Partnering for an ALS cure
Runners, cyclists and walkers invited to join Sept. 12 fundraiser at CMC Leadville
Left, Pam Shifrin, started Runs 4 ALS, in honor of her brother Brian who died of ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, in 2019. Shifrin and CMC Leadville are partnering to produce a fundraising walk, run and mountain bike ride at the Leadville campus on Saturday, Sept. 12.
Community members are invited to run, bike or walk during the fundraiser at CMC Leadville. The event benefits Runs for ALS, a Vail-based nonprofit that assists families with expenses related to ALS care and treatment. The organization also supports ALS research aimed at improving treatment and finding a cure.
ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.
Runs for ALS grew out of one family’s experience with the disease. Brian Shifrin was diagnosed with ALS and lived with the disease for 2-1/2 years before his death in 2019 at age 43. His sister, Vail resident Pam Shifrin, initially created SHIFRUNS, a challenge in which participants skied or rode 20 runs in a day to raise awareness of ALS and help pay for her brother’s care.
After SHIFRUNS raised thousands of dollars, Pam Shifrin continued the effort in her brother’s memory by establishing Runs for ALS as a nonprofit organization.
The Sept. 12 event will begin at 9 a.m. on the field at CMC Leadville, 901 U.S. Highway 24. Check-in begins at 8 a.m., and registration is $40.
Participants may choose a 2.5-mile walk, a 10-mile trail run or a 20-mile trail bike race. The run and bike courses will follow dirt trails, with water and aid stations available.
Prizes will be awarded to top men and women in each running and cycling event. Participants will also receive giveaway bags and may enter raffle drawings.
For more information, visit runs4als.or/events or contact Darren Brungardt, CMC cross-country and track coach, at 719-486-4296.