Event FAQs
Walk for HOPE. Walk for HELP. Walk for LIFE.
Whether it's your first time at the ALS Walk for Life or you're a seasoned veteran, questions about the day are bound to come up. We've put together an extensive list of all the questions asked over the past 23 years of holding the Walk and encourage you to look through this page to have your questions answered.
If you still don't see the answer to your specific question, feel free to email events@lesturnerals.org or call our office at 847 679 3311.
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?
We encourage anyone and everyone to participate so there is no registration fee. However, we do encourage each participant to set a fundraising goal of at least $100. To be eligible for the official event t-shirt, the $100 fundraising minimum must be met.
When do you begin and stop collecting donations for the Walk?
Since the ALS Walk for Life has become the Les Turner ALS Foundation’s signature event, we begin collecting donations January 1 and will keep our books open until December 31. We encourage you to turn in your money as early as possible but will accept donations on Walk day and after the Walk. Please ensure all checks are made out to the Les Turner ALS Foundation and that anytime you turn in money, your team name and the walker who should be credited is clearly indicated on the check and/or envelope.
Where should I mail checks?
Please mail checks only (no cash) to:
Les Turner ALS Foundation
Attn: ALS Walk for Life
5550 W Touhy Avenue, Suite 302
Skokie, IL 60077
Checks should be made payable to the Les Turner ALS Foundation. Remember to indicate on the check or envelope your team name and the person that should be credited. All offline gifts will be uploaded to your fundraising page (unless otherwise noted) and reflected in your fundraising total.
Are there rules and restrictions regarding dogs?
For the safety and comfort of our patients, many of whom cannot move away from a lively pet, we ask you to leave your dogs at home. Only certified guide dogs are allowed inside Soldier Field and all must be leashed and under their owners 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, charcoal grills, chairs, blankets, etc., but we ask that you leave your tents at home.
How do I receive an official ALS Walk for Life t-shirt?
All participants who have fundraised $100 or more by event day are eligible to receive an official event t-shirt. T-shirts will be given out at the t-shirt tent starting at 9:30 a.m. on event day.
I'm having trouble logging in/ setting up my personal page/ setting up my team page...
Please explore our participant center guide for instructions and FAQs. If you still need help, contact us at events@lesturnerals.org
Is the event wheelchair friendly?
Of course! Accessibility around the venue and along the Walk route is critical and our top priority.
Can we cookout after the Walk?
Yes, you’re welcome to bring food or snacks for your team members to enjoy, but there are a few exceptions. Gas grills and alcohol are NOT allowed at the Walk. Security guards from Soldier Field will be monitoring the event and have the authority to demand their removal.
If you’re interested in bringing a charcoal grill, we ask that teams clear the area and safely dispose of their charcoal by 2:30 p.m. Special bags will be provided for this purpose. Teams that don't want to grill can pack a picnic lunch, enjoy the complimentary light refreshments provided at the event, or purchase food from the various food trucks available at the event.
Where will my team gather?
Teams will gather in the Stadium Green, located on the southeast side of Soldier Field. View the Walk site map to see the location of the Stadium Green and the event day setup.
Am I able to reserve a spot for my team in advance?
All participants can access the grounds at 8:30 a.m. on the day of the Walk. Spots in the Team Gathering Area, located in the Stadium Green, will be available on a first come, first served, basis.
What is the walk route?
The Walk route is approximately two miles and will start along the lakefront, wind through museum campus, and end with a stroll around Soldier Field.
How do I get to Soldier Field?
Soldier Field's 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 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. This garage is located south of Soldier Field and leads directly to the team gathering area. If you or your team needs to reserve a spot, contact the events team at events@lesturnerals.org or 847 679 3311. We will be emailing parking passes to those with reserved parking, so don't forget to have it with you on the day of the event!
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.
Can I submit to the March of Faces banner?
Yes! Follow this link to submit to March of Faces. The deadline for submissions is August 23rd. All after this deadline, all submissions will be witheld till the 2025 ALS Walk for Life.
How can I help spread the word about the ALS Walk for Life?
Help us go viral by using #ALSWalkforLife when posting on social media.
Rules at Soldier Field
- No alcohol
- No propane grills; charcoal grills are allowed
- No dogs
Opportunities to Learn About ALS Research
National ALS Registry
To learn about the benefits of the National ALS Registry and Biorepository, visit our website or email us at supportservices@lesturnerals.org.
