RUN FOR A REASON
Run for a Reason is the Eugene Marathon’s charity initiative to raise $250,000 for local and national charities. The program provides participating charities the ability to utilize the event as a catalyst for fundraising, while also providing individuals the ability to not only run the Marathon, Half Marathon or Eugene 5K, but to do it for a reason!
2025 charity teams
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Oregon & SW Washington
At Ronald McDonald House Charities, we are thrilled to have a dynamic and diverse group of runners who are motivated to use their passion for running at the Eugene Marathon to help kids. With community runs, coaching advice, challenges, on-site pre-race and post-race support, swag bag, team party, and a kid-captain to inspire you, your whole race experience will be more fulfilling than ever. Most importantly, as you fundraise and raise awareness about Ronald McDonald House Charities, you help RMHC provide families with sick children access to vital medical services and resources. If you are interested in running for RMHC, register here today: rmhcoregon.org/marathon
CASA of Lane County
Court Appointed Special Advocates, or "CASA", provides a powerful voice for abused and neglected children across Lane County through dedicated community volunteers.
Why is CASA needed? Last year, just under 1,000 children spent at least one night in foster care due to abuse or neglect by their caregivers. Every day, judges decide these children's futures in a court system that is too overburdened to focus adequately on the individual needs of each child.
How does CASA help? CASA volunteers provide prevention and early intervention support and advocacy for the most vulnerable children across Lane County until they are placed in safe, permanent homes. CASA volunteers work to move children through the child welfare and court systems as quickly and safely as possible, to prevent future abuse. If you are interested in running for CASA, register here today: https://secure.qgiv.com/event/8dwrvk/
Girls on the Run
Girls on the Run – Greater Oregon is a nonprofit organization with programs designed to strengthen 3rd–8th grade girls’ social, emotional and physical skills and behaviors to successfully navigate life experiences.
We believe that ALL GIRLS are born with power and purpose. Using a fun, research-based curriculum that creatively integrates running, we inspire every girl to reach her limitless potential, not just for the length of our program, but for life. We've empowered thousands of girls in Greater Oregon with the support of runners like you. If you are interested in running for Girls on the Run, register here today: https://www.gotroregon.org/solemates
Parkinson’s Foundation
The Parkinson’s Foundation makes lives better for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) by improving care and advancing research toward a cure. We provide fact-based resources, a toll-free bilingual Helpline, educational events, and a network of Centers of Excellence focused on providing the best possible care.
Parkinson’s Champions participate in the Parkinson’s Foundation community fundraising and endurance programs to raise funds and awareness for Parkinson’s disease. Together, Parkinson’s Champions have hosted more than 150 annual community fundraisers across the country, run more than 15,000 miles and raised more than $12 million to help make lives better for people living with Parkinson’s. Apply now at Run4PD.org
Boys & Girls Clubs of Emerald Valley
Boys & Girls Clubs of Emerald Valley provides more than 600 kids in Eugene and Springfield a place to shine, a second home, and somewhere safe to grow and learn after school and in the summer. From help with homework to a hot meal and field trips to leadership development, the Club offers kids a variety of life changing programs, fun activities, and caring adults to help them navigate life.
It is our mission to inspire and empower all young people, especially those who need us the most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens. Together, we will reach the next generation of youth who will transform themselves and their communities for the better. If you are interested in running for Boys & Girls Clubs, register here today: https://www.bgcev.org/run-for-a-reason
Marine Corps Toys for Tots of Lane County
Every Child deserves to have presents under the Christmas tree! Whether its in their home, hospital or elsewhere, the Marine Corps Toys for Tots of Lane county is a non-profit that collects and provides new and unwrapped toys to less fortunate children. In 2023, we provided a record breaking 25,382 toys for 16,110 children of Lane county. This year, due to local economic impacts we expect to break the record again. With your help, we can put even more smiles on children’s faces this year! If you are interested in running for Toys for Tots of Lane County, register here today: https://eugene-or.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/Default.aspx
Circle of Friends
Circle of Friends was founded in 2018 to provide opportunities to children and youth with complex and severe disabilities. Through resources, support, training, events, education, and a community built on compassion, our mission is to break the cycle of isolation for these individuals and the people who love them. If you are interested in running for Circle of Friends, register here today: https://coforegon.org/run-club/
Relief Nursery
Relief Nursery provides comprehensive support services to Lane County families that are navigating challenges and experiencing a multitude of stressors. The services we offer at no-cost to the families include a Therapeutic Early Childhood Program, respite care, mental health and counseling services, home visiting, parenting education, recovery support, and more! By joining Relief Nursery’s Eugene Marathon team, you are ensuring families in our community continue to receive these critical services that keep them happy, healthy and together. Join the Relief Nursery Marathon Team!
Carry it Forward
Carry it Forward is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that serves Lane County’s unhoused population through direct outreach and sheltering sites. We specialize in helping medically fragile individuals, and provide case management and housing navigation to all participants. Our mission is to end homelessness by providing dignified services that help people obtain their goals. If you are interested in running for Carry it Forward, register here today: https://www.carryitforward.net/run-for-a-reason
Susan G. Komen
1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime - now is the time to build awareness and raise critical funds to find a cure. The Susan G. Komen mission is to save lives by meeting the most critical needs in our community and investing in breakthrough research to prevent and cure breast cancer. Komen funds research, provides patient care, advocates at the national and local government, and unites communities. If you are interested in running for Susan G. Komen, register here today: http://www.info-komen.org/goto/EugeneMarathon
This past year, in Oregon:
Komen provided 336 breast cancer patients with over $191,000 in financial assistance.
1,727 individuals advocated for breast cancer rights at the local and national government
1,994 people utilized services and information every week
Ann’s Heart Women’s Shelter
Ann’s Heart Women’s Shelter was established in 2023 with the goal to serve unhoused women in Lane County, Oregon. The mission of Ann’s Heart Women’s Shelter is to provide housing and transitional resources for self-identified women through the operation of a low-barrier, emergency shelter. We believe housing is a human right, and aim to address the individual needs of unhoused women to help them secure permanent housing. Ann’s Heart is committed to providing stable housing and the necessary services and resources to give unhoused women the security and stability needed to improve their quality of life.
All are welcome on our team! If you are interested in running for Ann’s Heart Women’s Shelter, register here today: https://annsheartwomensshelter.org/eugene-marathon/
Camp Kesem
Camp Kesem at the University of Oregon is a student-led non profit organization that supports kids through and beyond their parent's cancer. We support families throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington.
We believe all children facing a parent's cancer deserve the chance to fully experience the joys of childhood and be their best selves. We provide free summer camps for youth and adolescents facing a parent’s cancer to connect with peers, process their experiences, and just have fun.
By joining Camp Kesem's Eugene Marathon team, you will be helping us raise money to send kids affected by a parent's cancer to our summer camp, free of charge to them. If you are interested in running for Camp Kesem, register here: https://donate.kesem.org/EugeneMarathon
Shift Community Cycles
Shift Community Cycles is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides bicycle access and education to underserved communities in Eugene-Springfield. Founded in 2021, Shift is the only nonprofit bike shop in the area. Through our outreach programs and services, we prioritize empowering early riders in low-income communities within the 4J, Springfield, and Bethel school districts. If you are interested in running for Shift Community Cycles, register here:
https://shiftcc.networkforgood.com/projects/237692-shift-community-cycles-eugene-marathon-2025
Girls Rugby
Want to run for a reason, run for Girls Rugby! The unique, nationwide program empowers girls to reach their potential by developing skills they need to lead and succeed- through rugby. Your donation puts the program into play by providing needed funds for fields, coaching and administration. Give the gift of Girls Rugby today and to empower the future female leaders of tomorrow. Register here: https://www.girlsrugbyinc.com/marathon/
How it works:
Sign up to run for a specific charity team by contacting the team directly and then fundraise the minimum amount or more.
Once team members commit to fundraise for a specific charity they will receive a registration code from their charity to cover all registration fees.
Fundraising closes the Saturday after the race.
Contact larecea@eugenemarathon.com with any questions or to create a new team.
