
John Bliven Memorial Walk/Run
Sat, Jun 27, 2026, 7:30 AM CDT
- Location
- Macomb, IL
- The Old Dairy, 210 S. Lafayette St., 61455
- Type
- RUN
Sign up and verify details on the organizer’s official page.
At a glance
Join a community walk/run honoring a local legend and supporting vital transitional housing services during Macomb's Heritage Days.
- Fun
- Competitive
- Festive
- For a Cause
Great for
- Beginner Friendly
- For a Cause
- Women’s Focus
The 25th John Bliven Memorial Walk/Run honors the legacy of McDonough County's longest-serving sheriff. Hosted by The Samaritan Well, Inc. during Macomb's Heritage Days, this event supports transitional housing for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Runners and walkers can choose between a 2-mile or 5K course, with awards for top finishers and special treats for children. It's a community-focused event combining remembrance with a vital cause.
What to expect
- Participate in a 2-mile walk/run or a 5K race.
- Top male and female finishers in both runs receive awards.
- Children 12 and under get a free ice cream coupon.
- Enjoy fruit, snacks, and water post-event.
Standout details
- Honors John Bliven, 50-year sheriff
- Benefits The Samaritan Well, Inc.
- Held during Heritage Days
- Free ice cream for kids 12 & under
Perks & features
- Awards
From the public listing — confirm on the official site.
Auto-drafted from the public listing — confirm details on the official event page before signing up.
Distances & registration
2 optionsRegistration for all distances is through the official signup link above.
- 2 Miles
Sat, Jun 27, 7:30 AM CDT · From $33.49
Opens Mar 31, 2026, 2:00 AM CDT · Closes Jun 27, 2026, 4:00 AM CDT
- 5K
Sat, Jun 27, 7:30 AM CDT · From $33.49
Opens Mar 31, 2026, 2:00 AM CDT · Closes Jun 27, 2026, 4:00 AM CDT
Vibe Check
Easygoing
warm-day exposure
- Rolling area
- Warm season
The course
- Rolling
- Timed race
From the organizer
The Samaritan Well, Inc. is hosting the 25th Memorial John Bliven Walk/Run on Saturday June 27, 2026, during Heritage Days. John Bliven served in the McDonough County Sheriff's Office for 50 years, 8 terms as sheriff. At the time of his death in 1999, he was Illinois' longest serving sheriff. The Samaritan Well, Inc. was incorporated in 1998 as a transitional housing program for women and women with children experiencing homelessness. In 2008, the agency acquired the use of an additional property. With the additional property, the agency was able to expand its services to include men and men with children experiencing homelessness. Today, the agency is continuing to operate the two shelters, one is located at 212 West Jackson Street (First Christian Church) and the other is located at 1306 Maple Avenue (Maple Avenue Christian Church), with program services being used for families and individuals experiencing homelessness.
Registration begins at 7:00 a.m. at the Old Dairy, 210 South Lafayette Street, Macomb, IL 61455. The 2-mile and 5K run/walk will begin at 7:45 a.m. Pre-registration is $30 for adults and $20 for children 12 and under. On-site registration is $35 for adults and $25 for children 12 and under. Awards will be given to top male and female finishers for both runs. All registered children (12 and under) receive a free ice cream coupon for the Old Dairy to be used the day of the event. Walkers are welcome.
Registration forms may be obtained at the Macomb Area Convention & Visitors Bureau and online at https://runsignup.com/Race/Register/?raceld=111194&eventId=1146804 . For updates about the event, visit the Samaritan Well, Inc.’s Facebook page. You can also contact the Samaritan Well, Inc. office at (309) 837-3357 between 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday with questions. The proceeds from the event will benefit the Samaritan Well, Inc. transitional housing shelters.
7:00 a.m. – Registration/Packet Pickup
7:45 a.m. – 2 Mile Run/Walk & 5K
Awards for top male & female finisher for both runs.
Immediately following race – Awards (outside The Old Dairy)
All age groups welcome
T-shirts guaranteed to those who register by Wednesday, June 18, 2026
Fruit, snacks, & water for all run participants.
Proceeds benefit The Samaritan Well, Inc.
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