Ben's Memorial Mile

Ben's Memorial Mile

Ben's Memorial Mile is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit event in the suburbs of Chicago that combines one-mile road races with a community music festival in memory of a local young man who experienced schizophrenia. The event raises money and awareness for mental health research and suicide prevention.

The event is held at Fishel Park and includes both timed and untimed running opportunities alongside a free community festival. Festival features have included live music, concessions, a food truck, kids activities, mental-health vendors, fitness booths, raffles, an art booth, cornhole, and running organization booths.

Running and walking offerings include:

• 100 meter kids dash, free and untimed
• open walking or running one mile
• elite one mile for faster competitors

Past pre-event fundraisers have included local restaurant and brewery partnerships. Funds from the event have supported organizations such as the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation and the National Alliance on Mental Illness. The organization shares information about volunteer roles, yard signs, and related outreach, and a book by the athlete's mother about connecting with him is available. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

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