ALTON — Runners, walkers and mesothelioma advocates helped raise more than $20,000 at the 18th annual Alton Miles for Meso 5K Race and 3K Fun Run/Walk on Sept. 19, 2026, to support efforts to prevent asbestos exposure and eliminate asbestos-caused diseases.
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Simmons Hanly Conroy hosted the event alongside Metro Tri Club of Edwardsville, Illinois. Proceeds benefited the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization, an independent nonprofit focused on asbestos awareness, prevention and advocacy.
This year’s event celebrated Alton’s jazz history and its connection to musician Miles Davis, who was born in Alton in 1926. The jazz-inspired theme accompanied the annual gathering of mesothelioma patients, families, advocates and community members.
“For 18 years, Miles for Meso has brought people together around a shared commitment to the mesothelioma community. We’re proud to continue this tradition alongside ADAO and grateful to every runner, walker, volunteer and donor who helped make this year’s event a success,” said John Simmons, chairman of Simmons Hanly Conroy.
ADAO President Linda Reinstein also thanked participants and supporters.
“Each year, Miles for Meso reminds us of the strength and dedication of this community. We are deeply grateful to Simmons Hanly Conroy and everyone who participated, volunteered, donated, and fundraised this year. Together, we’re keeping the momentum going and making our voices heard,” Reinstein said.
ADAO works to raise public awareness about the dangers of asbestos, advocate for an asbestos ban and protect asbestos victims’ civil rights, in addition to its disease prevention mission.
Since the first race in 2009, Miles for Meso events have drawn participants from across the country and raised funds for mesothelioma research, education and advocacy organizations.
This year’s top fundraising teams included Team Al, Georgie Porgie’s Meso Patrol and Winky’s Warriors.
Team Al participated in memory of Albert Manring, who took part in Miles for Meso before his death in 2019. Georgie Porgie’s Meso Patrol, led by Alison Dreith, participated in remembrance of George Dreith. Winky’s Warriors returned to support the mesothelioma community and ADAO’s mission.
Diamond sponsors were Classic Graphics, First Mid Bank & Trust, Giant City Properties, Holland Construction Services, Jenner & Block, Lockton, Mesothelioma Hope, Mesothelioma Veterans Center, National Record Retrieval, Paszkiewicz Litigation Services, SettLit Legal, Sokolove Law, The Bridge Church and Veritext. Platinum sponsors were Asbestos.com and Proceed.
Simmons Hanly Conroy represents mesothelioma patients and people with asbestos-related cancers, among other areas of litigation. The firm also supports mesothelioma research and initiatives, including the annual race.
The 19th annual Miles for Meso is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 18, 2027.
