Ben's Memorial Mile

Ben's Memorial Mile

Ben's Memorial Mile is an annual 501(c)(3) nonprofit event in the suburbs of Chicago that combines one-mile road races with a community and music festival. The event is held at Fishel Park in Downers Grove and raises money and awareness for mental health research and suicide prevention in honor of Ben Silver. The community/music festival is free to attend.

The event program includes a short kids' run plus separate one-mile road race waves for different paces, and an awards ceremony. Festival features have included live music, concessions, a Kona Ice food truck, kids activities and inflatables, mental-health vendors, fitness booths, raffles, an art booth, cornhole, and running-related booths.

Registration deadlines and fundraising activities are part of the annual schedule. Recent information listed a last day to register before a price increase and a registration deadline to receive an event T-shirt, along with a local restaurant fundraiser the week before the event. Proceeds have supported organizations such as the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation and the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Distances: Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

• 100 m kids dash
• 1 mile road races (open/walking and elite)

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