Amy McLain

For over a decade now, the sound of my running shoes against the pavement or trail has been a constant in my life. It all started when a coworker inspired me to try my first marathon but has evolved so much more. Since 2015, I’ve tackled 12 marathons, 2 ultras, and many half-marathons, logging more than 14,000 miles. My next big goal? To hit 25,000 miles by 2035—that’s roughly the circumference of the Earth! It’s not just about the miles; it’s genuinely about the journey.

Beyond the physical challenge, running is my absolute anchor. In the demanding world of the automotive industry, the mental and physical health benefits are huge. It’s how I manage stress, find my focus, and simply feel good about my health.

This deep personal passion for running perfectly aligns with my professional life through Run United. It’s this amazing synergy where health, connecting with coworkers, and giving back to the community all come together. It’s so much more than just fundraising; it’s about building meaningful, genuine connections.

Small Team. Big Heart.

My commitment to United Way actually goes way back, even before I joined Ford. I was a long-time supporter at my previous employer and even part of Team Jeep there. So, when I came to Ford, connecting with my new colleagues through this shared interest was a natural and wonderful way to build new relationships.

Last year, with a little encouragement from Deb Manzano, who led Ford’s United Way campaign, I decided to launch our Team Bronco committee. We were small, just four volunteers, but wow, were we mighty! With fantastic support from the United Way team, we rallied over 180 participants and proudly raised $25,000. Not bad at all for our first real push!

This year, we’re really doubling down. Our sights are set on raising $50,000 and getting 200 participants involved. Our volunteer team has grown to seven now—still lean, but trust me, we’re full of heart and ready to make an even bigger difference.

Running On Purpose

One of the things I truly love about United Way is how incredibly local the impact is. You can genuinely see and feel the difference right here in our communities. I’ve been giving to United Way since I started my career at Chrysler, and every year I feel even more connected to their mission.

This year’s focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) education hits especially close to home for me. As a mom of two young engineers-in-training, I know firsthand how critical early exposure to tech, math, and science can be. Programs that provide things like 3D printers or robotics kits don’t just give kids an edge; they ignite confidence and foster a real love for exploration and creation. That truly matters, especially for students in under-resourced schools.

More Than Miles

For me, Run United really comes down to three things: it’s about inspiring participation—getting people moving and giving back in fun, healthy ways; it’s about raising awareness—showing that Ford isn’t just about building great vehicles, but we’re deeply invested in building community, too; and it’s about cultivating team momentum and positive energy that will last long after the marathon is over.

The beauty of Run United’s virtual model really shone through last year, with our team spanning continents—from India to Germany and all across the U.S. This year, the spirit of inclusivity reached even closer to home: my daughter, who ran her first marathon at age 14, is able to join in from out of state! This flexible, global approach truly makes it accessible to everyone.

While Run United definitely sparks a friendly competitive spirit (of course!), its true power lies in collaboration and welcoming runners, walkers and rollers. I want to send a huge shout-out to all the dedicated team leaders—from Team Bronco to Team Jeep, Team BorgWarner, and beyond. This isn’t easy work, but it is incredibly powerful. Visionaries like Barbara Pilarski helped light the path, and it’s just amazing to see that spirit spread—even across companies and competitors.

Let’s keep moving forward, together!

United Way for Southeastern Michigan’s annual Run United Virtual Marathon will support students in STEAM learning opportunities. Participants are challenged to log 26.2 miles from August 11 to September 14. Through One Cause, friends, family and teammates can view their progress and virtually cheer them on.