Date/Location:
Saturday, August 8, 2026
The course will start and end at Fishel Park (1036 Grove Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515).
USATF Certification
Important dates:
July 8 – Last day to register prior to the price increase
July 22 – Deadline to register by to get an event T-shirt
August 5 – Chipotle Mexican Grill (1203 Ogden Ave.) fundraiser from 5-9 PM
- Tell the cashier you are there for the fundraiser or use code 4YDDCK2 if ordering online!
August 8 – Ben’s Memorial Mile & Community Festival!
Event schedule:
5:45 PM: Little kids’ 100-meter dash (this event will start on Grove Street and end at the finish line)
6:00 PM: Open/walking mile (slower than 6:30 mile pace)
6:30 PM: Elite mile (6:30 mile pace or faster)
7:00 PM: Awards ceremony
4:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Community festival at Fishel Park with LIVE music & other fun activities (this festival is FREE to attend)
All runners/walkers in the first race must be off the course prior to 6:30 PM. All runners in the second race must be off the course by 6:45 PM.
Registration:
Online registration is open! It will cost $20 per person to register up to July 8 and then $25 to register after July 8. There will be same-day registration at the event for $25. No refunds are allowed.
Additionally, if you would like an event T-shirt, you can purchase one for $10 when you register (as long as you register prior to the T-shirt deadline).
REGISTER HERE!There will be same-day registration at the event, but we encourage participants to sign up online prior to the event.
Packet pickup:
Race bibs can be picked up in Fishel Park at packet pickup. All participants that signed up will need to pick up a race bib (and four safety pins) prior to the races. Your race bib will contain the chip that will capture your official time.
Your event T-shirt (if you purchased one) and complimentary raffle ticket will also be available at Fishel Park; you can retrieve these items before or after you run!
Those that did not pre-purchase a T-shirt prior to the T-shirt deadline can purchase T-shirts at the event as our supply permits.
Results:
Results will be posted online the day of the event at the following link: IL Prep Top Timing.
Awards:
Gift certificates for the top three male and female runners will be donated by Dick Pond Athletics!
There will also be awards for the follow age groups: 19 & under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70+ years old. Don’t forget to hang around for our awards ceremony to see if you won a ribbon!
Parking:
You are not allowed to park on the course, and please do not parking on Grove Street at Fishel Park, as this will obstruct the race. There are many free options to park in downtown Downers Grove (see below). Aside from the highlighted regions, there is plenty of free street parking available off the course.
Bathrooms:
Bathrooms are at the north end of the Fishel Park bandshell.
Weather/Emergency information:
The event will be cancelled in the case of inclement weather. Emergency information will be conveyed via email. You can also monitor our Facebook and Instagram pages for emergency information.
Prohibited Items:
Pets (aside from service animals), bicycles, in-line skates, and other wheeled vehicles (aside from wheelchairs) are prohibited on the course. If you will be participating with a stroller or baby jogger, you must begin at the back of the start corral for the safety of all participants. No alcohol is allowed on the course or at Fishel Park. Of note, pets on leashes are allowed at Fishel Park.
