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 six 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 equitable communities of stable households and thriving children.
Over the last two years, 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 was unwavering. We had our most successful year in 2021 with more than 600 participants helping raise nearly $200,000. Those funds helped provide laptops and other technology for nearly 900 Detroit students as part of our work to close the digital divide. It was such a success that we’re doing another virtual marathon this year. We hope you’ll keep running alongside us.
Let’s get together again to run a marathon — virtually — to support children and families in our community.
From Sept. 14 through Oct. 15, runners and walkers will commit to logging 26.2 miles. You can run, walk or roll — complete these miles however works best for you! You can also participate by registering in any of the Detroit Free Press Marathon races the weekend of Oct. 14-15.
Funds raised through the fourth annual Run United Virtual Marathon will support students in our region. 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.
This event is open to all ages and abilities. Miles can be completed in whichever way works best for each participant, walking, running or rolling. Click the button below to sign up.
Additionally, the Detroit Free Press Marathon is planning in-person events on Oct. 14 and 15, including on the international marathon course. Run United team members are still welcome to participate, and United Way remains a charity partner of the race.
Questions? Email LiveUnited@LiveUnitedSEM.org.
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