About Run United
Let’s run a marathon together—virtually—to support children and families in our community.
Starting Sept. 16 through Oct. 17, Run United Virtual Marathon participants will log at least 25 miles on their own. Then, we’ll all complete the final 1.2 miles together with a virtual “race” on Oct. 18.
The event is open to all ages and abilities. You are welcome to complete your miles in whatever way works best for you—walking, running or rolling!
THE CAUSE
Funds raised through the Run United Virtual Marathon will go to support efforts to close the digital divide for Detroit students, providing them with laptops, internet access and other technology supports.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
1. SIGN UP
Sign up for the Run United Virtual Marathon and create your profile with a photo, fundraising/miles goals and why you’re running with us.
2. GET RUNNING
Starting Sept. 16 through Oct. 17, complete your miles however you’d like—all in one day or one mile at a time; running or walking; in your neighborhood or on a treadmill; solo or with your dog, kids or spouse. Whatever fits your schedule and preference! Log your miles using OneCause (under "Complete Activities"), or by connecting your OneCause account to the Strava app to have them load automatically.
3. EARN POINTS
Earn points by fundraising, posting photos, logging miles, volunteering, and inviting your friends and family to join. We'll also have some prizes for the top point-getters!
4. CELEBRATE
Finish your last 1.2 miles (a total of 26.2 for a full marathon) with your Run United teammates (virtually, or safely in groups) on Oct. 18.
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JOIN US AND CHANGE LIVES
For five years, United Way for Southeastern Michigan’s Run United team of 300+ runners and 100+ volunteers has participated in the Detroit Free Press Marathon and other local running events. Led by corporate partners like FCA, Bosch, Ford and others, Run United offers a chance to get physically active with friends and coworkers while doing good in the community.
Together, we’ve raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to support United Way’s work to build communities of stable households and thriving children.
This year, though a lot of things have changed, our commitment to the community has not. Join Run United for our first-ever Virtual Marathon and help us impact the lives of students and families in our community as we continue to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
For five years, United Way for Southeastern Michigan’s Run United team of 300+ runners and 100+ volunteers has participated in the Detroit Free Press Marathon and other local running events. Led by corporate partners like FCA, Bosch, Ford and others, Run United offers a chance to get physically active with friends and coworkers while doing good in the community.
Together, we’ve raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to support United Way’s work to build communities of stable households and thriving children.
This year, though a lot of things have changed, our commitment to the community has not. Join Run United for our first-ever Virtual Marathon and help us impact the lives of students and families in our community as we continue to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
HELP CLOSE THE DIGITAL DIVIDE IN DETROIT
THE PROBLEM
In Detroit, more than 70 percent of households struggle to meet their basic needs, including access to the technology necessary to work and learn like computers and internet access.
With schools closed to in-person instruction, students rely on this access more than ever to keep up with the schoolwork and stay academically on-track.
While Detroit Public Schools Community District created the Connected Futures fund to provide laptops and internet access to their students, more than 33,000 students attending charter or private schools in Detroit are still in need of technology support.
Without access to technology, students will quickly fall behind their peers.
OUR SOLUTION
Alongside partners like the Skillman Foundation and Detroit Children’s Fund, United Way for Southeastern Michigan is working to close the digital divide and ensure that all students — regardless of their household income — have access to the necessary tools to learn and succeed in school.
THE GOAL
We are planning to invest $3.6 million in Detroit to provide more than 33,000 students with access to laptops, internet access and other digital supports.