Be the One Walk
- Date
- September 20, 2026
- Distance
- DeKalb American Legion Post 66, Be the One Walk
From the Organizer
It is estimated that up to 22 veterans or service members take their lives each day. This walk is part of the American Legion's Mission and an initiative involving multiple communities that will help build awareness about the crisis, destigmatize asking for mental health support, and will introduce participants to resources available to veterans who are possibly struggling.
The walk, which is hosted by the DeKalb American Legion Post 66, will begin at 10:00 am with a welcome and overview, and activities are expected to end by 12:00 noon.
Registration/Check In will begin at 9:00 am. If you do not register online prior to the day of the walk, you can register on site on that day....bring your last-minute friends with you!
The walk is 2.2 miles on sidewalks and asphalt pathways. There is a 1-mile circuit available as well for those who cannot or do not wish to walk 2.2 miles.
If you do not wish to walk or are unable to walk, please still register to enjoy a beautiful day with friends and participate in other activities. Activities available on the patio and in the classrooms during that time frame will include Tai Chi, Chair Yoga, Labyrinth Meditation, and multiple exhibits for you to visit with information focusing on veteran mental health support and services.
Refreshments will be available prior to the walk...apples from the orchard, oranges, and granola bars, as well as the much needed morning coffee. Pizza and cookies donated by community businesses will also be available following the walk.
22 rocks will be carried in the walk, representing the loss of 22 lives/day to suicide, with a short ceremony at the end of the walk to remember those who lost their lives.
If you would like to dedicate a rock in memory of a veteran or soldier who has lost their life due to the struggle of PTSD, depression, sexual trauma, etc., please go to the "Dedicate a Rock" tab on this website and the rock will be carved with the name of that veteran and carried on the walk. There is no fee for this service.
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
74°
Typical Low
52°
Chance of Rain
31%
Based on US Climate Normals data from De Kalb, 3 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Dekalb, IL
Population
40,464
as of 2023
Nearest Airport
RFD
Chicago Rockford International Airport · 27 mi
Major Hub
ORD
Chicago O'Hare International Airport · 44 mi
Time Zone
Central Time
From Endurance Grid
A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Be the One Walk, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
104
Days to train
- Race
- Be the One Walk
- Date
- September 20, 2026
Coming Up
More Running races near Dekalb, IL
56th Annual Swedish Days Ride
18 miles away
Malta Tractor Trot
6 miles away
DeKalb Park District Independence Day 5k/10k
10K · 5K
Less than a mile away
Coon Creek Classic
17 miles away
From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Be the One Walk?
- Be the One Walk is a running race held in Dekalb, Illinois on September 20, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
- When and where is the Be the One Walk?
- Sunday, September 20, 2026 in Dekalb, Illinois at Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Health and Wellness Center, Dekalb, IL. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the Be the One Walk?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
Be the One Walk
Sep 20, 2026