The Samaritan Well, Inc. is hosting the 23rd Memorial John Bliven Walk/Run on Saturday June 29, 2024, 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/.../AnnualJohnBlivenMemorialWalkRun . 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 two Samaritan Well, Inc. transitional housing shelters and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

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

1. T-shirts guaranteed to those who register by Wednesday, June 19, 2024

2. Fruit, snacks, & water for all run participants

3. Registered children (12 and under) receive a free ice cream coupon for the Old Dairy on the day of the event.

4. Proceeds benefit The Samaritan Well, Inc. and St. Jude Children’s Hospital