Three local nonprofits dedicated to mental health are about to get a serious boost, thanks to a partnership that proves running can do a lot more than just burn calories.
The Royal Credit Union Foundation and Eau Claire Marathon just announced their picks for the 2027 ECM 10K Charity Classic beneficiaries, and they’re all organizations making real waves in mental health support. NAMI Chippewa Valley, NorthLakes Community Clinic, and Trinity Equestrian Center are stepping into the spotlight—and they’re bringing home some much-needed funding.
Here’s How the Money Works
The RCU Foundation is putting $15,000 on the table, but here’s the interesting part: race participants actually decide who gets what. Think of it as democracy meets endurance sports.
Every runner who registers for the 10K gets one free vote to cast for their favorite nonprofit. Want to throw extra support behind your choice? You can buy additional votes for two bucks each through the race website. And if the organizations themselves want to rack up votes, they can volunteer at marathon events to earn more.
The prize breakdown looks like this: first place takes home $8,000, runner-up gets $5,000, and third place walks away with $2,000. Not bad for a day’s work.
Why This Matters
“Supporting organizations that improve health and enhance quality of life is one of the many ways the RCU Foundation invests in the communities we serve,” explained John Sackett, RCU Foundation President. “The 2027 Charity Classic beneficiaries make a meaningful difference for individuals and families throughout the Chippewa Valley, and we look forward to raising awareness for their important work.”
The Eau Claire Marathon has been at this community support game for a while now. Race Director and Owner Emi Uelmen points out that over the years, the marathon has funneled more than $700,000 directly to over 175 local organizations. That’s not pocket change—that’s serious community impact.
“Community support has always been at the heart of the Eau Claire Marathon,” Uelmen said. “We’re excited to continue partnering with the RCU Foundation to expand that impact and connect participants with mission-driven nonprofits throughout our region.”
Meet the Beneficiaries
NAMI Chippewa Valley is all about education, advocacy, and support for individuals and families dealing with mental illness. They’re the people who show up when someone needs to understand what they’re going through isn’t something they have to face alone.
NorthLakes Community Clinic brings mental health care services to the table through a full spectrum of counseling options, including behavioral health and recovery counseling. Basically, they’re making sure people have access to the help they need, when they need it.
Trinity Equestrian Center takes a different approach—they use equine-assisted activities and therapeutic riding programs to support physical, emotional, and developmental growth. Turns out horses can be pretty incredible healers for people of all ages and abilities.
So if you’re signing up for the 2027 10K, you’re not just committing to a workout—you’re helping decide which of these worthy organizations gets the biggest boost. That’s the kind of participation trophy everyone can feel good about.
Related:
RCU Foundation’s $125K power play for Chippewa Youth
Royal Credit Union Foundation delivers hands-on high school financial education