.
While we can’t all be together on Saturday, Sept. 26 – the original race day – the MFM Committee has put together a special Kick Off video. It will premiere on the Miles for Meso Facebook page at 9 a.m. CST on Saturday.
You’re all invited to tune in on your favorite virtual device that morning and watch as Todd and our charity, the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization’s President Linda Reinstein kick off this year’s virtual event. In addition, you’ll hear a special guest performance of our national anthem, performed by Jill Cagle, lead singer of the Meso Band. Jill’s husband, Robbie, passed away from mesothelioma. Last year, she led the Alton race with her motorcycle in his memory.
Get Involved Virtually All Week with #MilesForMeso
Once the race officially begins at 9 a.m. CST, participants will have all week to complete the event and upload their results. Since we can’t all be together, please join us virtually. Use the hashtag #MilesForMeso. Post photos from your walk or run. Show us your route! Take some selfies and show us your race bibs. Have your kids make #MilesForMeso posters. Post everything to the Miles for Meso Facebook page.
Even if you’re not registered, there are still several ways to get involved:
- Signing and sharing a ban asbestos petition in the United States.
- Wearing blue, the official color of mesothelioma awareness.
- Share, comment and like ADAO and Miles for Meso Facebook posts throughout the week.
- Updating your Facebook profile picture with Miles for Meso’s frame.
Record Your Results
Everyone who is registered will receive an email from the MFM Raceroster account with instructions on how to record your virtual results. This email will look different from the current eblasts from the Alton Miles for Meso 5k. Each email includes an individual link that is tied to your confirmation number and last name. The link will allow you to click and open the race in the RunKeeper app. (Note: You must have downloaded the app on your mobile device or watch first.)
If multiple people are registered using the same email, you may forward that email to the correct person.
Submit Your Time Manually
Otherwise, you may also manually submit your time. To manually submit your run or walk time, go here: https://results.raceroster.com/results/7bchfm4yyvsmt3ak.
- Select either the “5K” or “3K” event.
- Click the “Submit Time” button. (Note: This button will not appear until Sept. 26)
- Follow the prompts to enter your time.
If you have questions about how to upload your results, please contact RaceRoster directly at 855-969-5515.
Finisher Medals
Everyone who uploads a time, will receive a commemorative Miles for Meso 2020 Finisher Medal.
A special ADAO mini-poster, featuring photography from photographer Earl Dotter will also be included in the finisher medal packets. This poster highlights the important advocacy work ADAO does year-round and shows how your support of the Alton Miles for Meso race is making a difference in the fight to ban asbestos once and for all in the United States.
Raising Awareness of Asbestos Dangers
Proceeds from the Alton race will benefit the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), the largest independent asbestos victims’ group in the United States. Founded in 2004, ADAO gives asbestos victims and concerned citizens a united voice, raises public awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure, and works toward a global asbestos ban.
More than 30 teams are currently fundraising for ADAO and vying to win one of the top 3 fundraising team honors. Read their stories and donate.
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 $25,000 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 info@milesformesothelioma.org or send us a direct message (DM) on Facebook.
See you virtually on race week!
The #MilesForMeso Committee
