ALTON, Ill. – Simmons Hanly Conroy and the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) are grateful to the Alton community and mesothelioma advocates nationwide for making the 18th Annual Alton Miles for Meso 5K Race and 3K Fun Run/Walk a success. Held Sept. 19, 2026, the event raised more than $20,000 to benefit ADAO and its mission to prevent asbestos exposure and eliminate asbestos-caused diseases.
Simmons Hanly Conroy, one of the nation’s largest mass tort law firms and a national leader in the legal representation of mesothelioma patients and their families, hosted the annual event alongside Metro Tri Club of Edwardsville, Illinois.
This year’s Miles for Meso celebrated Alton’s rich jazz history and its connection to legendary musician Miles Davis, who was born in Alton in 1926. The jazz-inspired theme brought a new rhythm to a longstanding tradition of bringing together mesothelioma warriors, families, advocates and community members for a shared purpose.
“For 18 years, Miles for Meso has brought people together around a shared commitment to the mesothelioma community. We’re proud to continue this tradition alongside ADAO and grateful to every runner, walker, volunteer and donor who helped make this year’s event a success,” said John Simmons, Chairman of Simmons Hanly Conroy.
ADAO President Linda Reinstein said, “Each year, Miles for Meso reminds us of the strength and dedication of this community. We are deeply grateful to Simmons Hanly Conroy and everyone who participated, volunteered, donated, and fundraised this year. Together, we’re keeping the momentum going and making our voices heard.”
An independent nonprofit organization, ADAO is dedicated to preventing asbestos exposure, eliminating asbestos-caused diseases, raising public awareness about the dangers of asbestos, advocating for an asbestos ban, and protecting asbestos victims’ civil rights.
Since the first race in 2009, Miles for Meso events have brought together participants from across the country while raising funds for mesothelioma research, education, and advocacy organizations.
The top fundraising teams for this year’s event include:
TEAM AL
Participating in memory of Albert Manring, Team Al continues to honor Albert’s legacy at Miles for Meso, carrying on a tradition that Albert himself was able to be part of before his passing in 2019.
Georgie Porgie’s Meso Patrol
Led by Alison Dreith and participating in remembrance of George Dreith, Georgie Porgie’s Meso Patrol continued its longstanding tradition as one of the event’s top fundraising teams — a milestone George would certainly be proud of.
Winky’s Warriors
Winky’s Warriors once again rallied together in support of the mesothelioma community and ADAO’s mission.
Simmons Hanly Conroy extends its sincere thanks to everyone who helped the 18th Annual Alton Miles for Meso finish on a high note and continue this important tradition.
A special thank you to our 2026 sponsors, whose generous support helped keep Miles for Meso in rhythm and made this year’s event possible:
- Diamond Sponsors: Classic Graphics, First Mid Bank & Trust, Giant City Properties, Holland Construction Services, Jenner & Block, Lockton, Mesothelioma Hope, Mesothelioma Veterans Center, National Record Retrieval, Paszkiewicz Litigation Services, SettLit Legal, Sokolove Law, The Bridge Church, Veritext
- Platinum sponsors: Asbestos.com, Proceed
The 19th Annual Miles for Meso is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 18, 2027. We hope to see you there!
