The ALS Association Greater Philadelphia Chapter will be hosting the 25th Annual Billy Lake Basketball Marathon on Saturday at Haverford College, writes Mike Jensen for the Philadelphia Inquirer.

This year marks a quarter-century since the death of Havertown resident and basketball enthusiast, Billy Lake, who passed away at 42 only 19 months after being diagnosed with ALS. The marathon is the organization’s longest-run ALS grassroots fundraiser, and could be the longest-running one of its kind in the country.

Over the last 25 years, the basketball league has become an institution. While numbers are down recently due to the dominance of AAU ball in women’s hoops, thousands of people still play in the league or come out to support someone who does.

The fundraiser is supported by Lake’s wife Patti and their four children, but it’s not just a family affair.

“You put something out in Havertown, people will support it,” said Kevin Lake. “And if you serve beer, that will help.”

The marathon starts at 9 AM at Haverford College and ends at Casey’s in Drexel Hill.

Read more about Billy Lake in the Philadelphia Inquirer by clicking here.