Walkathons (or any athons like dogwalkathons, bounceathons (bounce a ballathon), jump ropeathon) are a great, engaging way to raise the profile of a nonprofit, cause or charity.  And of course they also help meet the goal of raising money and carrying out your mission.

In addition to being a great way to meet your organization’s goals, walkathons also help build the community letting many groups and families come together to participate and they get people active.

Running a walkathon is easier than you think.  It just takes planning and some good tools in your box.  Here are some tips:

1 – Create teams. Many hands make light work.  Share the load by recruiting motivated volunteers and form teams for the work and for friendly competition during the event.  Be sure to designate a leader that can power through the details and planning.

2 – Get permits needed.  Yes the admin is important.  Consider insurance (often this is covered by your existing policy but check it first).

3 – Make it fun.  Think of running a party.  What do people like?  Likely the same things will help make a walkathon fun.  Balloons, good food, drink, music and to be super special add a clown, mascot or a contest honoring participants.

4 – Plan Ahead.  Any event goes better with planning.  Karma411 has great online communication and software tools that can be a great help for planning, getting people involved, tracking and showing off success.  A big part of success is setting goals.  With goals, you are more likely to hit your target and inspire others to meet the challenge.

5 – Publicize.  Publicity will help not only with turn out but it will help your cause.  Think of all avenues – radio, newspaper, TV (often they will be a sponsor), flyers, emails and of course online. Have a local singing or dancing group there to cheer your marathoners on and get more media attention.

6 – Network. Use your contacts and social media. Karma411 software provides great tools tapping  into the Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin etc for you and any people who sihn up. It also allows you to set up email campaigns and have virtual participants.

7 – Figure out the finances.  How much are you going to charge and how are you going to charge.  The easier you make it for people, the more likely they are to donate.  Karma411 has built in secure credit card processing , donation options and allows checks (even cash) that can be customized to any amount.

Walkathons (or any athons) tend to be more and more successful over time so plan on growing over years, and remember to make it fun!