Run to Defeat ALS
Join the Run to Defeat ALS Marathon Challenge! ALS United Greater Chicago is proud to have partnered with hundreds of athletes throughout the years in one of the largest TeamALS programs nationwide. Combining physical endurance with a fierce dedication to fighting Lou Gehrig's Disease, TeamALS has raised over two million dollars toward care, research, and advocacy while spreading awareness about ALS with every step they take.
2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon:
Sunday, October 13, 2024
TeamALS 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. The 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon will take place on Sunday, October 13, 2024. If you or someone you know might be ready to accept this huge challenge and take the journey of a lifetime, start your registration today!
Our TeamALS charity runners receive complimentary training, a race shirt, fundraising platform, pre-race dinner, access to the private race day suite, plus much more. Please connect with our Run Coordinator, Sarah Brandt, at sarah@alsunitedchicago.org, for instructions on registering. To support a 2024 TeamALS runner, use the button below to connect to their fundraising page.
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FAQs
How can I participate in the Run to Defeat ALS Marathon Challenge?
TeamALS members must secure a bib for the Chicago Marathon, and must first reach out to Sarah Brandt to do so. Once registration is complete, we can approve your entry, then runners set a fundraising goal, customize their page, and fundraise for the cause as they prepare for the challenge of the marathon on October 13, 2024. TeamALS members receive training support, race gear, and access to fundraising and training tools.
Why should I join TeamALS?
ALS United Greater Chicago offers numerous resources and services for TeamALS participants to help reach both their physical and fundraising goals. Additionally, TeamALS participants are joining a community of fellow athletic enthusiasts that will push, cheer and celebrate together throughout the lifecycle of the event.
What if I have other questions about joining before I register?
Contact Sarah at sarah@alsunitedchicago.org or call 312-932-0000.
How can I support TeamALS at the event as a volunteer?
There are a select number of volunteer positions available at the Race Expo during the days before the race, throughout race weekend, as well as cheering on TeamALS at our designated cheer stations during the run. More information will be available closer to the race date. Please contact Kat Lamar at kathryn@alsunitedchicago.org or call 312-932-0000 if you are interested.
Is there a registration fee and fundraising minimum?
Yes, charity runners for the Chicago Marathon are required to meet a fundraising minimum of $1250 (if you register by November 16, 2023) and cover registration fees charged by BofA Chicago Marathon for the race. For more information, visit the Chicago Marathon's FAQ guide.
Is it hard to meet a fundraising goal?
ALS United Greater Chicago has created online fundraising tools to make it easier for you to reach your goal, and we can help you with materials, ideas, and other resources. Once you start asking people for support, you will be surprised how quickly donations come in.
How does ALS United Greater Chicago utilize contributions?
This money funds cutting-edge research, enables advocacy on the political front, and provides service in the form of community support and financial accommodation to those living with ALS.
What is ALS?
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Motor neurons reach from the brain to the spinal cord and from the spinal cord to the muscles throughout the body. The progressive degeneration of the motor neurons in ALS eventually leads to their death. To learn more about the disease, click here.
If you need more information about TeamALS, please contact Sarah at sarah@alsunitedchicago.org or call 312-932-0000.
We are an official charity partner with the Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend
How can I participate?
You can select from a variety of distances to participate in the Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend, April 25-27, 2024. Before you register, please email sarah@alsunitedchicago.org to receive your special discount code for the race you choose! We will have our Run to Defeat ALS booth set up at the Expo in the ARC at UofI over race weekend, so please stop by to say hello. And, to thank you for your fundraising you will receive an exclusive Run to Defeat ALS race shirt! You may register at illinoismarathon.com.
ALS United Greater Chicago TeamALS 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, TeamALS 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.