Race Around the World for Education

Who can participate?

Anyone – the more the merrier. While the majority of participants hail from marketing research companies, we welcome all participants and their friends, families, partners, neighbors, etc.

 

Can I join any team?

You are welcome to join any team when you sign up. If your company is not sponsoring a team, please feel free to join Team MREF!

 

Will I have to verify my results?

No; the race operates on the honor system. We trust everyone to report responsibly!

 

How do I log miles?

1. Once signed in, click your profile bubble on the top right of the menu and navigate to Profile.
2. Find the Race Around the World box – on the righthand list of blue links, click Submit Virtual Results.
3. If you need help troubleshooting or want to explore other logging options, visit this tutorial.

 

How do I upload photos?

1. On the main menu, click Photos.
2. Click Add Photos to Your Album.
3. Click Upload Images and choose your photo(s).
4. When you're finished selecting photos, click I'm Finished Uploading.
5. If you are not able to upload photos, you could be missing your date of birth from the race registration. You must confirm that you are over 18 years of age to upload photos to the race website!

 

How do I download the customized digital bib so I can print it or share it on social media?

Click on your Profile, then select View Digital Bib. You can see an example of how to download it here.

 

What happens to proceeds from the race?

The 2025 Race Around the World for Education fundraising initiative will focus on empowering the next generation of leaders through STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math). 
 
By supporting programs in underserved communities around the world, we aim to provide young people with access to transformative learning experiences that foster creativity, problem-solving, and leadership. 

• Downstage Arts works at the intersections of performance, college prep, and arts education, providing arts access and opportunities for youth in Chicago. Downstage Arts will use MREF funds to support the expansion of its Teen Cohort program. The Teen Cohort program guides juniors and seniors through the college application process for performing arts programs from initial research through decision day. Funds will also go toward developing curriculum for a new design and tech track, which will assist teens who are looking to pursue careers on the production side of the artistic process.
   
• Boys & Girls Clubs of La Porte County, Indiana, provide children with afterschool and summer programming completely free of charge. Club sites have significant populations of students eligible for free/reduced lunch, and several sites are in geographically isolated areas. MREF’s grant will provide funding for Stepped-Up STEM programming at nine clubs, which will positively impact an estimated 650 children ages 5 to 15 during the 2025/2026 school year. 
   
• Marty’s Orchid House, of Louisville, Kentucky, is a medical, therapeutic, and educational day program for preschool-age children with autism and overlapping health conditions. MREF funds will be used to support the program’s therapy department’s pre-tech and communication STEM program. 
   
• Supporting Digital Literacy for English Language Learners (ELLs), Start Lighthouse’s (New York) after-school and summer programming that provides multilingual learners with live, small group virtual classes focused on reading comprehension, vocabulary development, and navigating digital learning tools. In addition, each student will receive STEAM-themed book bundles designed to promote literacy at home and extend learning beyond the sessions. 

 

Can I use my Fitbit or other device to log miles?

No; miles must be logged manually on the website.

 

The race has already started – is it too late to join?

We welcome all participation at any point in the race until May 31.

 

I forgot to log my miles for a couple days – do they still count?

They do! Simply change the date to the correct day when you submit your virtual results – you can choose a day that has already passed. You can log miles from multiple days at the same time.

 

How long after the race do I have to log my miles?

If participants miss some days, they will have until Wednesday, June 4 at 11:55 p.m. ET to retroactively submit results. Remember – all race results are on the honor system!

 

Where can I learn more about the MREF?

Visit the MREF website to learn more about our mission and other fundraising campaigns and events throughout the year!