June 8, 2026
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – The Royal Credit Union Foundation (RCU Foundation) and Eau Claire Marathon (ECM) have selected three local nonprofit organizations as beneficiaries of the 2027 ECM 10K Charity Classic presented by Royal Credit Union. NAMI Chippewa Valley, NorthLakes Community Clinic, and Trinity Equestrian Center were chosen for their commitment to supporting mental health.
The RCU Foundation has committed $15,000 in funding to the three organizations. Race participants help determine how the funds are distributed through a community voting process. Every 10K registrant receives one free charity vote, and additional votes may be purchased for $2 each through the race registration website. The nonprofit receiving the most votes will be awarded $8,000, second place will receive $5,000, and third place will receive $2,000. Organizations may also earn additional votes by volunteering at ECM events.
“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,” said 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.”
“Community support has always been at the heart of the Eau Claire Marathon,” said Emi Uelmen, Race Director and Owner of the Eau Claire Marathon. “Over the years, the marathon has contributed more than $700,000 directly to more than 175 local organizations. We’re excited to continue partnering with the RCU Foundation to expand that impact and connect participants with mission-driven non-profits throughout our region.”
NAMI Chippewa Valley provides education, advocacy, and support for individuals and families impacted by mental illness throughout the Chippewa Valley.
NorthLakes Community Clinic offers vital mental health care services through a spectrum of counseling services including behavioral health and recovery counseling.
Trinity Equestrian Center facilitates equine-assisted activities and therapeutic riding programs that support physical, emotional, and developmental growth for participants of all ages and abilities.
Registration is now open for the 2027 ECM 10K Charity Classic, part of the Eau Claire Marathon Race Weekend presented by Royal Credit Union. To learn more or register, visit www.eauclairemarathon.com or rcu.org/Race.
About Eau Claire Marathon
The Eau Claire Marathon presented by Royal Credit Union features a marathon, marathon relay, half-marathon, 10K Charity Classic, 5K, and kid’s obstacle run. The event attracts 5,900 participants and over 1,000 volunteers and was voted Wisconsin’s #1 half marathon (2024 and 2026) and #1 full marathon (2023 and 2025) by RaceRaves. The Eau Claire Marathon has given back $700,000 to over 175 Chippewa Valley organizations and generates an estimated $5.4 million impact on the local economy. For more information, please visit www.eauclairemarathon.com or contact info@eauclairemarathon.com.
About RCU Foundation
The RCU Foundation (Foundation) was established in 2012 to support organizations and initiatives in communities where Royal Credit Union operates in western Wisconsin and eastern Minnesota. The Foundation focuses on large-scale, capital projects that help build community and create spaces where people come together. Focus areas include education, health, and the arts. Currently, it has awarded more than $12 million in grants. Contact foundation@rcu.org for more information.
About Royal Credit Union
Royal Credit Union is a federally insured credit union proudly serving over 300,000 Members in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Royal is driven by a core ideology built on a strong purpose and values. You can open an account or apply for a low-rate loan at Royal Credit Union if you live or work in 26 counties in western Wisconsin or 16 counties in Minnesota. Counties served in Wisconsin include Adams, Ashland, Bayfield, Barron, Buffalo, Burnett, Chippewa, Clark, Douglas, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson, Lincoln, Marathon, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Portage, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, St. Croix, Taylor, Trempealeau, Washburn, and Wood. Counties served in Minnesota include Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Goodhue, Hennepin, Isanti, Olmsted, Pine, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Wabasha, Washington, Winona and Wright. A complete list of Member eligibility requirements is available on the Royal Credit Union website. To learn more about Royal, visit rcu.org or call 800-341-9911.
