Charity running - Fundraising tips for people running for charity

Running an event for a charity is a win-win situation.

The charity gains much needed funds for a good cause. As a runner you gain additional motivation for your training and extra support from both the charity and the sponsors, who now have a vested interest in their success.

But how do you go about raising money for a charity by doing a running event?
Here are some simple steps that will make it easier for you and enable you to raise more money.

Choose your charity
There are a lot of charities out there! Take the time to look into the different charities which work in the areas that are of interest to you.
Some focus their work in a geographical area or focus on a specific part of a problem. For example they may deal with children who suffer from a certain disease rather than people of all ages, they may focus providing care or on research in a cure for a condition. Looking into exactly what the charity does can help you make a decision. You may make your choice because you have benefited personally from the work of a charity.
Try to weigh up what it is you would most want to have the money you raise going towards.
It is well worth being well motivated and being able to give strong reasons as to why you are supporting your chosen charity will help you to persuade people to support you.

Choose your event
Some events are out-and-out charity events. Just entering means that some of your entry money goes to charity and then any sponsor money also goes to that charity. These events are also likely to be more beginner friendly so can be a good starting place for you if you are new to running.

Other events, such as the London Marathon, are not charity races but do have a strong charity tradition. People won’t be surprised to be asked for sponsorship if you are doing one of these events and it can make it simpler for would-be sponsors to understand what you are doing and the commitment involved.

You may, however, choose to do a less common charity event. Some charities take groups to more obscure events or overseas events. This can be a great way of seeing a different part of the world and sharing a once-in-a-lifetime experience with other people who you have a lot in common with. You will find out why other people have chosen the charity and the event – sharing these experiences and interests can be as much a part of the trip as the event itself.
You could decide to pick another event to do for charity. This may mean that you have to give more of an explanation as to what you are doing and why. So have your reasons ready! But it can work to your advantage as you may be asking for sponsorship at a different time to other people in your group of friends, family or workplace. It will also mean you have an interesting tale to tell which will help raise interest in what you are doing.

Whatever you decide to do make sure it is something that inspires you! This will keep you motivated and your enthusiasm will rub off on your sponsors.

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