ABOUT THE RUN

SPECIAL MESSAGE

    From UMGC President, Gregory W. Fowler, PhD

Join us!

Each year, our global community comes together to compete in the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) Virtual FUNd Run. Proceeds support the Veterans Assistance Fund, a unique scholarship program that provides grants to student veterans.  

This is a wonderful way to uphold our tradition of serving veteran and military learners and their dependents while at the same time having fun, building community, and supporting our public mission. 

Join us the week of October 30—from wherever you are in the world and however you choose to participate.  

Together, we can inspire hope, empower dreams, and transform lives … one student at a time! 

ABOUT THE VETERANS ASSISTANCE FUND

The University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) Veterans Assistance Fund (VAF) is designed to help student veterans, who are enrolled at UMGC, cover education expenses when federal financial aid and VA benefits are unavailable or exhausted. The fund is available to qualified students experiencing financial hardship and can be used to offset costs related to tuition, degree completion, or transition to civilian life. As of August 2023, the Veterans Assistance Fund has supported 105 student veterans with more than $195,000 in grant-based assistance, keeping recipients on track for graduation.

FAQ

I am unable to participate, may I still donate to the Veterans Assistance Fund?

Yes! Click here to donate directly to the Veterans Assistance Fund.

How can I get started creating a team with colleagues, family, or friends?

Choose your team captain and have your teammates come up with a fun team name! Once a team has been created, all team members must register and pay separately. Each team member should be sure to include the team's name on the online registration form. Visit our Team Captain Resource page for tips on how to create a team and keep your team members motivated throughout the run.

Do I have to run in order to participate?

Participants of the Virtual FUNd Run can choose to run or walk any distance. 

Instead of walking or running any distance, can I participate in other activities such as rowing or biking for my total miles participated?  

To keep it fair, only miles spent running or walking should be submitted on the results form. 

Where can I log my daily activity?

The best way to keep track of your activities is to write down your activity mileage each day. Mobile apps and Fitbit or Garmin watches are also great options to track daily mileage. Pedometers can also be used to track participant miles. Visit our Participant Resources page to get great recommendations for mobile apps, as well as health and fitness tips.

How do I print out my FUNd Run participation bib?

Once registered, all participants will receive an email that contains an automatically-generated participant bib with instructions on how to download and print. 

How are results submitted and determined?

At the conclusion of the run, manually submit your individual or team mileage on the Results page. Individual and team results are determined by submission of the highest mileage recorded.

How do I recieve my FUNd Run digital badge and certificate of completion?

At the conclusion of the run, participants will recieve an email that will contain their FUNd Run digital badge. A certificate of completion will be sent via email after participants submit their Results.

How and when will I receive my completion medal?

Physical medals will be mailed within 30 days of the conclusion of the event. When registering to participate, please ensure that your mailing address is correct. If you need to update your adddress, you may do so on the Registration page or email to vesseyvrc@umgc.edu.  

How do I get recognized as a Virtual FUNd Run Challenge "Top Participant" or "Top Team"?

For the opportunity to be recognized as a “Top Participant” or “Top Team,” results must be entered by participants within 48 hours of closing date; 11:59 p.m., Sunday, November 5, 2023.

Who can I contact for information?

Please contact vesseyvrc@umgc.edu.

TESTIMONIALS FROM VAF

"I am forever grateful for the opportunity that VAF has given me to excel in life by having the education that I need to succeed." - L.W.

"Thanks for the help. I never thought it would happen for me. I will remain great full. In the future I hope I can find a way to pay back or help another veteran." - Alie K.

"I really appreciate your support and I am grateful for the assistance. The process was very straight forward and timely. The personnel was very friendly and attentive to my needs. It was a great experience overall. Once again thank you so much for supporting me during my journey!" - E.M.

"I am thankful and grateful beyong measure for the approval of my application for the UMGC Veterans Assistance Fund...without this benefit, it would have been impossible for me to complete my fall course." - A.H.