What's an athletic fund-raising event?
The nation's thirty largest athletic fund-raising events raised $1.64 billion for charity in 2007, according to the Run Walk Ride Fund-Raising Council.
Topping the list, at $406 million, was the American Cancer Society's "Relay for Life," in which participants circle a track for a 24-hour period to raise funds for cancer research. The event is held in multiple locations (ACS doesn't say how many) and is planned for 18 countries this year.
A distant second, at $125 million, was the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's "Team in Training," which offers runners the opportunity to travel to marathons, triathlons, or bike rides in popular or exotic locales.
Before event directors get too excited, though, it's important to understand the difference between an event produced exclusively for fund-raising purposes and an athletic event that is used to raise funds.
Participants in events like the ACS relay, three-day walks, and other "thons" are involved for the express purpose of raising money for charity. Most entrants in road races (5k to marathon), on the other hand, are participating for the athletic accomplishment. The majority are not raising money for anything.
If you want to add a fund-raising element to a race, be realistic. Only a small percentage of participants will be contributors or fund-raisers. You may be better off creating an event that has an exercise component but appeals specifically to your supporters. They are the ones who care about your cause, will contribute, and will raise funds from others.