Families and friends who have experienced the loss of a child of any age, come together for an evening of solidarity and hope. The event includes rainbow kiddie dashes (ages 1-8), a staged memorial course to walk or run, raffles, candle vigil, and lantern release. Food trucks will also be on site.
NEW 2024: Butterfly Encounter and Release!
How it works: Parents and families are invited to submit a name, birthday, day of loss, and a photo if desired. The submission transfers to either a 12 foot white banner (loss during pregnancy), or a memorial marker with the child's picture, name, and date(s) along the course. Submission is free and includes a small family gift - distributed at the event.
A 2.4 mile, semi-hilly loop mostly road, with some grassy terrain, begins and ends with an inflatable rainbow arch. The "Each One Counts Mile" begins with a path lined with several 12 foot white banners, each one representing a loss during pregnancy. The course makes a left turn out of the park onto State Route 245, a left on CR 47, left on TWP Road 174, and a final left back into the Lions Club Ball Park. This portion hosts memorial markers, each honoring an infant, child, or young adult submitted for the event, with inspirational quotes scattered throughout.
*Strollers, wagons, and pets are welcome on the course.
6:30pm-7:25pm Registration/ Packet Pickup/ Food Trucks On-site
7:25pm - National Anthem
7:30pm - Kiddie Rainbow Dashes (ages 1-8)
7:45pm - Butterfly Release
8:00pm - Memorial Walk and Run
9:00pm - Raffle Drawings
9:15pm - Candlelight Vigil
9:45pm - Sky Lantern Release
Memorial Registration Options:
1.) Annual Young Life Memorial Run/Walk and Lantern Release in West Liberty, Ohio on Saturday, July 13th, 2024 6:45pm - 10:00pm
($30, $35 after 6/9, $40 day of event)
* Registration includes: event t-shirt, bib number for memorial course, a raffle ticket, vigil candle, glow necklace and sky lantern (distributed at dusk).
**If you have lost a child and would like a memorial marker for them on the course, choose this registration, select "yes" to the prompt, and share the information you would like included. It will be assembled for you.
***Parents submitting a loss receive a $10 discount on their registrations for the event. Please use code: PARENT at checkout.
If cost is an issue, sponsored registrations are available - email: younglifememorial@icloud.com .
**** Each family/group participating together, can claim a numbered circular "pod" painted on the grass, each with a tiki torch. This zone can be used as a space to set up chairs, keep belongings, eat, and launch lanterns from. When signing up you can choose to create or join a team in memory of a loved one. After the first person creates the group, share the team name with others for registration (not required).
2.) Virtual Run/Walk ($38-$48 w/shipping)
A virtual option is available for anyone unable to attend the event in person. The registration includes: event t-shirt, bib number, memorial candle, sky lantern, entry for an Amazon gift card, and a link to the first-person view video through the 2.4 mile memorial course. Items will be mailed for an $8 shipping fee. There will also be an option to link your run/walk activity to the Runkeeper app, if you would like to make it official and receive a certificate upon completion. *Please allow up to two weeks for shipping.
3.) Rainbow Kiddie Dashes
Rainbow Kiddie Dashes are held at 7:45pm, prior to the start of the Memorial Run/Walk. Start lines begin as close as 20 meters for 1-2 year old, and increase in distance up to age 8. As they cross the finish line, they will receive a finisher's medal and CapriSun. This registration includes a cotton event t-shirt, bubble wand, goldfish crackers, and fruit snacks.
4.) Donations and Sponsorship
The Young Life Memorial is open to donations from individuals and businesses year round, to help fund event costs, improvements, marketing, storage unit fees, and care packages to families with children in the hospital or who have experienced a recent loss.
P.O. Box 351
West Liberty, OH 43357
All forms of support infuse this event with love and light for anyone enduring the delicate and life-long journey of losing a child. We send a heartfelt "thank you" to all who donate, volunteer, share, and simply show up. This evening of events is intended to keep and share the memories of children we will never stop missing, and to support their families and friends as they find a way to carry heartache and give it meaning so then can move forward.
Registration fees
Memorial Run/Walk Closed
The course: a 2.4 mile loop with a large inflatable rainbow marking the start and finish line. The "Each One Counts Mile" begins as a path lined with several 12 foot white banners, each one representing a submitted loss during pregnancy, then makes a turn on State Route 245 to reveal statements of encouragement from well known folks, who also share the experience of child loss. The second mile hosts memorial markers, each honoring an infant, child, or young adult. The terrain is a mixture of hills and flat surface, mostly on roads, some on grass. Registration includes: Tri-blend soft t-shirt, bib number, one raffle entry, and a sky lantern
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$35.00Jun 1 - Jul 11
Virtual Memorial Run/Walk Closed
This is for anyone unable to attend the event in person and is available through July 10th. The registration will include: Tri-blend (extra soft) event t-shirt, bib number and other goodies. Items will be mailed for a $8 flat rate packing and shipping charge. There will also be an option to link your run/walk activity to the Runkeeper app, if you would like to make it official and receive a certificate to print upon completion. This service is included in registration fees. Every virtual participant will be entered into a drawing for a $25 Amazon gift card. The Drawing will take place Monday, July 11th.
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$38.00
($8 flat rate packing and shipping included)
Jun 1 - Jul 11
Rainbow Kiddie Dash Closed
Kiddie Rainbow Dashes are held prior to the start of the Memorial Run/Walk. Start lines begin as close as 20 meters for 1-2 year old, and increase in distance up to age 8. As they cross the finish line, they will receive a finisher's medal. This registration includes a cotton t-shirt, bubble wand, gold fish crackers, and fruit snacks.
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$7.00
Not available as virtual option
Jun 1 - Jul 11
Tier 1 Sponsorship Closed
• $500 • Business logo listed at the top of the event shirt • Component of event sponsorship with advertising onsite, ( Tiki Torch pods, Kiddie Rainbow Dash, rainbow arch start/finish line, lantern release, candle vigil, memorial course) • Business listed on event websites • Commemorative event candle and gift box • Four memorial walk/run registrations included
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$500.00Jun 1 - Jul 11
Tier 2 Sponsorship Closed
• $400 • Business logo listed on the event shirt • Component of event sponsorship with advertising onsite, ( Tiki Torch pods, Kiddie Rainbow Dash, rainbow arch start/finish line, lantern release, candle vigil, memorial course) • Business listed on event websites • Commemorative event candle and gift box • Three memorial walk/run registrations included
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$400.00Jun 1 - Jul 11
Tier 3 Sponsorship Closed
• $300 • Business logo listed on the event shirt • Business listed on event websites • Commemorative event candle and gift box • Two memorial walk/run registrations included
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$300.00Jun 1 - Jul 11
Tier 4 Sponsorship Closed
• $200 • Business listed on event websites • Commemorative event candle and gift box • One memorial walk/run registrations included
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$200.00Jun 1 - Jul 11
Event schedule
- Sat, July 13, 2024 6:45 PM - Registration/ Packet Pick Up/ Food Trucks Arrive
- Sat, July 13, 2024 7:30 PM - National Anthem
- Sat, July 13, 2024 7:40 PM - Rainbow Kiddie Dashes
- Sat, July 13, 2024 8:00 PM - Memorial Walk and Run
- Sat, July 13, 2024 9:00 PM - Raffles
- Sat, July 13, 2024 9:15 PM - Candle Vigil
- Sat, July 13, 2024 9:45 PM - Sky Lantern Release
Contact information
- Event contact
- Ashley Dennis
- Phone
- (937) 597-1918
- Website
- Visit website
