Nehemiah's Memorial 5K Run/Walk
- Date Sat 19th September 2026
- Time 9:00AM CDT
- Location Heyworth, Illinois
- Price $11.60
- Races 1 race
- Distances 5km
Event summary
Join us for the inspiring 2nd Annual Nehemiah's Memorial 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, September 19, 2026, in Heyworth, McLean! This heartfelt event honors the memory of Nehemiah, a beloved son who touched many lives before his passing. Participants can look forward to a scenic 5K route, starting at 9:00 AM, just south of the Splash Pad Park on Cole Street.
This year's event aims to support While We're Waiting, an organization dedicated to providing free weekend retreats and local grief support groups for parents who have experienced the loss of a child. All proceeds will help fund essential services, including dinner and childcare for families attending support meetings. Last year’s race raised over $5,000, and your participation will directly contribute to continuing this vital work. Come run or walk with us, honor Nehemiah's legacy, and help bring hope and healing to grieving families in our community!
This year's event aims to support While We're Waiting, an organization dedicated to providing free weekend retreats and local grief support groups for parents who have experienced the loss of a child. All proceeds will help fund essential services, including dinner and childcare for families attending support meetings. Last year’s race raised over $5,000, and your participation will directly contribute to continuing this vital work. Come run or walk with us, honor Nehemiah's legacy, and help bring hope and healing to grieving families in our community!
Organiser's Description
Join us for the 2nd Annual Nehemiah's Memorial 5K Run/Walk, a special event to honor our 2 year old son Nehemiah who went to Heaven on September 20, 2024.
All proceeds from this year's race will benefit While We're Waiting, an organization that offers free weekend retreats and local grief support groups for parents who have experienced the loss of a child. In October 2025, we launched a local grief support group in the Bloomington-Normal area and have had the opportunity to connect with many wonderful families with stories similar to our own.
The proceeds from this year's race will fully fund our annual budget for this group (meeting monthly from September to May). These funds will allow us to provide dinner and childcare for the families attending this local group. This is especially important for parents very early in their grief journey who are not yet ready to be apart from their surviving children to attend a support group.
100% of the remaining proceeds will go to the While We're Waiting organization to help fund free weekend retreats for grieving parents. Last year we were able to write them a check for over $5000! We personally attended a While We're Waiting weekend retreat in December 2025 and experienced firsthand just how encouraging and healing these weekends are for parents.
We are so grateful for your support in honoring Nehemiah and caring for grieving families.
Bryan & Samantha Schoenecke
EVENT DETAILS
Check-in & Bib Pick-up
* 8:00 - 8:45 AM
* Park Gazebo at Heyworth Splash Pad Park
5K Walk/Run Start
* 9:00 AM
* Cole Street, just south of Splash Pad Park
All proceeds from this year's race will benefit While We're Waiting, an organization that offers free weekend retreats and local grief support groups for parents who have experienced the loss of a child. In October 2025, we launched a local grief support group in the Bloomington-Normal area and have had the opportunity to connect with many wonderful families with stories similar to our own.
The proceeds from this year's race will fully fund our annual budget for this group (meeting monthly from September to May). These funds will allow us to provide dinner and childcare for the families attending this local group. This is especially important for parents very early in their grief journey who are not yet ready to be apart from their surviving children to attend a support group.
100% of the remaining proceeds will go to the While We're Waiting organization to help fund free weekend retreats for grieving parents. Last year we were able to write them a check for over $5000! We personally attended a While We're Waiting weekend retreat in December 2025 and experienced firsthand just how encouraging and healing these weekends are for parents.
We are so grateful for your support in honoring Nehemiah and caring for grieving families.
Bryan & Samantha Schoenecke
EVENT DETAILS
Check-in & Bib Pick-up
* 8:00 - 8:45 AM
* Park Gazebo at Heyworth Splash Pad Park
5K Walk/Run Start
* 9:00 AM
* Cole Street, just south of Splash Pad Park
Races
-
5K Run/Walk
Incl. $1.60 Fee
Sat 19th September 2026 (9:00AM CDT)
$11.60
OPENS 20 AUGRunners will receive official race times following the event.
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100-154 E Cole Street, Heyworth, 61745, IL, United States
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Nehemiah's Memorial 5K Run/Walk
