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!
Table of Contents
- What Is A Fun Run Fundraiser?
- 7 Pros Of Fun Run Fundraisers
- Cons of A Fun Run Fundraiser
- How To Organize A Fun Run Fundraiser In 9 Steps
- Step 3: Determine A Date, Theme, and Venue
- Step 4: Recruit Volunteers
- Step 5: Consider How You Want To Raise Money
- Step 6: Set Up The Registration Process
- Step 7: Promote Your Fun Run
- Step 8: Hold Your Fun Run Fundraiser
- Step 9: Clean Up
- Step 10: Evaluate Your Fun Run
What Is A Fun Run Fundraiser?
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.
What Is A Walkathon?
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.
What Is A Color Run?
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.
What Is A Virtual Fun Run Fundraiser?
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!
7 Pros Of Fun Run Fundraisers
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.
1. Bring Community Together
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.
2. Promote Exercise and Health
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!
3. Customize Your Fun Run
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.
4. No Need to Sell Products (Though You Can!)
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!
5. Low Cost To Organize
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.
6. Increase Awareness
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.
7. Raise Money
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.
Cons of A Fun Run 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.
How To Organize A Fun Run Fundraiser In 9 Steps
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.
Step 1: Form A Fun Run Planning Team
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:
- Event planning
- Marketing
- Fundraising
- Logistics
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.
Step 2: Establish Your Fun Run Budget
Without setting a budget, it’s difficult to know:
- How much money you need to raise
- How much you can spend on different aspects of the event
- Whether you’re likely to meet your fundraising goals
Here are some steps to follow when setting your fun run fundraiser budget:
Determine your fundraising goal
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.
Identify revenue sources
Next, you need to identify all the revenue sources that will contribute to your fundraising goal.
This may include:
- Registration fees
- Sponsorships
- Donations
Estimate expenses
Once you know how much money you’re likely to raise, you can start estimating the expenses associated with the event.
This may include:
- Venue rental
- Marketing and promotion
- Refreshments
- Staff or volunteer costs
Allocate expenses
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.
Monitor your budget
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.
Step 3: Determine A Date, Theme, and Venue
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.
Choose a date
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:
- Weather
- Holidays
- Other local events
Select a theme
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.
Pick a venue
Your venue choice depends on the size of your event and the number of participants you expect.
Consider factors such as:
- Accessibility
- Parking
- Restrooms
- Safety
A park, school, or sports center are great venue options for a fun run.
Obtain necessary permits
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.
Consider virtual options
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.
Step 4: Recruit Volunteers
The fourth step in organizing a successful fun run fundraiser is recruiting volunteers. Volunteers can help with various aspects of the event, such as:
- Registration
- Course marshaling
- Water stations
- Cleanup
Here are some steps to follow when recruiting volunteers.
Identify volunteer needs
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 network
Reach out to your personal and professional network to see if anyone is interested in volunteering.
This could include:
- Friends
- Family
- Colleagues
- Community organizations
Promote volunteer opportunities
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.
Provide clear instructions
Once you’ve recruited volunteers, provide them with clear instructions on their roles and responsibilities.
This should include information on:
- When and where to report
- What to wear
- Any specific tasks they’ll be responsible for
Show appreciation
Volunteers are critical to the success of your event, so be sure to show your appreciation for their hard work.
This could include
- Providing food and drinks
- Offering certificates of appreciation
- Publicly acknowledging their contributions
Step 5: Consider How You Want To Raise Money
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:
1. Registration fees
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.
2. Sponsorships
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.
3. Donations
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.
4. Merchandise sales
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.
5. Crowdfunding
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.
Step 6: Set Up The Registration Process
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:
Determine the registration method
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.
Determine the registration fee
If you’re charging a registration fee, determine the amount and when it’s due.
To encourage more sign-ups, consider offering options like:
- Early bird discounts
- Family rates
- Group discounts
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.
Gather necessary information
Determine the information you’ll need from participants during registration.
This may include things like:
- Name
- Address
- Phone number
- Emergency contact information
- T-shirt size
- Medical information
Communicate with participants
Once participants have registered, keep them informed about the event details, such as:
- Start time
- Location
- Parking
- Any other important information they need to know
Consider sending out regular updates through email, social media, or a dedicated event website.
Step 7: Promote Your Fun Run
Promoting your fundraiser is essential to attracting participants, sponsors, and donors.
Here are some strategies to consider when promoting your event.
Use social media
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.
Reach out to local media
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
Distribute flyers and posters in high-traffic areas, such as:
- Community centers
- Libraries
- Coffee shops
Make sure you include all the necessary information about your event, such as the date, time, location, and registration details.
Network with community organizations
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.
Leverage email marketing
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
Offer incentives for participants to sign up early or for sponsors to donate a certain amount.
This can include:
- Discounted registration fees
- Free t-shirts
- Recognition on your event website
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.
Step 8: Hold Your Fun Run Fundraiser
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.
Set up the venue early
Arrive early to set up the venue and make sure everything is in order.
This includes setting up:
- Registration tables
- Food and beverage stations
- Any other necessary equipment
Welcome participants
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.
Start the race
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.
Monitor the event
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.
Celebrate the finish
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.
Thank participants and sponsors
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.
Step 9: Clean Up
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.
Assign tasks
Assigning specific tasks to volunteers ensures everything gets cleaned up in a timely and efficient manner.
This includes duties such as:
- Taking down signage
- Collecting trash and recyclables
- Returning equipment
Dispose of waste
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.
Return equipment
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.
Thank volunteers
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.
Step 10: Evaluate Your Fun Run
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.
Gather feedback
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 finances
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.
Assess logistics
Evaluate the logistics of the event, including the:
- Registration process
- Course route
- Cleanliness of the event space
Identify areas where you could improve the participant experience and make changes for future events.
Celebrate successes
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.
3 Tips For Organizing A Fun Run Fundraiser
Before you start organizing your fundraiser, you should consider the following tips.
Whether you’re an experienced event planner or organizing your first fun run, these tips will help you stay on track.
1. Set A Rain Date
When planning a fun run fundraiser, it’s important to keep in mind that the weather can be unpredictable.
Rain or other inclement weather can impact the event, potentially leading to a decrease in participation and fundraising.
To mitigate this risk, it’s a good idea to set a rain date for your event.
When selecting a rain date, it’s important to choose a date that’s far enough in advance to allow participants and volunteers to adjust their schedules.
However, make sure it’s also not so far away that it interferes with other events or conflicts with your other priorities.
Ideally, you should choose a date that’s within a week or two of the original event date.
Once you’ve selected a rain date, communicate it clearly to participants and volunteers.
For example, update your event website and social media channels with the new date, and consider sending out an email blast to all registered participants.
It’s also a good idea to have a clear policy on refunds or exchanges in case participants cannot make the rain date.
By setting a rain date for your fun run fundraiser, you can ensure that the event will happen rain or shine, and that you’ll still be able to meet your fundraising goals.
2. Have Participants Sign Waivers
When organizing a fun run fundraiser, it’s crucial to prioritize the safety of all participants.
While accidents are rare, they can happen during any physical activity, including running.
To protect both your organization and your participants, it’s smart to have all participants sign waivers before the event.
Waivers should include language clearly stating the risks associated with participating in a fun run, as well as any rules or guidelines participants are expected to follow.
Make sure the waiver is easy to read and understand, and that participants have ample time to review and sign it before the event.
In addition to having participants sign waivers, it’s a good idea to have medical staff or first aid volunteers on site during the event.
Make sure that all volunteers and staff are trained in CPR and first aid. They should also know what to do in case of an emergency.
By prioritizing safety during the event, you can protect both your organization and participants from potential accidents or injuries.
3. Accept Online Payments
Online payment platforms allow participants to register and donate quickly and easily, which can increase participation and donations for your event.
There are many online payment platforms available, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. When selecting a platform, consider factors such as:
- Transaction fees
- Ease of use
- Integration with other tools such as social media and email marketing
It’s also important to have a clear policy on refunds and exchanges.
Make sure participants understand your refund policy, and provide clear instructions on how to request a refund or exchange.
By accepting online payments and having a clear refund policy, you can make it easy for participants to register and donate to your fun run fundraiser.
Fun Run Fundraiser Software
When it comes to organizing a fun run fundraiser, the right software can make a huge difference.
The best options provide:
- A good user experience
- Relevant features
- Reasonable pricing
- Customization options
- Strong customer support
To help you find the right platform, we used the categories above to rate and rank the best fun run software.
Our top pick for fun run software is PledgeStar, which offers an intuitive interface, automated communication tools, incentives, and gamification features.
However, just because this one ranked number one overall doesn’t necessarily mean its the right fit for your organization.
Other notable options include:
When choosing a platform, you need to consider factors like your organization’s needs, the level of support required, and pricing.
To find fun run software tailored just for you, fill out this form and we’ll help you get started!
Fun Run Theme Ideas
If you really want to make your fun run memorable, consider adding a adding a theme.
When choosing an idea, consider:
- Your audience
- The cause you are raising money for
- Any special interests your participants may have
These are just a few fun run theme ideas, but the possibilities are endless!
1. Color Run
In a Color Run, participants wear white clothing and are sprayed with colored powder at various stations throughout the course.
This is a great theme for all ages and can create a fun and colorful event.
2. Hot Chocolate Run
In a Hot chocolate run, participants brave the chilly weather while warming up with a steaming cup of hot chocolate at various stations along the course.
This idea is perfect for all ages and can create a delicious and heartwarming event.
3. Superhero Run
Superhero Runs involve participants dressing up as their favorite superheroes to raise money for a cause.
This theme is great for families and children, and can include superhero-themed activities and games.
4. Glow Run
In Glow Runs, runners wear neon or glow-in-the-dark clothing and accessories and run through a course illuminated by black lights.
This is the perfect theme for nighttime events where you can incorporate glow sticks.
5. Zombie Run
Zombie Runs involve people navigating a course while avoiding getting caught by zombie volunteers.
This idea is great for Halloween events and can create a spooky and exciting atmosphere.
6. Disney Run
In Disney Runs, participants dress up as their favorite Disney characters and run through a course featuring Disney-themed activities and decorations.
This is a great idea for families and Disney fans.
7. Pirate Run
In a Pirate Run, people dress up as pirates and run through a course featuring pirate-themed obstacles and activities.
This theme can be a fun and adventurous way to raise money for a cause.
8. 80s Run
80s Runs involve people dressing up in their best 80s-inspired attire and running through a course featuring music, decorations, and activities from the decade.
This idea is great for adults and can create a fun and nostalgic atmosphere.
9. Pet Fun Run
In Pet Runs, participants bring their pets and run through a course featuring pet-themed activities and obstacles.
This is the perfect idea for animal lovers and can be a fun way to raise money for animal-related causes.
10. Sports Team Run
In a Sports Team Run, participants dress up in their favorite sports team’s gear and run through a course featuring sports-themed activities and games.
This theme is great for sports fans and can be customized to fit any sport or team.
Is Holding A Fun Run Fundraiser Worth It?
Organizing a fun run fundraiser is a great way to raise money for your cause, organization, or nonprofit.
With a little work, you can create a memorable event that not only raises funds, but also brings your community together.
Whether you’re organizing a small local event or a large-scale fundraiser, the tips in this guide will help you plan an awesome fun run fundraiser.
So, gather your team, get creative, and let’s make a difference together!
