Samaritan Well is hosting the 20th Memorial John Bliven Walk/Run on Saturday June 26, 2021, during Heritage Days. John 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. Samaritan Well Inc. has been in operation since 1998 and operates two shelters for individuals experiencing homelessness in our community.

Bliven Walk/Run registration begins at 6:45a.m. at the Old Dairy, 210 South Lafayette Street, Macomb. The Kids 1 Mile Fun Run (ages 12 and under) will start at 7:30 a.m. Registration fee for the 1 Mile Fun Run is $15 before and day of the race. The 2 mile and 4 mile walk/run will begin at 7:45 a.m. Registration is $25. Awards for the top male and female finishers will be given. Walkers are welcome. T-shirts are guaranteed for registrations prior to 6/18/21. Registration forms may be obtained at the Macomb Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, the McDonough County YMCA, online at https://runsignup.com/…/AnnualJohnBlivenMemorialWalkRun or the Samaritan Well Inc. 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. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Samaritan Well shelters and St. Jude Children’s’ Hospital.