Fluid Running Marathon flier (Kram/LION)

In the summer of 2022, La Grange resident Michelle Kram noticed that she couldn’t balance in yoga, was tripping during her daily walks, and struggling while playing on the tennis court. As her condition worsened and after many doctor visits, she was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). 

ALS is a terminal nervous system disease that slowly robs people of their ability to move, speak, and eventually breathe, Kram said. It affects people of all sexes, ages, and ethnicities, robbing healthy individuals. It has no cure and a life expectancy of two to five years after diagnosis. After Marcy Dunne, a friend of Kram and Fluid Running instructor, learned of her diagnosis, Dunne had the idea to plan a Fluid Running Marathon in order to raise money for ALS research. After approaching Kram with the idea in June, they began planning the marathon. 

“[I have] always loved sports and led a healthy, active lifestyle,” Kram said. “[My] passions included tennis, skiing, swimming, golf, yoga, biking, and of course, pickleball. [I] was introduced to Fluid Running and quickly fell in love with it.”

Fluid Running simulates running on land, but you are doing it in the water without the hard impact on your body, Kram said. It is one of the best forms of exercise one could do to stay fit or train.  There are stories that have been shared by athletes and people who couldn’t exercise or train on land due to injuries or limitations.

“I think not only are we bringing light and funding to ALS, we are also reminding people to think outside the box when it comes to helping others,” Dunne said. “No one has ever done a marathon in the water, so this is extra special for that reason. The energy that this little idea has created reminds me that there is no small idea if it speaks to people. And this one spoke to people. I believe a lot of that is due to the fact that Michelle Kram has spread her beautiful heart throughout this community, and people want to step up for her.”

The marathon and fundraiser will be held on Sept. 8 from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. at the La Grange Field Club. The fundraiser will also host live music from 12 p.m.-2 p.m. During the marathon, only Dunne will be running in the water; others will have the option to join her in the pool to support her efforts for up to one hour. Those who do not intend to run can still attend to support the cause and enjoy the live music and food present. They will then be asked to make a donation to one of the five ALS non-profit organizations to which the money received will go to. 

“Fundraising is essential because we are still far behind in finding a cure for ALS,” Kram said. “Due to its rarity, ALS hasn’t received the attention and research other diseases have garnered. The number of people getting this disease is increasing, and we need to help future victims have a better chance for a quicker diagnosis, an improved quality of life, and survival.”

The total goal is to reach $100,000, with a current total of $85,000, Kram said. 

“Fluid Running has been the only exercise I’ve been able to continue that makes me feel close to normal,” Kram said. “I can get into the pool, put music in my ears, and just run. It feels so good to forget I have ALS while I am in the pool.”

To learn more about Fluid Running and to make a donation, visit: https://www.fluidrunning.com/worlds-first-marathon-in-water/