Ben's Memorial Mile & Community Festival
- Date Sat 8th August 2026
- Time 4:00PM CDT
- Location Downers Grove, Illinois
- Price Free - $22.20
- Races 4 races
- Distances 1 Mile
Event summary
Join us for the inspiring Ben's Memorial Mile & Community Festival on Saturday, August 8, 2026, in the heart of Downers Grove, DuPage. This vibrant event not only honors the life of Ben Silver but also raises crucial awareness and funds for mental health initiatives. Participants can look forward to an exciting day that kicks off with a free 100-meter dash for little kids, followed by two officially-timed one-mile races for runners and walkers of all skill levels. Registration for the open and elite miles is just $25 until July 8, so don’t miss out!
Beyond the races, the festival promises a lively atmosphere with live music, delicious concessions, and a variety of booths dedicated to mental health, fitness, and art. Families can enjoy plenty of activities for kids, including corn hole and more. Best of all, the community festival is completely free to attend! Register by July 22 to secure your event T-shirt and be part of this meaningful celebration. Together, let's make a difference in mental health awareness while enjoying a fantastic day of community spirit!
Beyond the races, the festival promises a lively atmosphere with live music, delicious concessions, and a variety of booths dedicated to mental health, fitness, and art. Families can enjoy plenty of activities for kids, including corn hole and more. Best of all, the community festival is completely free to attend! Register by July 22 to secure your event T-shirt and be part of this meaningful celebration. Together, let's make a difference in mental health awareness while enjoying a fantastic day of community spirit!
Organiser's Description
Ben's Memorial Mile & Community Festival is an annual event hosted in downtown Downers Grove to raise money/awareness for mental health and to honor the life of Ben Silver.
The event consists of a little kids' 100-meter dash followed by two officially-timed, one-mile road races for runners and walkers. Prices will increase to $25 for the open and elite miles after July 8th. The little kids' 100-meter dash is free.
We will again have T-shirts, but you must select if you would like one during your registration process. You must register by July 22 to get a T-shirt.
The community festival consists of live music, concessions, raffles, mental-health booths, fitness booths, art booths, kids activities, and corn hole. The community festival is FREE to attend. Ben's Memorial Mile is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and all proceeds are donated to mental-health foundations.
The event consists of a little kids' 100-meter dash followed by two officially-timed, one-mile road races for runners and walkers. Prices will increase to $25 for the open and elite miles after July 8th. The little kids' 100-meter dash is free.
We will again have T-shirts, but you must select if you would like one during your registration process. You must register by July 22 to get a T-shirt.
The community festival consists of live music, concessions, raffles, mental-health booths, fitness booths, art booths, kids activities, and corn hole. The community festival is FREE to attend. Ben's Memorial Mile is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and all proceeds are donated to mental-health foundations.
Races
-
Open Mile (Runners/Walkers Slower Than 6:30 for 1 Mile)
Incl. $2.20 Fee
Sat 8th August 2026 (6:00PM CDT)
$22.20
This is a timed, one-mile road race for walkers and runners completing one mile in more than 6 minutes and 30 seconds. You must be off the course prior to 6:30 PM. -
Elite Mile (6:30 or Faster for 1 Mile)
Incl. $2.20 Fee
Sat 8th August 2026 (6:30PM CDT)
$22.20
This is a timed, one-mile road race for runners completing one mile in 6 minutes and 30 seconds or faster. You must be off the course no later than 6:45 PM. -
Little Kids' 100-Meter Dash
Sat 8th August 2026 (5:45PM CDT)
Free
This is a FREE 100-meter run for the little ones. Just show up with your child at the starting line (100 meters west of the finish line on Grove Street) at 5:45 PM! -
T-Shirt (For Those NOT Participating in the Races)
Incl. $1.60 Fee
Sat 8th August 2026 (4:00PM CDT)
$11.60
If you do not want to participate in the run/walk but would like an event T-shirt, you can purchase one or more with this option!
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1036 Grove St., Downers Grove, 60515, IL, United States
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Ben's Memorial Mile & Community Festival
