We're riding 628 miles across the beautiful American East for clean water.

The Race

The Race Across the East (RAE) is the newest Race Across America (RAAM) race. This race takes on the toughest terrain the eastern USA has to offer. Starting in Blanchester, OH and following approximately the last 628 miles of the Race Across America route, winding through five states, and finishing on the famed Boardwalk of Atlantic City, NJ.

Open to all cyclists wishing to race solo, 2- or 4-person teams, RAE is the only RAAM-style qualifying race for Race Across America in the Northeast United States. The race is held in conjunction with Race Across America, with RAE racers reaching the finish line just ahead of the bulk of the RAAM race field. The total route is 628 miles with 39,586 ft. of elevation gain. EA’s riders will have 55 hours to complete the race.

The Reason

We’re cycling for water. In June 2026, our team of four-riders is taking on the American east—riding more than 620 miles across southern Ohio, the Ohio River, into the Appalachian Foothills of West Virginia, up and over the Appalachians, through the rolling hills and farmland of Pennsylvania and Maryland, across the Susquehanna and Delaware Rivers, onto the Atlantic Coastal Plain to the Atlantic Ocean to raise awareness and money for clean water and safe sanitation. Funds raised will go to Water For People, an organization that promotes the development of high-quality drinking water and sanitation services, accessible to all, and sustained by strong communities, businesses, and governments.

Please join us by supporting our efforts and donating to help us meet our goal of $30,000. Every dollar counts. Thank you so much for your contribution.

Our Riders

The 2026 RAE features one veteran rider and three new riders, who will have 55 hours to finish a 628-mile course from Blanchester, Ohio to Atlantic City , New Jersey. An all-EA crew will support them throughout the race. Ultra-cycling is addictive, so this year Walt is back for more!

“I am excited to that we have three new riders as we continue our support for Water for People while we participate the Race Across the East in 2026. Clean water makes a huge impact in the lives of the people affected, and we can make a positive difference to the entire community with our donations.”

— Walt Migdal

Ryan O’Leary

EA GIS Specialist and Project Manager

“I am looking forward to the physical challenge that Race Across the East 2026 presents to test myself physically, but am also excited about using the opportunity to raise funding and awareness for the important work that Water for People is engaged in. Clean water is often taken for granted by folks in the US but is critically important daily to billions of people around the world – I look forward to supporting Water for People.”

— Scott Grant

Kritika Thapa

EA Engineer and Project Manager

“I was thrilled when the opportunity arose to participate in the Race Across the East 2026. Taking part in such an incredible endurance event, while also supporting the meaningful work of Water for People, was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.”

— Ryan O'Leary

Scott Grant

EA Engineer and Project Manager

“I am excited to be part of this ride in support of Water For People, as access to clean water has always been a cause close to my heart. This opportunity feels especially meaningful- not only for the challenge itself, but for teamwork, endurance, and a shared commitment to sustainable, community-driven water solutions. I’m very thankful to Cycling for Water for making this possible, and I look forward to the race and the impact we can make together by raising awareness and funds.”

— Kritika Thapa