Running, walking or biking for charity is such a great idea. It only takes a few hours at most, you will raise money for a good cause, and you can get healthy...all at the same time.
What are Charity Runs and Walks?
Can you believe that "thons" have only been around since the 1970s? The March of Dimes put together its first WalkAmerica event in 1970. Since then, that successful event has been replicated by just about everyone. WalkAmerica is still going strong too.
Walk/Runathons are both competitive and non-competitive races sponsored by many charities to raise funds and as a way to involve many more people than they might otherwise in their causes.
Participants usually pay a registration fee and/or collect pledges. In return they get to enjoy a great walk/run that has been organized for them, snacks, drinks, t-shirts and other mementos. Walks and runs can be wonderful family activities, or organize a bunch of friends to go along with you. Energetic participants can raise thousands of dollars for their favorite charities with the online tools many large runs/walks provide.
If you want to do more, charity walks and runs need lots of volunteers on the day of the run or walk. You might stuff information packets, take registrations, help set up the route, or distribute drinks during the run/walk.
How to Get Involved in a Charity Walk or Run
Here is a list of just some of the national "thons" that happen annually:
- Walk to End Alzheimer's
- Avon Walk for Breast Cancer
- Bike MS
- The American Cancer Society's Relay For Life
- Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure
- American Heart Association's Heart Walk
But, perhaps the best way to find a charitable walk/run is to check your local paper or its website. Dozens of local organizations run charitable walks/runs every weekend in your area. You can also try searching the web using "walk" or "run" plus the name of your state.
In addition, here are some directories and lists where you can look for charity walks and runs:
How Can You Make the Most of Participating in a Walkathon, Bikeathon, or Marathon for Charity?
- Find a walk/run/ride for a cause you feel passionate about.
- Learn all about the event's expectations and requirements. Some events require participants to raise a specific amount of donations and/or pay a registration fee.
- Raise money with enthusiasm. Tell everyone you know about your participation and urge them to support you and the cause. Research has shown that people who use online social media to raise money for their causes raise six times more money than those who don't use it!
- But, also be reasonable about how far you will walk/run/ride and about how much money you hope to raise. Set yourself up for success, not failure.
- Check with and then ask your employer to match or otherwise support your cause.
Get moving now. Help a cause and get in shape at the same time.
If you are curious about the whole field of charity fundraising with athletic events, check out the RunWalkRide organization. It is the professional group that organizes the organizers of charity athletic events. There is a report on the organization's site that lists the 30 top athletic event fundraising programs ranked by revenue.
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