News & Stories
Ready to Run? Team ALS Opportunities Await
Celebrating Another Record-Breaking Year & Looking Ahead
What a season. In 2025, our team grew bigger and bolder than ever. More than 250 runners took to the streets of Chicago as part of the largest ALS charity team in the nation. Together, you raised over $675,000 (and counting!) to advance care, fund research, and fuel hope for families facing ALS. It was our biggest year yet, and it happened because of you.
Now it’s time to look ahead…
“I don’t run marathons because they are easy. They are hard and [remind] me of what my mom went through as she slowly lost her movement from ALS. […] @alsunitedchi brings people together to remember why we run and I’m so grateful to have been on Team ALS for @chimarathon 🏃♀️” -@moore_sustainablewellness via Instagram
2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon
Chicago, IL – Sunday, October 11, 2026
The 48th running of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon will take place on Sunday, October 11, 2026. We’re thrilled to announce that ALS United Greater Chicago has secured 252 bibs for Team ALS!
The application for guaranteed entry opens on Tuesday, October 21, and will close on Thursday, November 20.
To receive the registration link as soon as it opens, complete our brief interest survey now.
Fundraising minimums for all charity participants have been updated for 2025:
- $2,200 if the entry is claimed during this application window
- $2,500 if the entry is claimed during the second window (November 21, 2025 – May 31, 2026)
We hope you’ll take on this incredible challenge in 2026 to support those impacted by ALS!
I’m Ready
Run Internationally with Team ALS
In 2026, Team ALS is expanding its presence across the country and around the world. Whether you’re chasing a personal best, checking off a bucket-list race, or simply love running for a cause, there are more opportunities than ever to join the team.
- January 26, 2026 – Miami
- March 1, 2026 – Tokyo (FULL)
- March 1, 2026 – Napa
- March 26, 2026 – Run 4 Rome Relay
- September 2026 – Berlin
- October 2026 – Marine Corps
- October 25, 2026 – Dublin
- October 11, 2026 – Chicago
Contact sarah@alsunitedchicago.org for more information or to reserve your spot.
Every Bib Has a Story
Meet some of the faces that make up Team ALS…
Hannah Cohen: Learn the story behind the shirt. Hannah created the amazing 2025 Team ALS team logo featured on the shirts and ran in memory of her Grampie, Larry Pfisterer, whose creativity inspired her own.
Kara Gruenewald: Kara ran in honor of her dad, Don, an athlete who inspired her every step. “You push past limits that you probably once thought weren’t possible.”
Jeremy Miller: Jeremy represented Team ALS on the world stage as part of our first international team, running the 2025 Berlin Marathon. Tune in Tuesday, November 18, to hear Jeremy’s story during Season’s Sunflower Hour.
We are so grateful for each and every one of you! Your dedication makes this team so special. Thank you for being part of Team ALS. Together, we end ALS.
Warmly,
Sarah Brandt
Director of Development
ALS United Greater Chicago
PS: Questions, feedback, or ideas? Reach out to me at sarah@alsunitedchicago.org or call 312-932-0000.
#TeamALS #EndALS #ALSUnited
teamals.org