About RUN UNITED 2021: Virtual Marathon

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

Starting Sept. 15 through Oct. 16, 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. 17.

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 support students in returning to in-person learning as well as provide resources to close the Digital Divide.

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. 15 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 AND WIN PRIZES

Earn points by fundraising, posting photos, logging miles, volunteering, and inviting your friends and family to join. We'll also have these 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. 17.

Date

Starts at:  September 15, 2021 7:00 AM
Ends at:  October 16, 2021 7:00 AM

Location

,

Contact

RunUnited@LiveUnitedSEM.org

JOIN US AND CHANGE LIVES

For six 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 2nd Annual 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 six 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 2nd Annual 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 STUDENTS IN SOUTHEASTERN MICHIGAN

MAKING PROGRESS

Runners, rollers, and walkers alike raised nearly $200,000 last year to help close the Digital Divide for students in Detroit Public Schools.  Those funds secured laptops and reliable internet access for students who had suddenly found themselves in a virtual world.  Participants in the 2020 Run United Marathon made a real difference in the lives of Detroiters by helping to level the learning field.

EXPANDING ACCESS

Although the need for tech and internet resources was heightened by the circumstances of virtual learning, the issue of digital inequity was nothing new.  Students all over Southeastern Michigan were already experiencing a Digital Divide, whether by inconsistent access to the internet or a lack of proper technology for their school assignments.

Now, with students returning to in-person learning in the fall, we see an opportunity to expand our efforts across the region.  Funds from this year’s 2021 Run United event will support students by providing resources for:

Returning to the classroom will be a stressful experience for some students, but you can help us reduce that stress.

JOIN US

Our goal is to raise $250,000 toward helping students across Southeastern Michigan return to in-person learning closing the Digital Divide.

THANK YOU TO OUR RUN UNITED 2021 SPONSOR!