Eugene, OR – April 9, 2025 – Lace up your sneakers, set your pace, and make every mile matter—because this spring, your run could help change a child’s life. As part of the 2025 Eugene Marathon, local runners are stepping up to support children in foster care through the Run for a Reason program, benefiting CASA of Lane County.
This unique initiative turns each step into a statement by giving marathon participants the opportunity to fundraise on behalf of CASA, a nonprofit organization that provides critical advocacy for abused and neglected children navigating the court and foster care systems.
🏃♀️ What is Run for a Reason?
Run for a Reason is a community-based fundraising program that allows runners to support a cause while training for the Eugene Marathon, Half Marathon, or 5K. Instead of simply signing up and paying registration fees, participants choose to raise money for a featured nonprofit. When runners meet a fundraising threshold, they earn free entry to the race of their choice—plus a huge sense of accomplishment knowing their efforts are making a direct impact.
For 2025, one of the key beneficiaries is CASA of Lane County, a local organization that empowers community volunteers to advocate for children in foster care.
🧡 Meet CASA of Lane County
CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates. These trained volunteers are appointed by judges to speak up for the best interests of children who have experienced abuse or neglect. In Lane County alone, hundreds of children enter the foster care system each year, and CASA volunteers work tirelessly to ensure each one has a consistent, compassionate advocate by their side.
A CASA is more than a volunteer—they are often the only stable adult presence a child has during their time in care. They attend court hearings, work with schools and healthcare providers, and most importantly, help ensure that each child’s voice is heard and their needs are met.
By running for CASA, you’re directly supporting the recruitment, training, and support of these dedicated volunteers.
🗓 Race Weekend Details
Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or a first-time 5K runner, there’s a race for everyone:
-
Event Date: April 27, 2025
-
Race Options:
-
🏃 Full Marathon (26.2 mi)
-
🏃♀️ Half Marathon (13.1 mi)
-
🏃 5K
-
-
Location: Hayward Field, Eugene, OR
Those participating through CASA’s Run for a Reason program commit to raising a minimum fundraising amount (varies by race distance), which grants them free entry, a fundraising toolkit, and promotional support.
💡 Why It Matters
Running for CASA isn’t just about crossing a finish line—it’s about helping children find safety, stability, and hope. When you join this effort, you:
-
Provide vital funding for training new CASA volunteers
-
Help CASA serve more children in need
-
Raise awareness about the foster care system and the power of community support
-
Join a movement of runners and supporters committed to making a difference
And if you can’t run, you can still donate to support a participating runner or CASA directly.
🙌 How to Get Involved
Runners:
-
Sign up via CASA of Lane County’s website
-
Set up your fundraising page
-
Start training—and start spreading the word
Supporters:
-
Donate to a runner’s campaign
-
Share posts on social media to raise awareness
-
Cheer on participants during race weekend in downtown Eugene
👟 Thriving Oregon’s Take
This is what community looks like—neighbors using their strength and their stride to bring hope to those who need it most. At Thriving Oregon, we believe in spotlighting events that bring purpose to action and joy to giving back. Run for a Reason is a powerful reminder that wellness and advocacy can go hand-in-hand—and every mile matters when you’re running for kids who can’t always run for themselves.
If you’re already planning to run the Eugene Marathon, consider making it count. Run for CASA. Run for a reason. Run for Lane County’s kids.
Fresh Starts: Lane County Farmers Market Returns for the 2025 Season
Goat Yoga in the Valley: Laugh, Stretch, and Cuddle at No Regrets Farm