On November 3rd, tens of thousands of runners from all over the world will gather to run the TCS New York City Marathon. They will include professionals looking to win the world’s largest 26.2-mile race, dedicated runners who have logged qualifying times in other marathons, and those who won their bibs in a lottery. There will also be many who received their bibs by running for a team supporting a charitable cause. This includes a team running to benefit the critical research to end ALS at the ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI).
Preparing for and running a marathon is no easy task – and these runners have taken on the additional challenge of fundraising to support ALS research. However, their dedication to the cause has inspired them, and their supporters, to go the extra mile.
Here’s why the 2025 ALS TDI TCS New York City Marathon Team has taken on this incredible challenge – in their own words:
“On November 2nd, I am running the NYC marathon! I am running this race in honor of my dear friend’s mother, Jan North. Jan passed away from ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or Lou Gehrig’s disease) on Mother’s Day 2024. The type of ALS that Jan had is genetic, meaning that my best friend and her sister have a 50/50 percent chance of inheriting the gene. At this time, ALS is incurable. The organization that I am working with, ALS TDI, is a non-profit organization with the largest drug discovery lab, solely focused on finding a cure for ALS. My hope is that in my and my best friend’s lifetime, we can find better treatments and a cure for ALS.”
“I am running to honor my boyfriend’s father, who is currently battling ALS. The way he has handled the challenges that have come with his diagnosis and how he continues to lift up his family and friends constantly inspires me.”
“It is one of the greatest blessings of my life to run the NYC Marathon for my family, and especially my dad, who has faced his ALS diagnosis with profound courage, humility, and faith. He is my best friend and my inspiration.”
“Over the years, I’ve discovered that honoring my Mom—through fundraising, storytelling, and service—guides me. Though she’s no longer here physically, her values and strength live within me. That’s why it feels only right to start my next life chapter with purpose, a bold goal, and “Dana” written on my back. I’m honored to be running the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon--my second full marathon--as part of Team ALS Therapy Development Institute.”
“10 years ago, I couldn’t tell you about ALS because it never crossed my mind. Sure, we did the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge and went on our way. In March of 2015, everything changed. My big brother was diagnosed with ALS. April 14, 2017, was the last day my brother had ALS. Even now, it’s hard to believe, but even worse is that every day since, someone has gotten the same diagnosis. I’m asking for you to be part of finding a cure.
Close isn’t good enough!”
“I'm running 26.2 miles in honor of a lifelong friend—someone who has been a constant presence in my life through so many chapters. We grew up together, went to college together, and even lived together. Watching him face the challenges of ALS for 7+ years with strength and grace has been both heartbreaking and inspiring. This race is my way of showing support, raising awareness, and doing what I can to help find a cure—not just for him, but for the thousands of others who are fighting this devastating disease.”
“This mission is deeply personal to me and my family. My uncle, John Russo, has been living with ALS for over 12 years -defying the typical prognosis of just 3 to 5 years. ALS is a relentless, progressive disease that takes away the ability to walk, talk, and breathe - but not the will to fight. There is no cure yet - but there is hope, and that hope lies in research.
Through all the physical challenges, Uncle John has remained a source of light, humor, and strength in our lives. He has also worked to advance the science that could one day lead to a cure, serving on ALS research boards and making generous contributions of both time and resources to support groundbreaking discovery and advocacy. My family has come together year after year for ALS walks and 5Ks and this year, running the NYC Marathon is my way of honoring his fight and contributing to something bigger.”
“I’m Running the NYC Marathon for Alex Cooke—and for Everyone Affected by ALS/MND
In 2023 we lost my boss, mentor, and friend, Alex Cooke, to ALS. Alex was one of the true leaders in my life. With countless hours spent at the cutting board together, Alex taught me far more than just my craft, all with immense patience!
His strength, perseverance, and unwavering dedication to his work and those around him was a daily inspiration. He led with humility, lifted up everyone around him, and pushed me more than I can ever put into words. Even as ALS took away so much, Alex never lost his courage, clarity, or compassion.
If you’re able to donate, no matter the amount, I’d be deeply grateful. And if you can share this story too, as Alex would say, that’d be “mint”.”
To support the 2025 ALS TDI TCS New York City Marathon Team, click here.
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