Know Before You Go
Can you believe the ALS Walk for Life is only three days away? We are so excited to see everyone again at Soldier Field. From everyone at the Les Turner ALS Foundation, thank you so much for attending the Walk and being a leader in the fight against ALS.
Here are some frequently asked questions to get ready for this Saturday:
Do I have to register to attend the event? Yes, but people can register on-site if needed. All participants must register and sign a waiver to attend the Walk. Register online in advance to skip the lines.
When does the event start? Registration will begin at 9:00 a.m. and the Walk will kick off at 10:30 a.m.
When will Pope Leo XIV’s message be shown? As part of the opening ceremony, which starts at 10:00 a.m.
What happens if it rains? We walk rain or shine, so be prepared for all inclement weather. Bring sunscreen, bug spray, blankets, jackets, ponchos, umbrellas, etc.
Is there a registration fee to participate and/or a fundraising minimum? There is no registration fee or fundraising minimum. However, to be eligible for the official event t-shirt, the $100 fundraising minimum must be met toward your individual fundraising goal. Team fundraising totals will not be eligible for fundraising incentive prizes.
Where do I turn in donations/pick up my incentive prizes?
You are able to do both of these things at the Donation Drop Off/Incentive Tent on site. If you are a team captain who has raised $1500, this is also where you will pick up your Team Captain incentive and if your team had raised over $3000 by 9/5, this is also where you will pick up your Team Banner.
Is the event wheelchair friendly? Of course! Accessibility around the venue and along the Walk route is critical and our top priority.
What is the Walk route? The walk includes a two-mile stroll along the lakefront in Chicago, finishing with a trip through historic Soldier Field. The course map can be found here.
What will happen at the Walk? In addition to walking together in solidarity around the Chicago lakefront, the Walk will include food trucks, live entertainment, children’s activities, educational opportunities, and many team photo areas.
Where will the March of Faces be? The banners will hang in front of the stage, on barricades leading into Soldier Field along the walk route, and on barricades leading into the green.
When/where are the support group meet-ups? Support groups will meet at the Support Group tent at the following times:
- 9:00 a.m. – Newly Diagnosed with Cara Gallagher
- 9:20 a.m. – Young Adult with Michelle Shaker
- 12:00 p.m. – Navigating ALS Together and Caregivers Group with Karen Steffens, Rochelle Walwer and Anne Lidsky
- 12:30 p.m. – Living after Loss and Moving Forward After Loss with Easton Stevenson
Can I bring my dog? Only certified guide dogs are allowed inside Soldier Field and all must be leashed and under their owner’s control — no exceptions.
Can I bring a tent? To ensure everyone’s safety, pop-up tents are not allowed. You are still welcome to bring tables, chairs, blankets, etc., but we ask that you leave your tents at home.
How do I get to Soldier Field? The address is 1410 S. Museum Campus Drive, Chicago, IL 60605. Exit Lake Shore Drive via 18th Street and the entrance to the Waldron Parking Deck will be on your left. Directions are available on Soldier Field’s website. Please allow plenty of time for traffic and parking.
Where do I park?
General Parking – There is plenty of convenient and easy parking in the Waldron lot, which is located south of Soldier Field and can be accessed from 18th Street. Each car will be expected to pay $27 upon arrival (cash and credit card accepted). Please note that the parking fee is regulated and collected by the Park District and therefore, we have no control over the amount.
Reserved Parking for People Living with ALS – Handicap parking spots will be reserved for people living with ALS on the lower level of the Waldron parking garage. If you or your team needs to reserve a spot, contact the events team at mfrischer@lesturnerals.org. There will also be plenty of handicap-accessible parking spaces in the Waldron garage available on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Handicap Drop-off – There will be a drop-off point north of the gathering area. It is located on the east side of Soldier Field, in front of Gate 14, and can be accessed from Museum Campus Drive. Once members or items have been unloaded, drivers will be directed to the south lot which can be accessed from 18th Street
How can I help spread the word about the ALS Walk for Life? Use #ALSWalkforLife when posting on social media! We’d love to reshare your photos and posts.
Top Team Fundraisers
Moving Mountains with Mustard Seeds $68,573
Rob’s Mob $40,000
About Les’ Spirit $38,410
Top Individual Fundraisers
Patrick Dillon $12,500
Bonny Gaffen $11,585
Michelle Place $9,538
Pope Leo XIV to address the ALS Walk for Life
Pope Leo XIV will deliver a video message of love, hope, and compassion at the ALS Walk for Life. His address will be part of the opening ceremony, which starts at 10 a.m.
March of Faces
Looking for your loved ones? The March of Faces banners will hang in front of the stage, on barricades leading into Soldier Field along the walk route, and on barricades leading into the green.
Resources
Team Captain Kit
This guide includes tips on recruiting teammates, how to motivate your team, fundraising 101, online and offline fundraising ideas, a team captain checklist, and exciting fundraising prizes. Access the Team Captain Kit.
March of Faces
Submissions for the March of Faces are closed for 2025. But you can submit to for the 2026 ALS Walk for Life!
All Participants Must Register
Everyone who will be on-site and participating in the Walk, regardless of age, needs to sign up for the event and sign the event waiver. Skip the registration line on event day and sign up your crew online.
Fundraising Incentive Prizes and Annual T-Shirt
Check out this year’s annual ALS Walk for Life t-shirt and other fundraising incentive prizes.
ALS Awareness Beads
ALS Awareness Beads will be back! Don’t forget to grab yours at the Registration or Support Services tents.
Always feel free to reach out to us with any questions. We’re here to help.
Thank you for joining us in the fight against ALS.
See you soon!
Mady Frischer (they/them/theirs)
Senior Associate, Events
Les Turner ALS Foundation
847 745 6015 Direct
847 679 3311 General
