We are so fortunate that we have options when running and racing.  There are new events popping up every day and if you want, you can race every weekend and a couple times thru the week.  The race distance which seems to be growing the fastest is the 5K.  This is a distance that is family friendly, fun and challenging all the same.  It can be fast and furious or a measure of one’s ever-growing fitness level.  For this reason, charities seem to favor this distance for both fun and fundraising.  One such charity is the Les Turner Foundation which is hosting it’s 4th Annual Strike Out ALS 5K on Tuesday, July 16th at US Cellular Field.

What is ALS?   ALS = Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
ALS—often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease or motor neuron disease (MND)—is a progressive, degenerative disease affecting motor neurons. Motor neurons are specialized nerve cells that carry impulses from the brain to the muscles by way of the brainstem and the spinal cord. The muscles then move in response to these impulses.

In ALS, motor neurons gradually cease functioning and die. As this happens, the muscle tissues waste away because no movement is being stimulated. This results in gradually worsening muscle weakness, atrophy, and often spasticity. Only the motor neurons are affected. Other nerve cells, such as sensory neurons that bring information from sense organs to the brain, remain healthy.  Source & more info HERE.

The Strike Out ALS 5K gives runners a one-of-a-kind experience.  The race starts at the iconic home plate of Comiskey Park and finishes on the warning track inside U.S. Cellular Field. Following the race, runners can celebrate with family, friends and White Sox fans at the after party featuring the 2013 MLB All-Star Game under the lights of the ballpark. The concession stands will be open and the game will be broadcast on the Jumbotron.  This race is on a Tuesday night and includes free parking at the ballpark.  Free Parking = WINNING!!

The race entry is currently valued at $40 but might be considered “priceless” to White Sox fans in the CHI.  If you would like to be entered to win this free entry, please comment below.  If you REALLY want to win this entry then share this post with your friends via Facebook or Twitter and let me know that you did so (in the comments below).  You’ll get an extra entry for each social media share.  I’ll draw a winner via a random number generator at 9am on Monday, June 24th.  Good luck!

This looks like a great event that would be fun for the whole family.  I like that.  All proceeds go to the Les Turner Foundation.  I like that.  Free parking.  I REALLY like that.  If you are too excited to wait for the drawing for the free entry, go HERE to register now.  Enjoy!

** Win an Entry to the Strike Out ALS 5K ** Amanda – TooTallFritz **