When Jeff Shikaze lost both his grandmothers to Alzheimer's disease, he knew he wanted to do something meaningful to honour their memory. The Calgary marathoner is channelling his grief into action with One Track Mind, a unique fundraising event happening November 8 at the Calgary Olympic Oval that combines his love of running with raising money for Alzheimer's research.

The three-hour relay around the indoor track isn't your typical stuffy fundraiser. Shikaze envisions something more like "running a race in a street festival setting" with local vendors, a live DJ pumping up the crowd, food and drinks, and a cheer corner for friends and family. "If you have also been affected by this disease, you know how devastating it is, not just for the person, but for their loved ones around them," he said, hoping to raise $10,000 for research through the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories.

With more than 46,000 Albertans currently living with dementia—a number expected to double in the next 25 years—Shikaze's personal mission taps into Calgary's thriving running community for a cause that touches many families. The seasoned marathoner, who's conquered the Boston Marathon twice, believes combining fitness with community spirit can make a real difference in the fight against a disease he hopes "no family will have to face again."