Lace up your sneakers and join us on a journey that’s more than just a run—it’s a movement toward a brighter future for children through the power of reading. United Way of the Columbia-Willamette’s Race for Reading is a heartwarming initiative that brings together runners, community members, and supporters of literacy, all united in one goal: to ensure that every child has access to the magic of books.
Run with a Purpose
United Way of the Columbia-Willamette’s Race for Reading series unites Charity Athletes and supporters around a shared commitment to childhood literacy. More than a race, it’s a celebration of collective impact—where every step helps create opportunity and hope for children. Funds raised support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which delivers free books to young children and fosters a lifelong love of reading, ensuring more kids have access to the tools they need for a brighter future.
How it Works
- Commit to donating or fundraising your race registration fee for one of the events listed below. Spots are limited! Contact Nicole (nicolel@unitedway-pdx.org) to confirm your commitment and get instructions.
- Reach the minimum fundraising goal to receive your exclusive access code to claim your race bib. Fundraising minimums vary from race to race, contact Nicole for details. (or see below? We can list the minimums under each race block once we determine the amounts.)
- Register for your race once you’ve received your access code from UWCW.
- Earn rewards! Charity athletes receive race entry, a United Way shirt, and will unlock additional perks for their fundraising efforts!
- Make an impact! Every dollar raised supports United Way of the Columbia-Willamette’s Dolly Parton Imagination Library program.
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.
