Last call to register for 0.26-mile SALUTE INC. Micro Marathon

SALUTE INC., known for hosting racing events and sponsoring a team for the Chicago Marathon, is planning an event that will appeal to a wider audience — a 0.26-mile micro marathon. The outing takes place at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, June 6, in Elmhurst.

“We hosted our first micro marathon last year and it was a hit,” said SALUTE INC. Executive Director Mary Beth Beiersdorf. “So we decided to plan several for 2023 and we’re taking them on the road. The upcoming micro marathon takes place in Elmhurst, but we’ll have other stops planned throughout the year.”

During the micro marathon event, participants can walk, run, skip, or crawl 0.26 miles, then enjoy a beer, flatbread, raffle prizes, and a party at the finish line.

Much like a traditional marathon, participants will receive a bib and a “0.26 I Tried” race decal. The race will start and end at Elmhurst Brewing Co., 171 N. Addison Ave. in Elmhurst, where the nonprofit will host a post-race party until 7:30 p.m.

“We’ve been hosting running events to raise funds for veterans and their families for more than 20 years now,” Beiersdorf said. “And while we will continue that tradition, we also wanted to host an event that was less competitive in nature and more focused on fun and community. After hearing the positive feedback from last year’s micro marathon event, we decided it was another tradition worth carrying on.”

SALUTE INC. provides short-term mental, emotional, and financial support to military veterans and their families during times of need. Funding often helps pay for rent, car payments, food, or other items so veterans can focus on getting the care they need to transition back to civilian life.

Participants can donate any amount to register for the event at www.saluteinc.org/events/elmhurst-micro-marathon/.

To learn more about SALUTE INC., visit www.saluteinc.org.

SALUTE INC. is a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in Palatine, Illinois that is dedicated to meeting the financial, physical, and emotional needs of injured military service members, veterans, and their families.

Through a variety of fundraising efforts — including its group of charity runners, Team SALUTE — the organization provides service members and veterans with support for housing, utility bills, car expenses, groceries, and other short-term financial needs. In 2022, SALUTE INC. was awarded the Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency, which is the highest level of transparency a nonprofit can receive from Candid, a company that rates how well nonprofits use their funds. They have also received a perfect 100% 4-Star rating by Charity Navigator.