Every year on the first Saturday of June, thousands of people across all 50 states step outside and run the same 5K. Not at the same starting line. Not even at the same hour. But together — coast to coast, in every time zone, for 30 straight hours.
This June marks the 7th time we've done it. Here's how it started.
Where the idea came from
In spring 2020, our team built software for live events — the kind that helps organizers manage thousands of people, equipment, and logistics in real time. When events everywhere shut down overnight, we found ourselves with a tool and no place to use it.
But like everyone else adjusting to a new normal, we were looking for ways to stay connected and do something useful. Food insecurity was rising. Essential workers were carrying an impossible load. And people who had built their routines around races, gyms, and group activities suddenly had nothing.
So we asked: what if we brought the race to everyone, all at once?
The first-ever Run Across America
The idea was simple: a virtual 5K that anyone, anywhere in the country could run outside — on their own schedule, in their own neighborhood, but as part of a national movement.
We built an app so people could form teams, track their routes with GPS, and see results on a live leaderboard broken down by state, age, activity type, and more. We partnered with Feeding America to help our neighbors in need. And we offered free registration to essential workers.
The event opened at midnight on the East Coast on June 6, 2020, and ran for 30 full hours — ending at midnight in Hawaii. Run, walk, or roll: everyone was welcome.
The response was beyond anything we imagined. More than 12,000 people participated. 3,600 essential workers ran for free. We raised more than $100,000 for Feeding America. For our small team, it was simply remarkable.
Six years later, Run Across America has grown into a season-long program that has helped thousands of people build lasting habits: logging distance daily, finding community, and staying accountable through every season.
The app has evolved. The program has grown. But every first Saturday in June, we come back to where it all started: one 5K, run together, from every corner of the country.
We've now collectively logged 10 million miles and raised 8.4 million meals through Feeding America—and we're just getting started.
If you're registered for Summer Splash this year, we'll see you at the starting line. We'd also love to hear your story. Let us know in the comments what Run Across America has meant to you, whether you ran in the first or are just learning about it today.
7 comments
I am so excited for next Saturday! My journey for both my mental and physical health begins with the 2020 5k. When we got stuck at home because of the pandemic I was completely unprepared. I was struggling with my own mental health because I was caring for my daughter who was experiencing severe depression and anxiety. I was so focused on keeping her safe that for a couple of years my own health was deteriorating. I knew I had to do SOMETHING to take control and while scrolling through Facebook I saw the ad for the 5k that would benefit Feeding America. I had been getting back on my treadmill and walking. I wasn’t sure if I could complete the 3.1 miles and I knew I was going to be slow if I did. But it gave me a goal for myself while helping others. I completed that 5k and it took me over an hour.
After that I participated in the Fall 5k, Vote 11.3 Challenge, and then every season after that up to the present. It gave me a sense of accomplishment and a way to help others.
Since that 5k in 2020, I have completed 15 Half-Marathons and a Marathon in 2024. I also lost 75 pounds and have retaken control of my mental health.
I love Run Across America and will keep participating as long as there are seasons! 30 seasons, 6 Run Across America 5k’s, a Million Meal 5k, and counting!
I can’t run any longer but I do like walking with my dogs! They enjoy it too. It makes really happy that I cane upon this association so that I can walk for a good cause. Now even if I don’t feel like going out I do because I know that doing so will do good in the communities you serve. Thank you for the opportunity to be included!
Run Across America helped keep me motivated and consistent with running! Since starting it, I’ve logged 591 consecutive days of activities and ran my first marathon! Something I never thought I would do! Thank you Run Across America for this encouraging app and community you’ve built!
I participated in the first race in June 2020 as I was working to reclaim my physical and mental health during the pandemic. I also was looking for opportunities to help others. Run Across America was the perfect fit! I was walking more than running back then, I was obese, and struggling with several health issues. I continued participating in the virtual events and I believe I have completed every season offered since then. Now in June 2024, I am feeling great, lost 50 pounds, and have completed 5 half marathons. Thank you to Run Across America for changing my life and the lives of so many others!
It’s a unique organization that helped me through in 2021 (pandemic year) and hope to be participate of RAA for many years to come.