Let’s Get Ready to Race!
Thank you for being part of the Miles for Meso community and the 11th Annual Alton Miles for Meso 5k Run & 3k Fun Run/Walk. Below is everything you need to know about attending the race.
Packet Pickup
Early packet pickup for registered participants will take place from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday at Simmons Hanly Conroy, located across the street from Marquette High School at 1 Court Street in Alton, Illinois.
Race-day registration is from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. Saturday at the registration tent located in Simmons Hanly Conroy’s main parking lot.
If you’ve already registered and need to pick up your shirt and race bags on race day, there is a separate location to do that. The table will be located under the green tents on Court Street near Staten-Fine Funeral Home.
Included in your race packet is a long-sleeved Miles for Meso moisture-wicking shirt, your race number, and 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 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
- 7:50 AM – Meso Warrior Bib Photo at MFM Arch
- 8:30 AM – Pre-race Ceremony Program Begins (Cheerleader routine, National Anthem, Announcements, Prayer)
- 9:00 AM – Start of 5k Run & 3k Run Run/Walk
- 10:00 AM – Performance by the Alton High School Cheerleaders
- 10:00 AM – Jordan Zevon Performance
- 10:15 AM – Awards Ceremony
- 11:00 AM – Vendor Fair, Adoption & Kids’ Activities Close
Parking
Parking will be the same as last year. With the petting zoo and pony rides in the firm’s main parking lot, parking spots there will be reserved for handicapped needs only.
Additional parking is available in several lots located north of the firm building at the Millers Mutual Building located at the corner of Easton and 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 and E. 4th streets.
Safety on the Course
Alton’s brick streets, rolling hills and scenic Mississippi River views 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 two-way traffic. Be cautious of oncoming traffic in these areas. Course marshals and signs will be placed along the course to help direct traffic, but please still take extra precaution along the two-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 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.
Awards Ceremony + Steve McQueen Motorcycle
- The race will begin at 9 a.m. The top five overall men and women 5k finishers will receive cash prizes. The top three runners in their age groups will also receive 1st-3rd place medals.
- Everyone who is wearing a race bib – walker or runner – will receive a commemorative finisher medal when they cross the finish line.
- The awards ceremony will begin at roughly 10:15 a.m. following a performance by the Alton High School cheerleaders.
This year’s event will feature a display honoring the memory of American icon and prolific actor, Steve McQueen. He was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 1979 and died form the diseases just one year later. The display will include one of McQueen’s motorcycles from his personal collection – a 1938 Triumph 500cc 5T Speed Twin. The display will be located at the main stage.
Meso Warrior Community Dinner + Ribbons
Proceeds from this year’s race will once again go to the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO). The organization will host a community dinner at 6 p.m. Friday at Tony’s in Alton. Check-in will begin at 5:30 p.m.
Anyone who is currently fighting a mesothelioma diagnosis, their families, or anyone who has lost a loved one to an asbestos-related disease and is registered to attend the 11th Annual Miles for Meso race is invited to attend.
Please email Amy Fair at [email protected] to RSVP.
Meso warrior ribbons will be available to recognize patients and families who’ve been impacted by asbestos-related diseases.
Virtual Race + Snapchat
Everyone who registered for the virtual race should be receiving a T-shirt in the mail. Mesothelioma warriors and families love seeing the support from participants who are still trying to help make a difference while not being able to physically attend the event.
Participants are encouraged to wear their shirt on race day in support of mesothelioma awareness. Don’t forget to snap a photo of you in your shirt and share it with the hashtags #milesformeso and #ENDmeso and tag the Miles for Meso Facebook page!
Everyone in Alton who posts photos on social media during race day may also share their pictures on Snapchat with a special Miles for Meso filter.
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 [email protected] or call our toll-free number 1-877-304-MESO (6376). See you on race day!
