I have had the opportunity to run races for charity on several different occasions. This past August, I ran the Falmouth Road Race as a part of the Running for Cover Team (Melanoma Foundation of New England). This charity is close to my heart since my step-father is currently battling Stage 3 melanoma. I think that running races for charity helps to give you that extra motivation that you might need to get out there and train hard. When you are lamenting some aspect of running and you start thinking about someone you are running for, it helps to keep things in perspective. That being said, fundraising for races can be challenging, so be prepared to think outside the box when it comes to raising money for your cause!
There are number of charity programs that are out there now that will provide you with entry into a high profile race, in addition to training programs. In fact, if you are still looking for a Boston Marathon number and did not qualify, the Melanoma Foundation of New England recently secured a couple of more spots (you must raise a minimum of $4000).
Other training programs include the popular Team in Training, which benefits the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. In exchange for fundraising, Team in Training provides you with coaching via certified running coaches or online through that virtual coaching network and they have over 200 endurance events to choose from.
If you are looking to a do half marathon or marathon races for charity, here are a few things to keep in mind when fundraising for races:
- It’s helpful to pick a charity to which you have a personal connection. I find that this makes it easier for me to ask for donations when it’s something very close to my heart, and I have a strong personal interest in furthering the cause.
- Think outside the box when looking at fundraising options. Although the financial commitment may seem like a lot, if you can organize a few successful events, it will go a long way towards helping you meet your goal. Charity runners have hosted pub nights, silent auctions, bake sales, pie making during the holidays, tennis/golf tournaments, etc.
- Take advantage of the online programs that help you track and solicit donations. You can often load your e-mail contacts into these programs and personalize a message asking for donations. When donors can complete the whole process online quickly, they are that much more likely to donate.
- Don’t forget to follow-up! You may feel like you are being pushy by following up on an e-mail request for a donation, but sometimes people just overlook an e-mail or forget that they were planning on sending you a check.
- Keep everyone updated on your fundraising progress. This will help you push for more donations when you are really close to your goal,
- Personally thank ALL of your donors. Although the charity usually sends a notification of donation for tax purposes, a heartfelt thank you means a lot more!
Thanks those are some good tips!! I ran the Mass Dash Relay the previous two years (200 mile relay across MA) and the purpose of the race is too raise money for the Jimmy Fund, and I think about $100k was raised. I only used facebook as a way to solicit donations but am looking for other ways to raise money for the team. What has been your most successful way to raise money. Have you ever sent letters out to local businesses? We sent out thankyou cards to each donor with the picture of our team on the card.
You’re welcome Bryan! I raised a lot of money at the tennis club my stepfather owns. Since his diagnosis with melanoma, a lot of friends and members were looking for a way to help. I was overwhelmed by their generosity! I made a poster with a fundraising ticker that I left at the club and a few days I went out and sat at a table with my team singlet and some information. I got a lot of donations from people who saw the poster and met me there.
I have always wanted to run for a charity but I am scared of the fund raising commitment. I feel like I would never be able to raise the minimum.
Robin, I think you would be surprised what you can do. I had to raise $1000 for the race I did this past August. Starting out, I was a little apprehensive about making the total. I raised over $1500! I think if you are passionate about the charity, people sense that and are more than happy to donate. You should do it! 🙂
Great post! One option I’ve used is setting up my own fundraising page through First Giving. I raised $2000 for Spina Bifida of MN last year using this great tool. It allowed me to pick a race that worked for my distance and timing convenience. I also used it as a way to motivate myself to run a new distance 🙂 I ran a 20 mile run and raised $100 for every mile.
This is one of the reasons I love running so much. You can pair your running with charitable work!
That’s awesome Anna! I used First Giving for one of my races, and I loved the convenience of it too! It definitely does give you an extra boost of motivation to get out there and train. 🙂