31,000 people in America have ALS, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a degenerative disease where nerve cells die spontaneously, causing paralysis of muscles and impaired mobility. Once diagnosed, the life expectancy for someone with ALS is usually 2 to 5 years. In an effort to fund research to discover a cure, ALS ONE, a local non-profit, will host runners for the Falmouth Road Race on August 20.
The road race started 51 years ago by the Japanese athletics brand, ASICS.
ALS covers the race fee of $200. In return runners are required to raise a minimum of $1,000 to participate in the 7-mile Falmouth race. Many have already joined the ALS One team, raising an average of $10,000 per runner, and some raising upwards of $35,000. The funds for ALS ONE will be used to back global leaders in their research in unearthing breakthroughs to fuel a cure for ALS.
Every stride is for a good cause, and while running is the most common mode of participation, athletes have walked, biked, and even surfed their 7 miles for ALS!
ALS ONE hosts a variety of events throughout the year. Other upcoming fundraising opportunities include:
- Golf Tourney at Northborough, MA Juniper Hills Golf Club: August 25
- Berkshire Cycle Ride: September 2
- Upstate Vermont 70-Mile Bike Ride: September 16
- Lynnfield Golf Tourney: September 25
- Decades Dance Party: September 30
- 2023 NYC Marathon: November 5
Find the 2023 ALS ONE Falmouth Road Race registration online