A Fun Run Fundraiser promotes healthy activities and raises money for a good cause. Learn how to organize a Walkathon or Jogathon here.
A Fun Run Fundraiser, also called a Walkathon or Jogathon, is a great way to promote wellness while raising money for your cause. However, organizing an impactful event requires lots of planning and a bit of creativity. In this ultimate guide, we’ll walk you through the key steps to organizing a fun run fundraiser, from setting a budget to recruiting volunteers. We’ll also explain why you should set one up, provide some expert tips, and share a few inspiring theme ideas. So, whether you’re a seasoned event organizer or first-time fundraiser, this guide is for you!
Also called a Walkathon or Jogathon, a Fun Run fundraiser is an uncompetitive event where participants walk or run a course to raise money for a particular cause.
This is a peer to peer fundraising method, as organizations typically raise money by getting participants to find friends and family to pledge a certain amount of money for every lap they’re able to complete.
This way, everybody wins!
Often, fun runs will have a theme, like Halloween costumes or Color Runs. We’ll discuss Color Runs more in a bit, and you can check out several other Fun Run themes toward the end of this article.
A Walkathon is the same thing as a Fun Run. In both fundraisers, participants walk or run a course to raise money.
While a Walkathon may be more oriented to walking and a Fun Run towards running, you’ll see a mix of both in either event.
Whatever you decide to call your event, make sure it’s inclusive for people of all fitness levels. Allow people to participate at whatever pace is comfortable for them.
Color Runs add some excitement to the traditional Fun Run by integrating “color stations” at various spots throughout the running course. At these stations, volunteers throw color powder at participants.
At the end of the race, runners will be covered in all sorts of different colors, which should make for some fun pictures at the end of the event.
While organizing in-person Fun Runs is obviously ideal, depending on your organization’s situation, you could opt to organize a Virtual Fun Run.
Rather than set up a course at one defined location, you can have participants track the distance they run. Then, pledges can donate per mile or whatever metric you think is suitable.
Virtual Fun Runs allow you to raise funds for a good cause despite being socially distanced. They let runners participate regardless of their location, whether they run on a trail, local track, or even a treadmill!
There are lots of reasons to choose organizing a Fun Run Fundraiser as opposed to other types of fundraisers.
Here are a few of them.
One of the best advantages of organizing a Fun Run is that it’s a great way to bring communities together.
While some types of fundraisers, like Brochure Fundraising, focus more on connecting with family and friends, Fun Run events bring the entire community together for a one-day event.
This makes Fun Runs a great way to foster new connections in your community and keep the momentum for your cause going.
Whether or not your fundraiser is health-related, there’s no denying that Fun Run fundraisers promote both exercise and good causes.
They’re a great way to get people active while contributing to their community.
Overall, it’s absolutely a win-win!
Fun Runs are super customizable! You can run yours with a theme, and you can even organize Color Runs.
Additionally, the way your organization makes money is also customizable. While it’s typical for participants to collect pledges and raise money for every lap they complete, you can also opt to charge participants a flat fee to participate in the event.
Either way, you’ll be able to throw a really fun event while raising money for your cause.
Many types of fundraisers, like T-shirt Fundraisers, require participants to sell a certain product. However, Fun Runs don’t have to involve selling anything, since money is raised through donations and pledges.
You can choose to sell something at your event if you want to raise extra money though.
For example, selling baked goods or other food at the event is a great strategy. Additionally, you could consider selling T-shirts with your event’s name or organization’s logo on them.
Since the fundraiser type is so versatile, it’s totally up to you!
Another great thing about Fun Runs is that they typically don’t cost much to organize. All you really need to run one is a few volunteers and access to a track or course (and you may not even need the latter if you opt to organize a virtual Fun Run!).
You do have the option of working with a company that takes care of all the money collection and website set up, though this isn’t mandatory. It will make the fundraiser a little simpler, however.
For example, one company we found charges a $395 set up fee in addition to a percentage of platform and credit card fees. Despite the fees, you do get to keep over 90% of your proceeds.
Since you’re throwing an event, a Fun Run is a great opportunity to bring your community together and spread awareness for your cause.
Even if you’re throwing an online Fun Run, by promoting the event, you’ll also be bringing attention to the purpose of the fundraiser. The more attention it gets, the more money you’ll be able to raise.
We’ll discuss some effective strategies for promoting your Fun Run below.
The main purpose of any fundraiser is to raise as much money as possible for your cause–and Fun Runs are no different!
There are a few different methods you can use to raise money at your event. The most obvious is to get participants to find sponsors to pledge money for every lap they’re able to complete or charge participants an entry fee.
However, don’t forget that you can also combine your Fun Run with other fundraising strategies. For example, you could sell baked goods (or a healthy alternative) at your event. You could even set up a virtual QR code to accept additional donations.
Remember, you don’t have to limit yourself to one method of raising funds with a Fun Run or any kind of event-based fundraiser.
While Fun Runs are a great way to raise funds for your cause, there is one major drawback to keep in mind.
The main concern when organizing a Fun Run fundraiser is the weather. If your event happens to land on a day with heavy rain or other hazardous conditions, you may need to postpone or cancel.
The best way to deal with this problem is to plan a rain date. This way, if the weather doesn’t cooperate, you can always move the event to the later date.
Alternatively, depending on the number of participants in your Fun Run and your resources, you could try to organize an indoor event.
However, this will probably require a large space and could be costly if you’re not affiliated with an organization with access to a large gymnasium or something similar.
Another way to avoid this problem is to organize a virtual Fun Run, or at least provide this as an option for participants.
Whatever you decide to do, just be aware that any event you organize is subject to conditions out of your control.
Organizing a Fun Run fundraiser may seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be as hard as it may sound.
Below, we’ll walk you through all the key steps of organizing a Fun Run fundraiser.
Forming a fundraising team is the first step towards organizing a successful Fun Run Fundraiser.
The planning team is responsible for coordinating all aspects of the event, from choosing the venue to marketing the event to potential participants.
The team should consist of people with a variety of skills and expertise, such as:
Ideally, the team should have a leader who can delegate responsibilities, ensuring everyone works towards the same goal.
Once the team is formed, the first task should be to establish the goals of the Fun Run Fundraiser. This will help guide the planning process and make sure everyone’s on the same page.
Without setting a budget, it’s difficult to know:
Here are some steps to follow when setting your fun run fundraiser budget:
The first step in setting a budget is determining how much money you want to raise from the event.
This helps you determine how much you can afford to spend on the event.
Next, you need to identify all the revenue sources that will contribute to your fundraising goal.
This may include:
Once you know how much money you’re likely to raise, you can start estimating the expenses associated with the event.
This may include:
After estimating your expenses, you can allocate your budget accordingly.
This helps you to prioritize your spending, ensuring you don’t overspend in one area at the expense of another.
As you organize your event, it’s important to monitor your budget closely and make sure you’re staying within your spending limits.
If you find that you’re overspending in one area, you may need to make adjustments or find ways to reduce expenses in other areas.
Determining a date, theme, and venue requires careful consideration of various factors that can affect the turnout and success of your event.
Use the following tips to help you pick a date, theme, and venue.
The date you choose should be convenient for your target audience and shouldn’t conflict with other major events in the area.
Factors that could affect attendance inlcude:
A theme can add some extra excitement to your event, and it also makes marketing and promoting the event easier.
Consider a theme that is relevant to your cause or community, and make sure it appeals to your target audience.
We discuss some exciting fun run themes later on.
Your venue choice depends on the size of your event and the number of participants you expect.
Consider factors such as:
A park, school, or sports center are great venue options for a fun run.
Depending on the location and size of your event, you may need to obtain permits from local authorities.
Be sure to research and obtain any necessary permits well in advance of the event date.
If in-person events are not possible or advisable, consider offering a virtual option for your fun run fundraiser.
This allows people to participate from anywhere, and can also increase your cause’s visibility.
The fourth step in organizing a successful fun run fundraiser is recruiting volunteers. Volunteers can help with various aspects of the event, such as:
Here are some steps to follow when recruiting volunteers.
Make a list of all the volunteer roles you need to fill, as well as the skills required for each role.
This helps you identify the type of volunteers you’ll need to recruit.
Reach out to your personal and professional network to see if anyone is interested in volunteering.
This could include:
Use social media, email, and other marketing channels to promote volunteer opportunities.
Be sure to emphasize the benefits of volunteering, such as giving back to the community and gaining professional experience.
Once you’ve recruited volunteers, provide them with clear instructions on their roles and responsibilities.
This should include information on:
Volunteers are critical to the success of your event, so be sure to show your appreciation for their hard work.
This could include
When organizing a fun run fundraiser, it’s important to consider how you want to raise money.
There are several ways to generate funds, and choosing the right approach can have a big impact on the success of your event.
When considering how to raise money for your fun run fundraiser, it’s important to choose an approach that aligns with your target audience.
By selecting the right fundraising strategy, you can increase your chance of organizing a successful event.
Here are some options to consider:
One common way to raise money for a fun run is by charging a registration fee.
This fee can cover the cost of organizing the event and contribute to your fundraising goals.
Another way to generate funds is by seeking sponsorships from local businesses and organizations.
You can offer different levels of sponsorship, such as gold, silver, and bronze, and provide benefits to sponsors, such as logo placement.
You can also accept donations from participants and supporters.
This can be done through fundraising software, or by setting up a donation booth on the day of the event.
Selling merchandise like t-shirts, hats, and water bottles can also generate funds for your event.
This is a great way to promote your cause and give participants a tangible souvenir of the event.
You can use P2P crowdfunding fundraiser platforms to raise money for your event.
This involves setting up a fundraising page and encouraging people to donate to your cause.
Setting up a smooth registration process is essential for the success of your fun run fundraiser.
You need to determine how participants will sign up for the event and what information you’ll need to collect from them.
Here are some key elements to consider:
Decide how participants will register for the event.
You can use an online registration platform or create a registration form on your organization’s website.
If you’re charging a registration fee, determine the amount and when it’s due.
To encourage more sign-ups, consider offering options like:
Also, think about how you’ll collect the payments. You can use an online payment platform, or even collect cash depending on the size and audience of your fundraiser.
Determine the information you’ll need from participants during registration.
This may include things like:
Once participants have registered, keep them informed about the event details, such as:
Consider sending out regular updates through email, social media, or a dedicated event website.
Promoting your fundraiser is essential to attracting participants, sponsors, and donors.
Here are some strategies to consider when promoting your event.
Use social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to promote your event.
Create a dedicated event page or hashtag and share updates, photos, and videos regularly to generate interest and engagement.
Contact local newspapers, radio stations, and TV stations to promote your event.
Consider writing a press release or pitching a story about your cause and event.
Distribute flyers and posters in high-traffic areas, such as:
Make sure you include all the necessary information about your event, such as the date, time, location, and registration details.
Reach out to community organizations, such as schools, churches, and clubs, to promote your event.
Consider partnering with them to reach a wider audience and gain more support.
Email marketing lets you reach out to your organization’s supporters directly.
It’s a good idea to create a series of emails leading up to the event to build excitement.
Offer incentives for participants to sign up early or for sponsors to donate a certain amount.
This can include:
By promoting your fun run fundraiser through a variety of channels, you can attract more participants, and donors.
Be creative and persistent in your promotion efforts, and don’t be afraid to ask for help from your network and community.
After all the planning and preparation, it’s time to hold your fun run fundraiser!
Here are some key things to keep in mind on the day of the event.
Arrive early to set up the venue and make sure everything is in order.
This includes setting up:
Greet participants as they arrive and provide them with any necessary information, such as the course route and start time.
Make sure you have a team of volunteers available to answer questions and provide assistance.
Give clear instructions to participants on the start time, course route, and other important details.
Consider having a designated person or team start the race to ensure everyone begins at the same time.
During the race, monitor the event to ensure the safety of everyone participating.
Keep first aid kits and emergency contact information on hand in case of any accidents or injuries.
As participants finish the race, congratulate them and provide them with any rewards or incentives they may have earned.
Also, think about hosting a post-race celebration with food, beverages, and music to create a festive atmosphere.
After the event, make it a priority to thank participants and sponsors for their support.
Consider sending out a follow-up email or newsletter with photos and updates on the success of the event.
After the fun run fundraiser is over, it’s important to clean up the event space and ensure everything is returned to its proper place.
Here are some key things to keep in mind during the clean-up process.
Assigning specific tasks to volunteers ensures everything gets cleaned up in a timely and efficient manner.
This includes duties such as:
Make sure all waste is disposed of properly, including trash, recyclables, and any hazardous materials.
Consider partnering with a local waste management company to handle waste removal.
Collect and return any equipment borrowed or rented for the event, such as tables, chairs, sound equipment, and tents.
Make sure to clean and pack everything properly to avoid any damage.
After the event, thank all the volunteers who helped with the clean-up process.
You might even give them refreshments or a small gift to show your appreciation.
Cleaning up thoroughly after a fun run fundraiser leaves a positive impression on the venue and the community, ensuring you’re welcome back for future events.
After the fun run fundraiser and the clean-up process, it’s important to evaluate the success of the event.
This helps you identify areas of improvement for future events and lets you know if you’ve met your fundraising goals.
Here are some key things to keep in mind during the evaluation process.
Collect feedback from participants, volunteers, and sponsors to understand what went well and what could be improved.
Consider using online surveys or feedback forms to make it easy for people to share their thoughts.
Review the financial results of the event to ensure you’ve met your fundraising goals.
Then, identify any areas where you may have overspent.
Finally, thank your sponsors and send them an update on the success of the event.
Evaluate the logistics of the event, including the:
Identify areas where you could improve the participant experience and make changes for future events.
Finally, you’re ready to celebrate the successes of the event with your team and community!
To do this, think about sharing photos and updates on social media and in newsletters to showcase the impact of the event. This can help build excitement for future events.
