What’s this event all about?
The Run United Virtual Marathon is an event to support United Way for Southeastern Michigan’s of supporting local students. We’re aiming to raise at least $130,000 to support STEAM education efforts in our community, including through STEAM Classroom Materials Grants, which provide unrestricted funding to STEAM teachers at high-need schools to procure materials for their classrooms.
How does a virtual marathon work?
The “race” officially starts August 11. You’ll have between then and September 14 to log at least 26.2 miles. On September 15, we’ll hold a closing ceremony to announce the marathon winners and award prizes!
How do I sign up?
Signing up takes just a few minutes and can all be done at p2p.onecause.com/rununited25. Register, add some information and a photo, connect to your social media and add a fundraising goal. Sign up is open through September 14, so even if the event has already begun, you can still participate!
I’m not a runner – can I still sign up?
Yes! The Run United Virtual Marathon is about having fun, connecting with other people and making a difference in our community. How you complete your miles is up to you - you can run, walk, or roll! You can complete your miles all in one go or spread across the five weeks. There is no penalty in not completing all 26.2 miles, as the real focus of Run United is support local teachers and students!
Can my kids participate?
Yes! The Run United Virtual Marathon is open to people of all ages and abilities. Please note that shirts come in adult sizes.
Why is there a cost?
The $30 registration fee helps offset the costs of the tech shirts and other swag items we’re sending you. If you choose not to have the swag sent to you, the entire fee will go toward our 2025 fundraising focus.
Do I have to fundraise?
No, fundraising is not required to participate, but is encouraged, and we promise we’ll make it easy for you. Check out our Run United Toolkit (to be shared in June 2025) for some tips on easy ways to raise funds, like making an ask on social media. Templates are also built into OneCause.
There are also tons of other ways to support this cause as a Run United Virtual Marathon participant, like recruiting your friends and posting to social media. All of these things earn you points, and points earn you bragging rights and a chance at prizes!
How do I earn points?
By completing activities! Once you complete your registration, you’ll see an option to “complete activities.” All of these earn you points, including:
You’ll also earn points from the following:
When will I get my tech shirt and swag?
Participants who register before July 28 will receive their packet before August 11. Those who register after July 29 will still receive a packet, but we can’t guarantee that you’ll get it in time for the event start date of August 11.
I'm not in the United States, can I participate in Run United?
Yes! Over the years, Run United participants have come from more than a dozen different countries. You can make a difference where ever you are. Please note that if you elect to receive a swag packet, there may be some delays in shipping.
What type of programs does Run United support?
Run United supports youth opportunity programs in Southeastern Michigan, all devoted to helping children thrive in and outside of the classroom. In the past, funds raised through Run United have been used to hold My Home Library Scholastic Book Fairs in which students can receive free books to enjoy at home, fill backpacks with school supplies to ensure students are ready for the first day of school, and expand access to critical out-of-school time programming, which provides safe, enriching environments to students and peace of mind and flexibility to working families. In 2025, Run United is focused on support STEM education, including by way of STEM Classroom Materials Grants, which provide unrestricted funding to STEM teachers at high-need schools to procure materials for their classrooms.
Here are some examples of how your donation may be used: