Registration is now open for Couples Relay, a new series of running events in Denver, Colorado Springs and Fort Collins that will benefit the Blazeman Foundation for ALS.  

The Couples Relay is a two-person relay race in which each member of the team runs once around a 5K loop. The world “couples” does not indicate your typical husband-and-wife team; parents and children may run together, as may pairs of siblings, two friends, grandparents and grandchildren, or any other pairing.  

ALS, or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, is commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.  It is a progressive and usually fatal neurodegenerative disease.  In its latest stages, ALS leaves the patient without the ability to voluntarily move, while sparing cognitive function.  Most patients with ALS die due to respiratory failure within three to five years after the onset of symptoms.  ALS is unpreventable and incurable.  

The Blazeman Foundation is named for the multi-sport veteran Jon Blais, who was diagnosed at age 33.  In 2005, he became the first person with ALS to compete in the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii.  It was his last race.  

The Couples Relays will take place in Fort Collins on May 18, in Denver on June 29 and in Colorado Springs on July 20.  Categories are based on the total age of each team.  For more information and to register, visit www.couplesrelay.com.