GET ORGANIZED:

In addition to specifics for your walk/ run, you’ll also need to check out the basics of running any event in our Week-By-Week Event Planner.

QUESTIONS TO ANSWER BEFORE YOU GET STARTED:

  1. What date do you want to have the event? Check out other relevant calendars before you decide.
  2. Do you want to host a walk, run or a walk/run combo?
  3. Who do you want to have join you? Make a list!
  4. Is this a competitive event or a just for fun?
  5. Will you be running on trails or streets? Remember: If you use public streets/sidewalks you’ll need to get permission from the town/city. This may also involve having police for street crossings to keep people safe. 
  6. Do you want this to be an official timed race? This will be an additional cost and usually involves getting a business involved who handles race timing. 
  7. If you’re fundraising, do you want to charge for a fee for each person who participates or do you just want to ask for donations when people come to the event?
  8. Will you have multiple distances or just one?
  9. Do you need insurance? We can help with this!
  10. Will you need to supply participants with food and water?
  11. Will you give out/sell t-shirts?
  12. Are there bathrooms available?
  13. Do you have volunteers available? (Checkout committee roles below).
  14. Are there costs for anything you want to do? (permits, portable toilets, marketing materials, sound system, tables and chairs, food, first aid, t-shirts, water and cups, etc)

CREATE COMMITTEES & A TO-DO LIST

It’s great to have help and this link will help you think of how to divvy things up.

YOU’LL NEED (basics):

  • Create a walking/running course with the correct event distance. Map My Run is a good resource for creating a course map and figuring out distances
  • A Start and Finish Line
  • A place for people to park
  • Bathrooms
  • Waivers for participants (we can help with this!)
  • Course Markers (can be flags, cones or signs)
  • Water, water, water- throughout the course and at the finish line
  • First Aid kit for any emergencies
  • Directional signs or people who guide runners/walkers
  • Course maps
  • Registration and/or Volunteer Check In
  • Timers
  • If you’re fundraising, we can help you set up an online registration site OR use Google Forms to create a simple sign up.

PROMOTE YOUR EVENT, RALLY YOUR FRIENDS, FAMILY AND COMMUNITY:

  • We know this can be one of the hardest parts or organizing any effort, but we’re here to help! Learn more about getting participants here

BOOST YOUR EFFORTS:

  • Use our step-by-step guide to promote and share your idea to get as many runners/walkers as you can.
  • Make sure you share your run/walk with local running clubs and have it added to regional and local race calendars

DAY OF ORGANIZATION:

HOW IT GOES DOWN (basics):

  • Promote your event
  • If you’re fundraising, collect an entry fee from participant or ask for donations
  • Set up the course
  • Explain the course to all walk/runners (can be verbally or with a map)
  • Say GO and cheer everyone on!
  • Educate and raise awareness

 

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