RUN UNITED 2025: Virtual Marathon supporting United Way for Southeastern Michigan

Let’s run a marathon together—virtually—to support children and teachers in our community.
Starting August 11 through September 14, Run United Virtual Marathon participants will log 26.2 miles (or more!) however they wish - walking, running, or rolling! This event is open to all ages and abilities. Throughout the month, we'll complete different challenges and activities, and we'll fundraise together to support youth opportunity in Southeastern Michigan
You can join as part of a team or on your own!
Starting August 11 through September 14, 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.
Earn points by fundraising, posting photos, logging miles, volunteering, and inviting your friends and family to join. Every point gets you closer to some great prizes. Look out for weekly emails to track our progress, learn about weekly challenges, and hear about the impact you are making!
Join us for a post-marathon celebration! On Monday, September 15, we will come together, virtually, to celebrate our impact and hand out prizes.
Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) jobs are the pathways of the future. However, many students don't have regular access to quality STEAM learning opportunities. Additionally, households earning under $35,000 per year are the most likely to indicate that their children do not participate in any STEAM learning. Compounding this challenge, many teachers face obstacles accessing resources to stock their classrooms with high-quality STEAM learning materials to foster student success. That is why United Way is focused on expanding STEAM opportunities both in and out of the classroom.
The 2025 Run United Virtual Marathon seeks to support STEAM learning in Southeastern Michigan. Among these efforts are STEAM Classroom Materials Grants: unrestricted funds for teachers to order STEAM supplies for their classrooms. Giving teachers the freedom to select the materials and equipment that align with their plans and needs maximizes the impact of the money compared to a one-size-fits-all approach in which every classroom receives identical resources. These grants are implemented in classrooms ranging from pre-K through 12th grade at high-need schools.
Simply put, the more funds raised through Run United, the more classrooms that can benefit from these grants - supporting potentially hundreds of teachers and tens of thousands of students!
Since 2016, Run United has raised more than $1 MILLION to support students, educators, and families in Southeastern Michigan. Together, we have: