In this marathon-inspired fundraiser, participants solicit “sponsors” who agree to donate a set amount of money for each unit of achievement measured in the event. For example, in a walk-a-thon or bike-a-thon, participants may be sponsored per mile. This type of event can have countless variations. Here are just a few:

• Read-a-thon
• Bounce-a-thon
• Jump rope-a-thon
• Bowl-a-thon

Organizing a Mini Marathon

Once you plan a date for your marathon, you will need to contact potential participants, who will in turn be responsible for recruiting their own sponsors. You should provide participants with a sign-up sheet for sponsors, which includes information about the event and about your cause.

Location

In order to maximize the profits from your fundraiser, try to find a free location for your mini marathon. Many public parks can be reserved if arrangements are made beforehand with the city or municipality that owns the park. Alternately, you might get business that will be closed on the day of your event to donate the use of its building or parking lot.

Equipment and Setup

Aside from whatever basic equipment applies to your specific “a-thon,” like bicycles, skates, or pogo sticks, you should consider bringing the following items:

• Pin-on numbers for the participants
• Bottled water
• Sports drinks
• Energy bars or other light snacks

Volunteers

This type of fundraiser requires that you have enough staff to monitor the safety of the participants, in addition to keeping track of everyone’s progress. To prevent excessive overhead, you may want to recruit volunteers to staff your event. If your “a-thon” involves kids as participants, you may be able to convince many of their parents to volunteer at the event.