Join the race exists to empower people to live fully, give freely, and leave a lasting impact on this world.
JOIN THE RACE EXISTS TO EMPOWER PEOPLE TO LIVE FULLY, GIVE FREELY, AND LEAVE A LASTING IMPACT ON THIS WORLD.
ABOUT JOIN THE RACE
Rallied by father-son duo Mike & Mike Pluimer, Join the Race is a nonprofit that encourages athletes to race for more than a medal. Founded in 2007 by Mike Sr, Join the Race ran its first course raising over $2 million by competing in Ironman triathlons in support of a number of nonprofits and causes, most notably the HIV epidemic in 2008.
After a hiatus from fundraising, the movement was revamped in 2026 amidst Mike Sr’s several month long recovery from a sudden heart attack. The road back to racing led here, and with Mike Jr now immersed in endurance sports, Join the Race returned with fresh legs and twice the passion.
Now that you’re up to speed, come along for the ride (or run, or swim) as we race in pursuit of a better world together.
Why endurance sports?
Fair question! Endurance sports can be grueling, exhausting, and relentless. But endurance is found across the world in many ways, and most of it is not practiced by choice. Too many people are enduring battles against hunger, disease, discrimination, addiction, or loss - all without the promise of a finish line. Suddenly, the pain we choose to endure becomes a privilege.
For us, racing is a celebration of our health and ability. When you’re training or competing for hours on end, you’re ultra aware of your heart beating. You’re breathing like you can’t get enough air. In a way, that’s how every day should be lived. Racing is a reminder that you’re alive, and of what a precious and fragile thing that is.
Yes, there are easier ways to exercise an appreciation for life. For us, it’s endurance sports. For you, it might be something less extreme. Our hope is that through Join the Race, our actions will inspire some to race, others to give, and all to live their fullest life, while helping others to do the same.
Why give through JTR?
By giving through Join the Race, your donation supports purpose-driven athletes passionate about the same causes you are, without compromising any money from its designated cause. Your cause receives 100% of the funds, but your generosity has double the impact.
