Ben's Memorial Mile

Ben's Memorial Mile

Ben's Memorial Mile is an annual nonprofit community event held at Fishel Park in Downers Grove, a suburb of Chicago. The organization is a 501(c)(3) that raises money and awareness for mental health research and suicide prevention through an evening of road races and a community music festival. The 2026 edition is scheduled for Saturday, August 8, 2026.

Race offerings include short youth and adult distances and are organized into separate divisions for different paces. Important registration dates for 2026 include July 8 as the last day to register before a price increase and July 22 as the deadline to register to receive an event T-shirt. A restaurant fundraiser is scheduled for August 5 ahead of the main event.

The community festival features live music performances by multiple acts, vendor booths, concessions, kids activities, and fitness and mental-health resources. Specific festival attractions include a hydration station and samplers, art and bakery vendors, a shaved-ice food truck, a medal-designing booth, cornhole, an inflatable obstacle course, and fitness booths from local providers. Mental-health organizations and local support groups are listed among the festival participants. Raffles are part of the event; all race participants receive a free raffle ticket, and there is an awards ceremony and raffle drawing during the evening. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

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