2021 Betty’s Run for ALS, supported by Global News & 770 CHQR

For 25 years, Betty’s Run has been inspiring care, hope and community – and we will continue to do so in 2021, despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Once again in 2021, Betty’s Run for ALS will be a virtual event, taking place on June 13th.  While we have had to change how we participate last year and this, we’ll never change why. Our why is to create a future without ALS – a future that can’t come soon enough. It’s to make a meaningful difference to families living with ALS today and honour those we have loved and lost.

As one of our biggest annual events, Betty’s Run raises much-needed funds for community-based support and dedicated ALS research funding. Now more than ever, your support makes a difference in enabling us to continue to support families living with ALS in a time of social distancing.

What is a “virtual walk/run”? And how do I participate?

A virtual run is an event that can be run, walked, wheeled or ridden from any location you choose, whether that be on the road, on the trail, or on the treadmill at home. In this time of social distancing, it means you and your team can all participate, individually, from wherever you are around the world. The key is to stay connected online so we can still feel the magic of event day. Last year, we connected online via opening and closing ceremonies, photos shared from across Calgary and even around the world, and social media interaction. This year’s will be bigger and better, as we take your feedback and adapt the event for 2021.

Although we can’t walk or run together in person, we will connect online and inspire each other both in Calgary and around the world. Please take a moment to watch this video of last year’s event (combined with the Walk to End ALS in Alberta).

Event Day Schedule (TBC):

9:30 AM: Opening Remarks

10:00 AM: Betty’s Run in your community – walk, run, ride or wheel for the distance you choose! Share your journey on social media, tagging #bettysrun and @alsalberta

2:00 PM: Finish Line – tune in to our social media live streams for a fun closing ceremony featuring special guests!

More details to come, so stay tuned.

Betty Norman and the Run for ALS

Betty’s Run for ALS celebrates, promotes and channels hope for those affected with ALS, their families and their friends.

Twenty-five years ago, Betty Norman had a wish to find a cure for ALS. In spite of her own battle with the disease, Betty unselfishly used her time and energy to bring her vision to life. In Betty’s own words, “I remain determined. I have an important need to find some meaning in my altered life and maybe a justification as to why I was given this horrible disease. I want to make a difference in the time that I have left and possibly help future people with ALS.”

Hundreds of families, volunteers and supporters have carried the torch forward to make Betty’s Run an event that inspires care, hope and community. This grassroots event laid the financial foundation to enable the ALS Society of Alberta to grow in its support of people living with ALS across Alberta. Since the first run, families have raised more than $8.1 million for research, equipment and client support services.

Who is Betty?

Betty Norman was an active 58-year-old Calgarian when she was diagnosed with ALS in August of 1996. Betty’s courage and determination to make a difference was the driving force behind the June 1997 “This One’s for Betty” walk/run. Sadly, Betty passed away within 11 months of her diagnosis and two weeks after the event that she inspired took place.

Determined to continue Betty’s unwavering spirit, the organizing committee unanimously decided to hold an event every year in Betty’s memory and honour. They also wanted to raise much-needed funds to support the many other Albertans currently living with or affected by ALS. This is how the annual Betty’s Run for ALS was born.