Annual event benefiting the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization celebrates Alton’s raising awareness for mesothelioma while celebrating musical legacy.
ALTON, Ill. – Registration is now open for the 18th Annual Alton Miles for Meso 5K Race and 3K Fun Run/Walk, benefiting the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO). The in-person and virtual event will take place Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, and is hosted and produced by Simmons Hanly Conroy and Metro Tri Club of Edwardsville, Illinois.
Simmons Hanly Conroy is one of the nation’s largest mass tort law firms and a national leader in representing mesothelioma patients and their families. Held just one week before National Mesothelioma Awareness Day on Sept. 26, the annual event brings together survivors, families, advocates, and community members to support research, raise awareness, and honor those impacted by asbestos-related diseases.
This year’s event celebrates Alton’s rich musical heritage as the birthplace of jazz legend Miles Davis, with a jazz-inspired theme that pays tribute to the city’s history while continuing the race’s mission of bringing hope to families affected by mesothelioma.
“For nearly two decades, Miles for Meso has united our community around an important cause,” said John Simmons, chairman of Simmons Hanly Conroy. “Each year, we are inspired by individuals, families, volunteers, and sponsors who make this event possible. Together, we’re raising awareness, supporting groundbreaking research, and honoring everyone whose lives have been touched by mesothelioma.”
The ADAO is the largest independent asbestos victims’ organization in the United States. The organization works to prevent asbestos exposure through education, advocacy, and community partnerships while supporting efforts to achieve a global asbestos ban.
Since the inaugural race in 2009, Miles for Meso events across the country have raised more than $977,500 to benefit the ADAO and its mission to end asbestos-related disease.
Online registration for the 18th Annual Alton Miles for Meso is open now.
Race day festivities begin at 7:30 a.m. at One Court Street in Alton, outside the Simmons Hanly Conroy national headquarters and across from Marquette Catholic High School. The 5K race and 3K fun run/walk will begin at 9 a.m.
Registration fees are:
- $40 through Aug. 23
- $45 from Aug. 24–Sept. 6
- $50 from Sept. 7–13
$50 for race day registration (7:30–8:30 a.m.). Participants will receive a race packet featuring a commemorative long-sleeve, moisture-wicking race T-shirt, a personalized warrior bib, and additional race-day items.
Virtual participants may register by Sept. 6 to guarantee delivery of their race packet before event day. The virtual race will begin at 9 a.m. CST on Sept. 19, with participants encouraged to share photos and videos on social media using #MilesForMeso.
All participants will receive a finisher medal. The top five overall male and female finishers in the in-person 5K race will receive cash prizes of $500, $250, $200, $100, and $50, respectively. In accordance with IHSA, MSHSAA, and NCAA eligibility rules, high school and collegiate athletes are not eligible for cash prizes and will instead receive alternate awards if they place in the top five. Custom Miles for Meso medals will also be awarded to the top three finishers in each age division. The awards ceremony will begin at 10:15 a.m.
Corporate sponsorship opportunities remain available through Aug. 24, 2026.
Simmons Hanly Conroy thanks last year’s Miles for Meso 2025 sponsors for their generous support, ensuring the event’s continued success and impact:
- Diamond Sponsors: Asbestos.com, BDO, Classic Graphics, First Mid Bank & Trust, Giant City Properties, Holland Construction Services, Jenner & Block, Kiku Obata, Law Forum, Legalex, Lockton Acropolis Technology Group, Mesothelioma Hope, Paszkiewicz Litigation Services, SettLiT, The Bridge Church, and Veritext Legal Solutions.
- Platinum sponsors: IT Solutions
Additional event information, sponsorship opportunities, and race registration are available at MilesForMeso.org. Let the good times run!
