Longstanding Betty’s Run for ALS and Walk Together for ALS Reimagined as Part of Province-Wide Event Unification

ALS Society of Alberta

For immediate release

Jan. 21, 2026

N E W S   R E L E A S E

Calgary, Alta – Jan. 21 – The ALS Society of Alberta today announced a major province-wide rebrand that will unite Betty’s Run for ALS and Alberta Walk Together for ALS into one cohesive, inclusive movement. Beginning in 2026, the unified event will be known as Side by Side for ALS and will take place across 10 communities throughout Alberta.

For more than 30 years, Betty’s Run for ALS and Walk Together for ALS have raised awareness and funds through community-led events across Alberta. In recent years, operating as separate initiatives has created confusion among donors and participants. The new unified brand is intended to simplify messaging, increase participation, and expand province-wide impact, while maintaining the grassroots spirit and legacy of both events.

“This is more than a name change. It is a momentous step forward,” said Leslie Ring Adams, Executive Director of the ALS Society of Alberta. “Side by Side for ALS reflects how people actually experience ALS. No one goes through it alone. Families, caregivers, volunteers, donors, and entire communities walk, move, and stand together.”

The rebrand has three core objectives:

• Enhancing brand recognition by creating one strong, recognizable provincial event
• Encouraging broader participation through inclusive messaging that invites everyone to move their body in whatever way feels right
• Honouring the legacy of Betty’s Run and Walk Together for ALS while reflecting the experiences of all families affected by ALS

The transition has been carefully planned and informed by community input. Throughout 2025, the ALS Society of Alberta conducted focus groups with long-time volunteers and organizers, introduced early messaging around unity and inclusivity, and developed a new visual identity that blends elements of both legacy events. The formal public launch and full marketing rollout will take place in 2026, aligning with the 30th anniversaries of the events and the organization’s 40th anniversary.

Betty’s legacy will continue to be honoured as a foundational part of the Side by Side for ALS story. Her leadership and vision helped build the movement that exists today, and her impact will remain visible throughout future communications and celebrations.

Side by Side for ALS invites Albertans to run, walk, roll, volunteer, donate, or simply show up for one another. The unified event reinforces a shared commitment to connection, courage, and collective action in the fight against ALS.

Additional details, including event locations, dates, and registration information, will be released ahead of the 2026 season. For more information, visit sidebysideforals.ca 

ALS Society of Alberta

The ALS Society of Alberta is a charitable organization dedicated to making each day the best possible day for people living with and affected by ALS. It achieves its mission by providing support, facilitating the provision of care, promoting awareness, helping find a cure, and advocating for change. For more information, please visit alsab.ca.

What is ALS?

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a rapid, always fatal neurodegenerative disease. It attacks the nerves of the body that would normally send messages from the brain to the muscle, resulting in weakness and wasting. Eventually, the individual with ALS is left completely immobilized, with loss of speech and an inability to swallow and breathe. Approximately 3,000 Canadians live with ALS and two to three Canadians die every day of ALS. There is no known cause or cure for this devastating disease.

For media inquiries or to set up an interview, please contact:

Lisa Laughton

Communications & Fundraising, ALS Society of Alberta

403-804-1248  |  lisahlaughton@gmail.com