A great way to attract runners to your race, is to offer elements of fundraising for charitable causes.
This is because most runners are looking for races that align with the longing for doing good deeds in their communities. Many running events are already doing this and support a wide range of non-profit causes.
A good example is Gresham, Oregon’s Lilac Run, which will feature a 5K, 10K, Half Marathon and Virtual Run in April. They make it clear in their marketing that all race fees collected will benefit the local non-profit organization, Family of Friends Mentoring.
Lilac Run Race Director, Sasha Konell, feels that having a cause-related race helped in selling out this inaugural event:
“Our city government really supports the efforts of Family of Friends Mentoring in elevating children and families through the bonds of mentoring. I think having this race for a cause is an encouraging element for people to run. Oregon is saturated with different runs, so it is very exciting to have this event in Gresham.”
Another recent running event customer, the EmBrase Foundation 5k in Los Angeles, chooses to honor the legacy of a local young man, Jose Estrada, by supporting scholarships to local art programs that serve underprivileged youth in his community. This support comes from donations made through their event website and registration page.
Family of Runners at the Embrase Foundation 5K
Adding a fundraising element can become the catalyst for getting both runners and much-needed volunteers to participate in events.
Fundraising can be done in several ways through your event, such as these methods among others:
- Event donation of entry fees in full or part
- Click-to-Donate buttons on event website or signup page
- Items or goods collection stations at event site
According to Johanna Good, with event registration company, RunSignup and their online Social Learning Series, setting up your race as a fundraiser can be a big game-changer in earning participation.
“If you have an engaged community, and a lot of people who are really excited about your fundraiser, this can be a huge, huge difference maker.”
On the business side of planning an event, it’s much easier to earn corporate sponsorships when your cause caters to the community where those corporations are housed. And, having recognizable businesses supporting your event, will create higher visibility for your race and add credibility to your organization.
How do you choose which organization to support with your event?
Look at your community to learn what is important and relevant to the people who live and work there. Is there a local shelter to help the homeless? A local arts or special learning academy that offers scholarships? A local hero who needs support?
Community Race Volunteers and the Semper Fi 5k
Selecting a cause that helps strengthen your community, helps build your race brand visibility and one that aligns with your own team’s passion is key in gaining support for your event.
Have more questions about incorporating your brand with that passion and cause? We’d would love to help by assisting you with swag selection and a graphic design to really tell the story of your community support. Give us a call today!