This fall through next April, the Grange Foundation is encouraging members and friends of the Grange to celebrate unity through movement by participating in the Common Routes: Choose Your Challenge event.
JOIN THE COMMON ROUTES CHALLENGE
This virtual -thon allows individuals to support the work of the Grange Foundation at the level and with the activity of their choice, from running a 10K to taking a few long Sunday drives.
Pets and children can even take part!
“The idea is simple – use your time on the move to reflect on the impact the Grange has had on your life or community and share that with others,” Grange Foundation Chairman John Benedik said. “You can choose how you want to participate, when you want to participate and in doing so, you’ll move the Grange Foundation forward into 2026 and beyond.”
Adult and Junior racers will receive a cooling towel and sticker pack. If you sign up a child under 5, you will receive a special waterproof “Baby’s first 5k” sticker.
You can even choose to have your pets get in on the fun by signing them up to take part in the pup strut – though it’s open to any pet you’d like to participate. They will receive an event-branded pet bandana.
Racers are encouraged to have friends register and enjoy being on the move together, but they may also want to secure sponsors. By encouraging people who do not wish to race to sponsor you, you’ll be helping the Foundation and entered into our contest for “biggest fundraisers.” Just tell your friends and family to click the donate button on the website, select their amount and choose “Other” and enter your name under the On Behalf Of option.
To honor the idea that you can choose your challenge and move any way you’d like, we’ve also created a Sunday Driver and passenger category. Sunday drivers will receive a keychain and sticker pack. Passengers will receive an event sticker pack.
Finally, if you don’t want to race or drive but still wish to support the Grange Foundation and have your name added to the event supporters, you can register as a cheerleader.
Sign ups will begin November 1 and run through Grange Month in April 2026. Those who register and attend the 159th Annual National Grange Convention will receive their event swag on the cruise. Others who register will receive it by mail — with first orders shipping November 20 and weekly thereafter.
When you register however, you will receive a digital bib so you can show your support and participation on social media platforms. Print the bib and hang it at your hall or office to encourage others to take part.
“This is a great way to get a friend to support the Foundation and learn why the Grange is important to you while walking, running, biking, riding or doing any other type of movement that you choose,” Grange Foundation Associate Amanda Brozana said. “No matter what mode of movement you choose, we challenge you to share the value of Grange with others through this event.”