University of Virginia President Jim Ryan will run in the Anthem Richmond Marathon on Saturday in support of Madison House.

The run is intended to help Madison House, which operates as an independent nonprofit volunteer center for UVA students, raise funds for its programs and the work volunteers do within the Charlottesville and surrounding community.

Saturday’s run will be similar to the Boston Marathon run that Ryan participated in for Harvard University when he was dean of its graduate education school.

“Running a marathon can be a solitary pursuit, so over the past few years I’ve tried to make it about more than just me,” he said. “In the past I’ve run for teachers, but this time I’ll be running to support Madison House, which does incredible work helping students serve the community. I want to thank everyone who is donating to help them do even more.”

Nearly 4,300 UVA students volunteered more than 106,000 hours in the community last year through Madison House programs, which range from Adopt-a-Grandparent to youth mentoring, from housing improvement to tax preparation. Madison House places student volunteers with more than 100 local community partner organizations, and has identified 26 programs to correspond to the 26 miles of the race.

Madison House has set a pledge goal of $26,200 – or $1,000 per mile. To support Ryan’s run and the student-led programs and volunteers, click here.

“Volunteering through Madison House has been central to the UVA student experience for nearly 50 years,” said Tim Freilich, a UVA alumnus who directs Madison House. “Madison House shares President Jim Ryan’s focus on service and community. I appreciate that he is dedicating his run to support the student leaders of Madison House and urge all runners and fans of Madison House in the University community to show their support as well. And thank you, President Ryan.”

Those interested in participating in the Anthem Richmond Marathon, which starts at 7:45 a.m., can sign up here to run or walk in the race. Registration closes Thursday.

You can also get involved by following Ryan’s run for Madison House on Instagram and Twitter and sharing your #MadisonHouse stories on social media.