ALTON, Illinois – The 11th Annual Alton Miles for Meso 5K Run & 3K Fun Run/Walk is fast approaching and scheduled to take place on Saturday, Sept. 28 at 9 a.m. CDT. The race takes place every September in celebration of National Mesothelioma Awareness Day.
Since its inception by Simmons Hanly Conroy in 2009, the Alton event has impacted the lives of thousands of people by not only raising mesothelioma awareness, but raising more than $300,000. The funds are donated to mesothelioma research and awareness.
Once again, the race’s founder and sponsor Simmons Hanly Conroy is teaming up with Metro Tri Club of Edwardsville, Illinois, who will host and produce the event. The 5K is held less than 30 minutes from downtown St. Louis in historic Alton, Illinois.
“Every year as the date for Miles for Meso approaches, we can feel the excitement among our mesothelioma community grow,” said John Simmons, chairman and founder of Simmons Hanly Conroy. “Even on its eleventh year, thousands of people show up to support the cause, spread mesothelioma awareness, and have fun. We’re looking forward to it.”
For the sixth straight year, proceeds from the event will benefit the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) – the largest independent asbestos victims’ organization in the United States. It was founded in 2004 to give asbestos victims and concerned citizens a united voice, to raise public awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure, and to work toward a global asbestos ban. The 2018 race raised $25,000 for ADAO. Cumulatively, the race has raised $155,000 for the organization.
Race day festivities begin at 7:30 a.m. at Simmons Hanly Conroy, located at One Court Street in Alton – across from Marquette High School. The race itself starts at 9 a.m. Participants can register until Aug. 30 for $25, until Sept. 13 for $30, until Sept. 21 for $35, or pay $40 to register on race day. Registration fees will include a long-sleeve, moisture-wicking shirt.
People who are unable to make it to the event are still welcome to participate through a virtual race for $33. Virtual-race participants are asked to form a team and participate on race day by running or walking wherever they are while sporting their Miles for Meso shirt. They’re encouraged to upload a photo of their team to Facebook or Twitter using the hashtag #MilesforMeso. Participants of the virtual race must register by Sept. 13 in order to receive their shirts in time to wear on race day, Sept. 28.
The overall top five men and women 5K finishers will each win cash prizes of $500, $250, $200, $100 and $50, respectively. Additionally, the first-, second- and third-place finishers in each age group will receive custom Miles for Meso medals, and the top fundraising team and individual will be recognized as well. Alternative prizes will be given to student athletes in lieu of cash who place in the top five of the men’s or women’s category. Age groups can be found on the registration page. All participants who cross the finish line will receive a finisher prize.
Corporate sponsorships for Miles for Meso are also available through Aug. 30. The 2018 event was generously sponsored by the following Diamond Level sponsors: Impact Strategies, BDO, Pohlman Reporting, The Bridge Church, Sokolove Law, and First Mid Bank. And also our Platinum Level sponsors: Acropolis Technology Group, Jenner & Block, and Lockton.
Learn more about sponsorship opportunities at milesformesothelioma.org/sponsors/
