25th Annual Scott A. Mackler Memorial 5K Run/Walk

A Community Gathers to Honor a Legacy and Raise Life-Changing Support for People Living with ALS
This fall marks a major milestone as the Scott A. Mackler Memorial 5K Run/Walk celebrates its 25th anniversary. Held at Temple Beth El in Newark, Delaware, the event continues a powerful tradition that began in 1999 and has since raised more than $2.5 Million for the Scott A. Mackler, MD, PhD, Assistive Technology Program, helping to improve the lives of people with ALS throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.

What began as one family’s response to an unimaginable diagnosis has become a community movement. Dr. Scott Mackler, a beloved husband, father, physician-scientist, runner, and coach, was diagnosed with ALS in 1999. Though the disease slowly stole his ability to move and speak, it never touched his spirit or brilliance. Dr. Mackler continued his groundbreaking addiction research at the University of Pennsylvania until the day he passed in 2013, using cutting-edge Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) technology to communicate—technology he helped pioneer.

“Together with Joe Sontowski, our Uncle Harvey, Temple Beth El, and the rest of the community, my brother and I turned our dad’s diagnosis into an event that could raise millions of dollars to help people with ALS get the technology they need and deserve.”
— Noah Snyder-Mackler

A Race With a Mission
More than just a race, the Mackler 5K is a day of unity, remembrance, and purpose. Families, runners, walkers, strollers, and wheelchairs all take to the trail in solidarity. Participants not only honor Dr. Mackler’s legacy but actively carry it forward. Every registration, every donation, and every step taken supports individuals living with ALS who need access to assistive technologies that are often out of reach.

The event benefits the Scott A. Mackler, MD, PhD, Assistive Technology Program, which loans critical equipment to help people with ALS communicate, interact with their environment, and maintain independence. This includes:

• Computers with voice output
• Dedicated communication devices
• Hands-free access to electronics
• Remote chimes for calling help
• Rocket E-Books™, environmental control units, and more

These tools are life-changing and, in many cases, lifesaving.

Carrying the Torch of Innovation and Hope
Dr. Mackler was a pioneer in using BCI. This technology allows users to control computers using only their brainwaves. Featured on CBS’s 60 Minutes in 2008, he demonstrated how this emerging technology could transform communication for people with ALS. Today, BCI and similar innovations continue to evolve, offering even greater hope to those diagnosed with this devastating disease.

Thanks to the Mackler family and the generosity of donors, the program that bears his name has impacted hundreds of lives. His legacy is not only in what he accomplished, but in the army of people who continue to fight ALS in his name.

Get Involved: Run, Walk, Donate, and Raise Awareness
Whether you’re a seasoned runner or someone who prefers a leisurely walk through a beautiful trail, everyone is welcome. Join us in Newark this fall to celebrate 25 years of resilience, research, and community.

Event Details:
Date: Sunday, November 2, 2025
Location: Temple Beth El, 301 Possum Park Road, Newark, DE
Register/Donate: scottmackler5k.com
Questions? Email CAlbright@alsmidatlantic.org

Can’t attend? You can still donate, sponsor a participant, or spread the word.

About the Scott A. Mackler, MD, PhD, Assistive Technology Program
The Assistive Technology Program ensures people living with ALS can access devices and services that restore communication and mobility, often not covered by insurance. The program is integrated into certified ALS clinics and centers throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.

About Dr. Scott A. Mackler
Dr. Mackler was a leading researcher in addiction science and a professor of medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. He was an athlete, a husband, a father, a coach, and a pioneer. His life and legacy continue to inspire progress in the ALS community.

Together, we run for more than a finish line. We run for a future with hope, technology, and connection.