Change a Child's Story
When you run the Race for Reading, your miles become books, and your effort becomes an opportunity. You’re not just crossing a finish line; you're helping a child start strong, one step at a time. Research shows that early shared reading boosts language and vocabulary development long before children enter school, with benefits visible years later in emergent literacy and reading skills.
Through our race partnerships, you can turn your race entry into real impact by inviting friends, family, and colleagues to support your run. Together, you help put books into the hands of local children and create change that lasts well beyond race day.
Every dollar you raise supports our partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, delivering free books to young readers and building a lifelong love of reading.
How it Works
- Commit to fundraising your race entry. Choose one of the partner events below. Spots are limited, so contact Nicole LaRose at nicolel@unitedway-pdx.org to confirm your participation and receive next steps.
- Reach the fundraising minimum. Once you meet the goal (varies by race), you’ll receive an exclusive access code to claim your race bib.
- Register and race. Use your access code to complete your race registration and get ready to go.
- Earn rewards. Charity Athletes receive race entries, United Way merch, and can unlock additional perks along the way.
- Make an impact. Every dollar raised helps local children build a love of reading from day one.
Ready to Get Started?
Email Nicole LaRose at nicolel@unitedway-pdx.org to reserve your spot and start making your miles matter.
Heart To Start 5K & 10K - February 21, 2026
This is a timed 5K/10K & Kids Fun Run event hosted at Cook Park, Tigard in February. Gather your friends and family and join us for a morning of movement!
Portland Shamrock Run 5K, 8K, Half Marathon & Strides Walk - March 15, 2026
Shamrock Half Marathon Run Fest is Portland’s longest running tradition and largest road race of the year! With a fast, scenic course through downtown, roaring crowd support, and an electric St. Patrick’s Day atmosphere, this race is where every runner can shine.
Seabrook Relay - May 30, 2026
The Seabrook Relay is a fairly flat, fast, and beautifully scenic team journey with a looped course starting and ending in the charming coastal community of Seabrook, Washington. The course is 58.2 miles for running teams and 38.4 miles for walking teams of 4-6 members.
Red, White & Blues 5K & 10K – June 27, 2026
A Fourth of July themed race starting and finishing in downtown West Linn. This festive race will bring you to a finish line full of vendors, drinks, food, and a hot dog eating contest!
Hood & Portland To Coast Relay - August 28-29, 2026
Known as the Mother of All Relays, Hood & Portland To Coast Relay is the most popular and largest running/walking relay race in the world, drawing participants from over 40 countries and all 50 states. This 196-mile relay (128 miles for Portland To Coast) has filled its team limit for the past 37 years and on Opening Lottery Day for 33 consecutive years!
We have 1 HTC team available for a fundraising commitment of $10,000
High Desert Relay - October 3, 2026
Leave the city behind and immerse yourself in majestic mountains and big, clear skies of Central Oregon. Each leg of the relay boasts spectacular views from the scenic Cascade Mountains and Smith Rock to the Prineville Reservoir and the Crooked River. The course is 67.5 miles for running teams/43.7 miles for walking teams of 4-6 members.
Turkey Trot 5K – November 26, 2026
Be the first to see the lights at the Portland International Raceway! This 5k race takes you on a holiday themed journey through the lights of the Sunshine Division Winter Wonderland.
