RUNNING EVENTS OWNED BY CHARITIES

THE WORLD OF RUNNING EVENTS

Not all running events are owned by commercial businesses. Some are owned by running clubs, some by councils and some by charities. So how do those owned by charities differ from those owned by private companies? Fundraising becomes a priority, not a 'nice to have' like it can do with some other events. Jane Appleton, from Cornwall Hospice Care, tells us how her charity manages Run Falmouth, a half marathon in Cornwall, South West England.

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PODCAST NOTES

Summary Jane Appleton, race director and fundraiser for Cornwall Hospice Care, discusses the success and challenges of organising the Run Falmouth half marathon. The event has grown from 120 participants raising £6,000-£7,000 in its early days to 750 participants raising over £41,000 this year. Jane emphasises the importance of fundraising for the charity and the need to encourage participants to raise money beyond the entry fee. She shares strategies for stewarding fundraisers, such as offering incentives and providing personalised support. Jane also discusses the logistical challenges of organising the event, including working with volunteers, coordinating with local organisations, and managing road closures. She highlights the community support and the positive impact of volunteers and spectators on the runners. Jane offers insights and advice for other charities organising races and emphasises the importance of learning from each event and continuously improving. keywordsRun Falmouth, half marathon, Cornwall Hospice Care, fundraising, event organisation, volunteers, community support Takeaways

• The Run Falmouth half marathon has experienced significant growth in both participants and funds raised, highlighting the importance of effective fundraising for charities.
• Stewarding fundraisers is crucial to encourage them to go beyond the entry fee and raise additional funds. Personalised support, incentives, and recognition can motivate participants to raise more money.
• Logistical challenges in organising the event include working with volunteers, coordinating with local organisations, and managing road closures. Community support and the presence of volunteers and spectators greatly enhance the race experience.
• Lessons learned from each event are valuable for improving future races. Sharing knowledge and advice with other charities organizing races can be beneficial for everyone involved.
• The success of the event depends on the support and generosity of the community, volunteers, and sponsors.

Titles

• Lessons Learned and Advice for Charities Organising Races
• The Growth and Success of Run Falmouth: A Fundraising Perspective

Sound Bites

• "The sponsorship that yourselves offered us this year was just incredible."
• "People sometimes are worried to fundraise because they think it's going to be difficult."
• "The earlier the money comes in, the better."

Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:03 Organisational Challenges and Volunteer Support 06:04 Logistical Challenges and Future Growth 08:51 Fundraising Challenges and Strategies 13:23 Impact of Fundraising and Brand Building 19:12 Importance of Early Fundraising and Making the Ask 21:08 Financial Considerations and Supplier Relationships 23:19 Learning and Sharing Knowledge with Other Charities 25:40 Volunteers and the Value of Community Support 28:58 The Role of Volunteers and Spectators in Supporting Runners 30:26 Conclusion and Appreciation