Racing for charity: How to set up your fundraiser

How to fundraise for your charity run

Charity runs are a great way to fundraise for a multitude of reasons. There’s always a variety of lengths and challenges to choose from – right from a 5k to a marathon. It means  you can challenge yourself accordingly, raise money for a good cause and, if you fancy, participate in multiple events.

There’s also plenty of events to choose from – right from Race For Life events to marathons.

1. Secure your place in the race

Lacing up your trainers to do a charity run is a great way to raise money. It’s easy to do it for a charity and people know what they are donating to. Starting a GoFundMe to fundraise also means you can easily spread the word (and the fundraising link) to show what you’re up to.

Be prepared with your entry to competitive events like the Dublin Marathon where not everyone gets a spot, too. 

2. Set a goal you want to achieve

When you’re choosing to do a charity run, it’s important that you choose an appropriate goal based on your fitness levels and the time you have to train. If you’re not an experienced runner, start with shorter distances and build up. If you’re a seasoned half marathon runner, try for the marathon. Set goals which are attainable but challenging.

3. Set up your fundraiser 

Once you’ve chosen your challenge, it’s time to set up the GoFundMe so people can donate to your good cause. When doing this it’s important to set up a snappy title – tell people what you’re fundraising for and why. Then tell your story -why is the charity you’ve chosen close to your heart? Is it something personal to you? And why will you find this run a challenge? Let people know how they can come and support you in person should they want to, too. You can look at our tips on setting up a donation page here.

4. Share updates on your training

When you’re training for your race, keep your supporters informed with regular updates. Use a running tracker like Strava to track your distances and speed – this will keep you motivated as you make progress as well! Sharing the ups and downs of your journey will be cathartic for you along with keeping others in the loop.

5. Provide an update after the race

When you’ve finished the race, it’s always good to share an update letting your supporters know it’s finished! You can ask for final donations and thank everyone who was there giving you support. Post the GoFundMe on your social media and include a snap with your finishers medal.

The 10 best charity runs in the UK and Ireland

We’ve got a plethora of charity runs in the UK to choose from that are a perfect challenge to fundraise for a cause of your choice. From the London Marathon to the Great North Run, there’s something for everyone.

Irish Life Dublin Marathon

The Irish Life Dublin Marathon is Ireland’s largest marathon, taking you on a loop around the city. It takes place in October – this year on October 30th. 

TCS London Marathon

The TCS London Marathon is one of the most iconic events in the sporting calendar. The 26.2 mile race stretches past some of London’s most famous sights – and racers always say you can’t beat the atmosphere when you run it. We’ve got a guide to the London Marathon here.

Echo Women’s Mini Marathon

The Echo Women’s Mini Marathon takes place in Cork in September and is a 6k route. You can choose to run or walk it for your chosen good cause. The event in 2022 marked 41 Women’s Mini Marathons so far.

Race for Life

There are more than 400Race for Life events taking place across the UK – so plenty to choose your challenge from. Most Race For Life events centre around a 5k or 10k route, with the option to run or walk the course in return for sponsorship.  You can look at more Race for Life ideas here.

Dingle Marathon

The Dingle Marathon is ‘Ireland’s Most Scenic Marathon’, racing around the Dingle Peninsula. You can do either the full marathon or half marathon length, starting at Dingle Town Marina. 

Cook Medical Mini Marathon

The Cook Medical Mini Marathon takes place in Limerick and the 2022 run had 2,000 participants.

There’s two lengths to choose from on the course – a 10km or a 5km, so you can pick the one that suits you best.

Edinburgh Marathon

The Edinburgh Marathon Festival includes, as you’d expect, a marathon – but also a half, a 10k and a 5k plus a range of junior events. So if you want to get involved in the brilliant atmosphere in a brilliant city, there’s a distance to suit everyone.

Run Galway Bay

Run Galway Bay is an ideal event – because there’s three different lengths of run to choose from. You can pick a 10k, half marathon or marathon all racing across scenic Galway. 

Royal Parks Half Marathon

This gorgeous half marathon takes place in central London, taking in four of London’s eight Royal parks – including Hyde Park, Green Park, St James’s Park and Kensington Gardens. In the last 12 years it’s been running, £55million has been raised for charity.

Enniscrone ‘O’Dubhda Challenge’

This is a community initiative to raise money for the local running track, comprising of a half and full marathon course. It takes places in West Sligo, with runners taking in the beautiful scenery as they race the course.