Historic Beck’s Mill will host its annual Grind XI 5K Run/Walk Anderson-Good Memorial Race on Saturday, Sept. 14.  Activities will be centered around the mill, located at 4433 S. Beck's Mill Rd, Salem, IN.

The Grind 5K is the mill's largest annual fundraiser. All proceeds from the event will be used to preserve and maintain the mill. 

This is a Mag 7 Race.  Race participants will receive five additional points for participating in this "Hidden Gem" race.

Registration will begin at 7:30 a.m., and racing starts at 9 a.m.

Early registrations before Sept. 1 are $25 with memorial shirt or $20 without a shirt. Registrations after Sept. 1 will be $25 and will not include a shirt.

Some shirts may be available for purchase on race day.

To register online, please visit: https://runsignup.com/Race/IN/Salem/TheGrind5KRunWalkatBecksMill or www.becksmill.org

Race entry includes access to the mill and grounds for participants, including a post-race breakfast provided by Shady Patch Farm of Salem and snacks. Participants will enjoy the quiet countryside, tours of the mill and learning history of the mill.  Relaxing post-race comfort can be found at the waterfall (dam) at the old mill.  There will be an award ceremony immediately after the race, including many door prizes.  Finisher medals will be given to the first 100 participants to cross the finish line. Awards will be given to the top three male and female finalists, as well.

Chicken barbecue meals from the Mt. Carmel/Friends of Beck’s Mill will be available, beginning 11 a.m. in the parking lot. Meals include chicken and two sides for $8. Grilling by Louis Courtney and Jim and Trent Woodward. The barbecue is sponsored by Tyson and Walmart.

In addition, Barry Hattabaugh will be performing live music in the morning, and Willy's Jeep Club and a Mustang club will be in the parking lot at 2 p.m.

The race is in honor of Joyce Anderson, seventh-generation owner of Beck’s Mill who donated the mill to Friends of Beck’s Mill, and past board member and volunteer, Gerry Goode.

The Beck family built their first mill on this historic site in 1808. Their third mill still remains. The mill once ground corn, small grains such as wheat and processed wool; all powered by water!   

After setting idle for more than 50 years, the little grist mill south of Salem is now churning out a product that once made it famous.  

In 2008 Beck's Mill was returned in restored and operational condition to the directors of the Friends of Beck’s Mill, Inc. Beck’s Mill is operated solely by the efforts of an all-volunteer staff. The leadership of Friends of Beck’s Mill, Inc. continues to enhance the visitor experience to Beck's Mill every year as numerous new events are planned every season.

The mill is open to the public Saturdays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sundays, 1-4 p.m.  Admission is $5 for adults. Children under age 16 are admitted free (with paid adult admission.)

Friends of Beck’s Mill is undergoing a restructuring of leadership and encourages everyone to become a member of the group. They recently issued the following statement, “It is vital that we keep the mill and it’s property accessible and safe for all to enjoy its beauty. With this new leadership we are hoping to see new ideas to keep visitors interested in returning each year.”

“Thanks to our dedicated racers and generous sponsors, this race would only be successful because of your kindness and dedication in securing the historic mill’s future.”

Donations to help support the mill may be mailed to: 

Friends of Beck’s Mill

P.O. Box 288 

Salem, IN 47147