RUN UNITED TOOLKIT

Let’s get together again to run a marathon — virtually — to support children and families in our community.

Starting Sept. 14, runners and walkers will commit to logging at least 25 miles on their own. Then, we’ll complete the final 1.2 miles together with a virtual race on Oct. 16.

Participants in the event are encouraged to engage friends and family to raise funds and virtually cheer them on as they log miles and complete their marathons. The virtual marathon event is open to all ages and abilities. Miles can be completed in whichever way works best for each participant — walking, biking or running.

This date also coincides with the weekend of the Detroit Free Press Marathon, where some members of our Run United team will participate in races from the 5K to the full marathon. Run United virtual team members are welcome to participate in both events, and United Way remains a charity partner of the race.

Funds raised through the Run United Virtual Marathon and Free Press Marathon will support students in our region through access to school supplies, books, laptops and more.

Thank you for your support!

United Way works to advance equitable communities where all households are stable and all children can thrive. We are uniquely positioned to put resources where they’re needed most, making dollars go further toward solving our community’s most pressing issues — like childhood hunger, homelessness, and illiteracy. We focus on volunteerism, strategic investment and advocacy for long-term change. 

Southeastern Michigan is united in advancing communities of stable households and thriving children.

We connect families to programs and services to help them meet their basic needs of food, housing, health care and family finances. We also work to ensure that starting at birth, families have the tools and support needed to make sure their children start school ready to learn and graduate prepared for success in life.

United Way for Southeastern Michigan’s Run United team is a group of runners, walkers and volunteers who put their feet to the pavement to better their communities. For five years now, hundreds of team members have participated in the Detroit Free Press Marathon and other local running events. Led by corporate partners like Stellantis, Bosch, Ford and others, Run United offers a chance to get physically active with friends and co-workers while doing good in the community.

Together, we’ve raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to support United Way’s work building communities of stable households and thriving children.

In 2020, the impacts of the pandemic were felt across the running community. Group runs were no longer taking place. Races were canceled. Runners had to plan their routes with social distancing in mind. And we had to come up with a way to continue our commitment to the community with our first-ever virtual marathon.

The race may have changed, but the support of all of our participants and the community has not wavered. Now, each year, we have more than 600 participants across our virtual marathon and the Free Press Marathon. Collectively over six years, our Run United team members have raised more than $600,000 to support United Way’s work in the community. We hope you’ll keep running alongside us.

To use stickers, search for “Run United Virtual Marathon” on Facebook and Instagram stories.

Submit this form for consideration to be featured on United Way’s blog and social media.

Join RUNDetroit, or City Sneakers in Macomb County, or find other running groups to join safely. You can also make your own training plans and routes.