CMC XC teams help fight ALS

Community invited to join Sept. 13 fundraiser

The Colorado Mountain College men's and women's cross-country teams are invite area runners and cyclists to join them in a fundraising race in Leadville to help raise money for a cause with a Vail connection.

Money from the race, held along with Runs For ALS, will support the care, treatment and expenses of people battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also called Lou Gehrig's disease) and their families. Runs For ALS also provides money for organizations that support and conduct ALS research that might lead to better treatment and a cure.

Brian Shifrin fought his ALS battle for 2-1/2 years before he passed away at the age of 43 in 2019. SHIFRUNS, a challenge that asks participants to ski or snowboard 20 ski runs in one day, was created by his sister, Pam Shifrin, of Vail. She wanted to help create ALS awareness and raise money to pay for her brother's care. After thousands of dollars was raised, Pam Shifrin vowed to continue SHIFRUNS in his memory and created Runs For ALS, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.

The Saturday, Sept. 13, race will start at 9 a.m. at the CMC Leadville field, 901 U.S. Highway 24. Check-in begins at 8 a.m. The registration fee is $40.

Runners will race a 2.5-mile loop either once or four times, which is 10 miles. Bikers will race a five-mile loop four times for a 20-mile race. There is a three-hour cutoff. Non-racers can take part in a 2.5-mile walk.

The top three male and female finishers in each run and bike race will receive prizes. There will also be raffle drawing opportunities and giveaway bags for all participants.

For more information about the CMC Leadville fundraising race, contact Darren Brungardt, CMC cross-country head coach, via email or

719-486-4296.