AlzRun 2024: Ultradistance Adventure Runs in 50 States to Stop Alzheimer’s
Please join me in running a beautiful trail ultra in your state and raising money for Alzheimer’s research. 100% of the donations will fund research with the highest probability of preventing, slowing or reversing Alzheimer’s.
Purpose
This trip will be an adventure—an opportunity to challenge ourselves with something hard and likely full of unforgettable moments of discovery, beauty, and joy. And it is a way for those of us grieving family members or loved ones afflicted with Alzheimer’s—or concerned about future generations—to share our stories and together raise money for research focused on ending Alzheimer’s. Here is my “Why?” Let’s do what we can together to stop this disease.
The Routes!
I’ve selected, modified or created an ultra-distance route in each state to explore celebrated terrain and habitats that span our country. I will recruit local runners in each state to join me in fundraising for Alzheimer’s research and running that route. I’ve tried to pick routes just at the edge of what I feel capable of, but each of us is different and much depends on us choosing our own challenges. Many routes have opportunies for a relay team of family and friends, and most can be shortened or lengthened into the right-sized challenge for you. If you might be interested, we can discuss how to make a route safe and rewarding for you.
Might you join a run?
My dream is to recruit at least one runner in each state to join me when I visit your state, maybe a few. And I hope runners feel comaraderie with ultrarunners in other states, those running before or after. Inspiring each other. All wanting to support Alzheimer’s research, and perhaps share our stories. If you might be interested, please reach out and we can discuss what might work best for you. Thank you!
Why Cure Alz Fund?
CureAlz funding has led to many key breakthroughs in understanding the causes and pathology of Alzheimer’s disease. They are hopeful about the prospects ahead to stop this disease that affects my family—maybe yours too. They award funds quickly to research that shows great promise or targets a critical piece of the puzzle, guided by an extraordinary research advisory group that brings expertise from around the world on every aspect of Alzheimer’s Disease. Donating to CureAlz makes an impact.
Representation
A primary goal of this project is to share diverse experiences with Alzheimer’s disease spanning the entire country. Women and communities of color are affected disproportionatly by Alzheimer’s disease, so it is a particular priority to support participation by members of historically marginalized communities in these runs and highlight their voices.
Do you want to help in your state without running?
There are many important ways to get involved in your state, should you want to play a key role without running all day. (and night?!) Some routes could have crewing opportunities mid-route where volunteers can help replenish fuel, hydration, and motivation. A few states have point-to-point routes requiring a shuttle to the start. In every state, local promotion and outreach is essential and logistically challenging for me. On alternating travel days, I’d love to arrange for walks or visits with local folks who have Alzheimer’s stories to share. And of course fundraising and donating to support the runners in your state would be super-appreciated.
Do you have local knowledge of a route?
Please click the contact button below if you have local advice on any of these trails, whether trail conditions and easily overlooked hazards or preferred variations and alternatives. Also feel free to affirm a route as a good choice. Thank you!
Sponsors
Seeking named project sponsors to contribute in any of the following ways: 1) Make a large donation to Cure Alzheimer’s Fund; 2) Promote the project to increase awareness and engagement; or 3) Sponsor participation by local ultrarunners from communities that are underrepresented in trailrunning or disproportionately burdened by Alzheimer’s disease.
AlzRun 2011: OR to RI
In 2011, I made one of my best—or perhaps luckiest—decisions: choosing Cure Alzheimer’s Fund to receive donations from a cross-continental fundraising run. I decided to run because I needed time and focus to process the grief of losing my dad from early-onset Alzheimer’s. Running is how I process. I had no expectation that the money raised would feel consequential, but it did thanks to CureAlz. And I had no idea that a “solo” run would turn into one of the strongest community experiences of my life.
Sponsors
Media coverage
“Now I Am Inspired” by Buzz Burrell, Ultrarunning Magazine, April 2024.
Image credits
Unless otherwise noted, all photos by Glenn Caffery, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0.
Google Earth Pro flyover and route images © Google.
Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve photo atop the routes page by US NPS: “June 2006 rain on the prairie.”
Let’s do this together
Interested in joining AlzRun? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly! We can't wait to hear from you!