Run to Defeat ALS Team ALS
Run with purpose: join Team ALS and conquer a marathon locally or abroad to move us closer to a world without ALS.
ALS United Greater Chicago is proud to have partnered with hundreds of athletes throughout the years in the largest Team ALS programs nationwide. Combining physical endurance with a fierce dedication to fighting Lou Gehrig's Disease, Team ALS has raised over two million dollars toward care, research, and advocacy while spreading awareness about ALS with every step they take.
Congratulations to Team ALS 2025 for finishing
the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on Sunday, October 12th!
You are amazing!
2026 Team ALS Marathons
for information on Team ALS 2026 Marathons, contact Sarah Brandt
2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon:
Sunday, October 11, 2026
Team ALS runners are a special group of athletes who participate in the annual Bank of America Chicago Marathon in support of the ALS community through ALS United Greater Chicago. If you or someone you know is ready to take on this incredible challenge and embark on a journey of a lifetime, take our 2026 interest survey today! Registration opens October 21, 2025.
Our Team ALS charity runners receive:
-
Complimentary training support
-
Race gear, including a Team ALS race shirt
-
Access to a fundraising platform
-
Pre-race dinner
-
Access to the private race day suite
-
And much more!
Congratulations to the 2025 Team ALS Athletes!
On Sunday, October 12, more than 250 incredible members of Team ALS took on the 47th running of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. They pushed through every mile with strength, heart, and purpose.
Together, this inspiring team has raised over $660,000 to support ALS United Greater Chicago’s mission to improve care, advance research, and provide critical support for people living with ALS and their families. Their dedication on race day, and throughout months of training and fundraising, fuels hope for the ALS community.
While the marathon may be over, the race to end ALS continues. You can help push us even further. Donate today to support Team ALS and make a lasting impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I participate in the Team ALS Marathon Challenge?
To join Team ALS, you must secure a bib for the Chicago Marathon. Registration for guaranteed charity bibs opens Tuesday, October 21, 2025, and runs through Tuesday, November 18, 2025. Take the 2026 Interest Survey Here to recieve the link when it opens.
Once you have your bib, contact Sarah Brandt to complete your Team ALS registration. After approval, you will set your fundraising goal, customize your fundraising page, and prepare for the marathon with training and support from Team ALS.
2. Why should I join Team ALS?
Team ALS provides:
-
Fundraising and training support
-
A community of like-minded athletes
-
Opportunities to celebrate achievements together
-
Exclusive Team ALS events and race-day experiences
3. What is the fundraising minimum?
-
$2,200 if you register by Wednesday, November 18, 2025
-
$2,500 if you register after November 19, 2025
Participants are also responsible for Bank of America Chicago Marathon registration fees.
4. How does fundraising work?
Team ALS provides online fundraising tools, resources, and materials to help you reach your goal. Once you start asking for support, donations often come in faster than expected!
5. How are contributions used?
Funds support:
6. How can I support Team ALS as a volunteer?
Volunteer opportunities include:
-
Race Expo support in the days leading up to the marathon
-
Race-day cheering at designated Team ALS cheer stations
More information will be available closer to race day.
7. What if I have additional questions?
Contact Sarah Brandt at sarah@alsunitedchicago.org or call 312-932-0000.
8. Can I join Team ALS for other races?
Yes! You can participate in any race, local or national, and fundraise for ALS United Greater Chicago. After registering for your chosen race, head to our DIY Fundraising Page to kick off your efforts.
9. What is ALS?
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, eventually leading to their death. This impacts the brain’s ability to control muscles. To learn more, click here.
ALS United Greater Chicago Team ALS Staff
The Run to Defeat ALS Marathon Challenge is not just any marathon event; it's a heartfelt call to athletes and advocates alike to join hands in the fight against Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), often known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. ALS United Greater Chicago proudly invites you to partake in the 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, a significant event where physical endurance meets a fierce dedication to advancing care, research, and advocacy for those affected by ALS. As a special group of athletes, Team ALS members dedicate their Marathon journey to ALS awareness, benefiting from comprehensive support including complimentary training and fundraising platforms. By participating, you contribute significantly towards ALS research funding, community support, and political advocacy, embodying the spirit of unity and resilience. Join us and embark on this journey of a lifetime to make a tangible difference in the lives of those battling ALS.