November 4, 2024
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – The Eau Claire Marathon announces three area nonprofit organizations will benefit from the Charity Classic 10K presented by Royal Credit Union. Community for Outdoor Recreation, Biking, and Adventure (CORBA), Girls on the Run Chippewa Valley, and Valley Girls Cycling Club were selected by the Eau Claire Marathon and the Royal Credit Union Foundation to be the beneficiaries of the 10K Charity Classic race held on Saturday, April 26, 2025. The RCU Foundation has pledged $15,000 to the organizations which are selected on a rotating annual basis.
“Giving back to the community is a primary focus for the Eau Claire Marathon,” said Emi Uelmen, Eau Claire Marathon Race Director/Owner. “Our event has given back over $500,000 to local organizations through direct donations. We have also supported charity groups by providing the opportunity to do their own fundraising at our event totaling another $500,000 in funds. We are excited to continue to increase our impact through our new partnership with Royal Credit Union and the RCU Foundation.”
Every 10K registration will include a free charity vote and additional votes can be purchased for $2 each on the race registration website. The charity with the most votes will receive $8,000, second place will receive $5,000, and third will receive $2,000. In addition, charities will be able to earn additional funds through organizing volunteers to work during marathon weekend. Runners who have already registered for the 10K Charity Classic will be contacted with instructions on how to place their vote.
“We are proud to support three local nonprofit organizations dedicated to promoting outdoor activities in the Chippewa Valley,” said John Sackett, RCU Foundation President. “We look forward to continuing our work to raise awareness and funds for local organizations at the 10K Charity Classic through our partnership with the Eau Claire Marathon.”
Community for Outdoor Recreation, Biking, and Adventure (CORBA) is a nonprofit, volunteer-based organization dedicated to building, improving, and maintaining multi-use trails and promoting trail use throughout Wisconsin’s Chippewa Valley. CORBA works with government land managers and private landowners to provide trails for mountain biking, hiking, trail running, snowshoeing and other silent sport activities.
Founded in 2006, Girls on the Run Chippewa Valley is dedicated to making an impact on girls' lives in our community. Girls on the Run® is a nonprofit organization designed to enhance participants' social, emotional and physical skills to successfully navigate life experiences. The organization offers fun, interactive lessons to meet the unique needs of participants of all abilities and backgrounds. Girls on the Run programs are designed to make an impact at a critical age when confidence and physical activity decline.
Valley Girls Cycling Club is composed of diverse women in the Chippewa Valley and surrounding areas. The organization is focused on advancing women’s engagement in cycling through education, opportunity and support in the Chippewa Valley. Valley Girls is open to all levels and ages of cyclists.
In September the Eau Claire Marathon announced that Royal Credit Union will serve as title sponsor of the Eau Claire Marathon race weekend. The three-year agreement will begin with the 2025 event held April 26-27. In addition, the Charity Classic 10K race previously featured at the RCU Foundation’s Rock the Riverfront event has transitioned to the Eau Claire Marathon weekend of events and will be called the Eau Claire Marathon Charity Classic 10K presented by Royal Credit Union. Registration for the 2025 event is currently open and more information can be found at www.eauclairemarathon.com.
About Eau Claire Marathon
The Eau Claire Marathon presented by Royal Credit Union features a marathon, marathon relay, half-marathon, 10K Charity Classic, 5K, and kid’s obstacle run. The event attracts 5,000 participants and over 1,000 volunteers and was voted Wisconsin’s #1 half marathon (2024) and #1 full marathon (2023) by RaceRaves. The Eau Claire Marathon has given back $550,000 to over 175 Chippewa Valley organizations and generates an estimated $5.3 million impact on the local economy. For more information, please visit www.eauclairemarathon.com or contact info@eauclairemarathon.com.
About Royal Credit Union
Royal Credit Union is a federally insured credit union proudly serving over 300,000 Members in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Royal is driven by a core ideology built on a strong purpose and values. You can open an account or apply for a low-rate loan at Royal Credit Union if you live or work in 26 counties in western Wisconsin or 16 counties in Minnesota. Counties served in Wisconsin include Adams, Ashland, Bayfield, Barron, Buffalo, Burnett, Chippewa, Clark, Douglas, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson, Lincoln, Marathon, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Portage, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, St. Croix, Taylor, Trempealeau, Washburn, and Wood. Counties served in Minnesota include Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Goodhue, Hennepin, Isanti, Olmsted, Pine, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Wabasha, Washington, Winona and Wright. A complete list of Member eligibility requirements is available on the Royal Credit Union website. To learn more about Royal, visit rcu.org or call 800-341-9911.
About RCU Foundation
The RCU Foundation (Foundation) was established in 2012 to support organizations and initiatives in communities where Royal Credit Union operates in western Wisconsin and eastern Minnesota. The Foundation focuses on large-scale, capital projects that help build community and create the spaces where people come together. Focus areas include education, health, and the arts. Currently, it has awarded more than $10 million in grants. Contact foundation@rcu.org for more information.
