Tips for

Hosting an
ECD Global Alliance
Fun Run

July 10, 2011

Fun Run/Walk Fundraiser Tips

Hosting a fun run/walk fundraiser can be fun, challenging and rewarding. The key to a successful event is promotion and organization. The following is a
roadmap to help you coordinate a successful fun run/walk. Each event will be different and the following steps can certainly be modified to fit your needs. You
can lengthen or shorten the timeline presented, depending on the amount of time available for planning. Generally, 4-6 months of planning will allow you
plenty of time to organize a successful run/walk.
4-6 Months in Advance
Solicit Help
Select a Location
Select a Date
Select a Name
Decide on Length(s) of Run/Walk
Attend or Volunteer at Another Run/Walk
3-5 Months in Advance
Select a Route
Gain Approval and Needed Support for Route
Create Registration Form
Create Sponsorship Form
Notify Area Run Clubs
Place on Community Calendars
Begin Soliciting Sponsors
Design T-Shirt
Hire or Borrow a Timer Device to Track Participant Time
Set a Budget & Begin Tracking Costs/Donations/Registrants
2 -3 Months in Advance
Solicit Run Day Volunteers
Place Articles in Newspapers, get TV interviews, get radio interviews
Distribute registration forms
Select T-Shirt Vendor and Determine Required Order Time
1 Month in Advance
Ensure Supplies Needed for Run are Available
Ensure Restrooms are Available for Participants
Complete Sponsorship Solicitation
2

Create Run Packet Material

Order Winner Medals/Prizes
Order Runner Bib Numbers
Contact Volunteers

2-3 Weeks in Advance

Order t-shirts
1 Week in Advance
Create Signs
Assemble Participant Packets
Day Before
Walk/Travel Route
Obtain Snacks, Drinks and Ice
Verify all Materials will be at Race on Time
Day of Race
Place Signs
Set up Registration Tables
Ensure Volunteers are Set
Set up Snacks
Set up Finish Line
After Race
Send Out Thank You Notes
Notify Media of Event Success

4-6 Months in Advance

Solicit Help
Having family members, friends or other interested parties help you coordinate the event will make it easier and
more fun. Ask around for help. If you can find someone who has hosted a fun run in the past, ask them to be
your mentor. For anyone you ask to help you, be specific in the type of help you need. Some people may want
to help coordinate the entire event. Others may want to help with a quick and easy task. Some ideas of tasks
that you might want help with include, but are not limited to: (1) creating the registration and sponsorship
forms; (2) designing the t-shirt; (3) helping on the actual day of the run/walk; (4) raising awareness of the
run/walk; (5) announcing at the race; (6) soliciting sponsors for the run/walk, etc.
Decide on Length(s) of Run/Walk
The longer the run, the more serious runners you will have attend. Most people begin by coordinating a 5K Run
/1 Mile Walk. This combination will appeal to many different levels of athletes and non-athletes. Adding in the
1 mile walk option will encourage those who are interested in the cause, but are not athletes, to participate.
Select a Location
Most people who host a run/walk will do so in their local communities. There are many advantages to this, the
most obvious being that people usually know more people in their local community than elsewhere. However, it
is also possible to host an event in a nearby location that offers other benefits such as beauty, an interesting
course, an affiliation with another scheduled event, etc. You will need to decide early where you will host your
event.
Select a Date
In selecting a date, consider the following:
o Weather at that time of year.
o Other activities happening in the community on that day. You may want to select a date when not much
else is happening in the community. You may also want to consider selecting a date when a compatible
event is happening and work with the coordinator of the other event for potentially marketing the
events together. You can contact your local city official, Chamber of Commerce and/or Tourist
Commission who will be able to advise you on events planned for your community.
o Sunrise/sunset times in relation to your proposed start time. Running in the dark will result in some
additional safety issues that you may not want to face.
o Your schedule. When will you have time to do the things you will need to do before the event?
Select a Name
You will want to select a name for your event. Something catchy or something with meaning to your community
will be a plus. If you want, you might name the event in honor/memory of someone. You might also want to tie
the name into a holiday that will coincide with the event (e.g. Jingle Bell Run or a costume run at Halloween).
Attend or Volunteer at Another Run/Walk
A really good way to get a handle on what happens at a run/walk is to become a volunteer at one. You can look
in your newspaper or search online for a run in your area. Call the coordinator and ask if you can volunteer.
Explain that you are planning a future event and would like to do something that will allow you to gain a good
understanding of what is required to host such an event. Most coordinators will welcome the help and be more
than willing to show you the ropes.

3-5 Months in Advance

Select a Route
An easy way to select a route is to talk to others in your community who have hosted a run or participated in a
run. Ask them about the route used. What was good about it, what didnt work so well? You may want to use
the same route; you may want to try another. You can use a GPS to ensure the length of the route is correct or

ECD Global Alliance

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use an online website (e.g. www.mapmyrun.com). You can use one of the online map programs (e.g.,
www.google.com/maps) to print out maps that you will need to provide to support personnel and volunteers.
Determine if you will need a water station at an intermediate location along your route. Be sure it will be
possible to clearly mark the route with signs and/or volunteers to ensure the runners will not get lost.
Gain Approval for Route
You will need to contact the local official wherever you have decided to hold your run/walk. If it is within the
city limits, this will usually be the local police. If it is not in the city limits, this might be your sheriff. If you are
lucky enough to have a nearby state or national park in your area where you would like to host your event, you
will need to contact the officials in the Park Office. You will most likely need to provide the official in charge
with a letter containing a request for approval for the event. The letter should include the name of the event,
the date, the route, what the proceeds will be used for, and what you are requesting as far as road closures and
safety measures. Things you might want to consider are police force and/or barricades at intersections and an
ambulance on standby.
Create Registration Form
A sample registration form can be found in Attachment 1.
Create Sponsorship Form
A sample sponsorship form can be found in Attachment 2.
Notify Area Run Clubs
A google search will find run clubs in your area. Most have web sites with a contact email. Run clubs are usually
happy to post information about upcoming runs on their website. Simply send them an email with all the
particulars of the run (who, what, where, when, why), along with a copy of your registration form.
Place on Community Calendars
Each community uses different media for communicating community events. Most communities use several.
Contact as many as you can find and ask them to including information about your run. Media outlets to
consider are local newspapers, churches, community signs, local TV stations, swap-shop type publications,
Whats Happening? type publications, etc. Dont fall into the trap thinking that you need only notify one
media outlet. The more you can contact, the more people who will hear about your event. The more people
who hear, the more people who will be interested and attend.
Begin Soliciting Sponsors
Asking people for money is never easy. When asking for a sponsorship, think of it as providing a business an
opportunity to present their face to the community in a positive and caring way. Most businesses have included
in their budgets money for donations. They are happy to make these donations in a visible manner. Be sure to
let the business know you will make their sponsorship visible. It is advisable to set two or more levels of
sponsorship, with a donation at the higher level or greater, providing the business more visibility with your
participants. Some businesses might prefer to donate goods or supplies. You might want to consider this and
request your grocery stores to donate fruit, drinks, and/or ice. You might want to ask restaurants to donate
food or portable restroom businesses to donate a port-a-potty.
Design T-Shirt
Participants of a run/walk are usually interested in the t-shirt given at the event. You might want to design your
own t-shirt or you may want to use the design of the ECD Global Alliance. You can design t-shirts on-line (e.g.,
www.uberprints.com), using a commercially available software package, or with the help of a local t-shirt
company. Those businesses that sponsored your run at a particular level or higher will expect their logo to go on
the t-shirt.
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ECD Global Alliance

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Set a Budget & Begin Tracking Costs/Donations/Registrants

As with any endeavor, it is important to look at your run/walk in a financially responsible manner. You need to
determine what you believe you will raise through sponsorships and registration fees. You will need to
determine what the costs of hosting the race. Attachment 3 is a spreadsheet you can use for your event. You
will also need a method to closely track all donations made and all costs incurred. Keep receipts. Keep careful
records of all money, including registration fees. Keep careful track of registration forms. The ECD Global
Alliance will find it helpful to have a complete list of participants, along with their physical and email addresses.
These can then be used by the organization to keep interested parties up-to-date on the state of ECD research
and organizational activities.
Hire or Borrow a Timer Device to Track Participant Time
The more serious runners will be interested in knowing how fast they ran the course. There are various ways to
capture runners times. A simple method is to use a group of volunteers with stopwatches to record times.
However, this can quickly become unmanageable if the crowd is great. There are more sophisticated machines
that can be rented, or borrowed from another organization that might host multiple races.

2 -3 Months in Advance

Solicit Run Day Volunteers

Consider volunteers for the following activities:
Pre-run
Posting signs
Setting up tables (registration, finish line, snacks)
Handing out packets to participants who pre-registered
Registering participants who did not pre-register
Snack/drink preparation (including intermediate water location along the route if needed)
Announcer / race kick off
Photographer
Run
Race course guides to ensure participants know correct route, place volunteers at turns
Photographer
Post Run
Finish line (2 to keep track of runners and their times)
Recorder (person to record finish times for each runner)
Poster (person to post winners in visible manner)
Announcer & medal presenter for winners
Clean up
Photographer
Place Articles in Newspapers, get TV interviews, get radio interviews
Write up information about the event. Explain how any proceeds will be used, why the event is taking place, the
racecourse and anything about the event that might encourage people to participate. Contact all media sources
you know about and ask for articles to be published and/or interviews to be conducted. The idea is to make as
many people aware of the event as possible.

ECD Global Alliance

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Distribute registration forms

Place registration forms in as many locations where people will see them as possible. Places to consider:
schools, gyms, libraries, churches, hospitals, doctor offices, sporting goods stores, restaurants, banks,
pharmacies, and general businesses.
Select T-Shirt Vendor and Determine Required Order Time
You want to make certain the t-shirts arrive in time to create participant packets. Contact your t-shirt vendor to
determine when they will need the order to get you the shirts in the time frame you need.

1 Month in Advance

Ensure Supplies Needed for Run are Available

See attached list for the supplies that will be needed.
Ensure Restrooms are Available for Participants
If your race starting and ending points have restroom facilities you are lucky. However, if none are available you
probably want to consider having a port-a-potty available. You can find someone who provides this service and
call them. They might just donate the use of the facility.
Complete Sponsorship Solicitation
You will need to have all your sponsors identified in time to assemble their logos and do the final design work for
the t-shirt.
Create Run Packet Material
Decide what you want to include in the participant packet. This might include, but not be limited to: a brochure
on ECD or your cause, a flyer thanking all the sponsors of your event, bibs along with method for securing bib to
clothes (4 safety pins will do the trick), t-shirt, information about upcoming runs, any trinkets you want to
provide.
Order Winner Medals/Prizes
Medals can be purchased online or at a local store that provides sport trophies. You will need medals for your
winners in each age category for both men and women. You can decide whether you will provide medals for
first place winners only, first and second place, or first, second and third place. You can also decide if you want
to provide an overall male/female winner trophy. (Prizes can also be socks, hats, drawstring bags, water bottles,
coffee mugs, small gift certificates donated by businesses, etc.)
Order Runner Bib Numbers
Bib numbers can be purchased online or at a local store that provides sport trophies and t-shirt printing.
Contact Volunteers
You will want to touch base with your volunteers to verify they will be available to help and explain to them
their duties. You might want to meet with them to go over how the race will function and explain in detail how
they will do their tasks. Be sure to let them know where they need to be at what time on the day of the race.
You might also want to call the local officials supporting the race to ensure everything is still a go as far as their
support.

ECD Global Alliance

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2-3 Weeks in Advance

Order t-shirts
Order your t-shirts in time to create your participant packets. Be sure to include the logos of your sponsors.
Order enough shirts to cover all your pre-registered participants, your volunteers and your sponsors. You will
also want to order some extras to cover those who will register on the day of the event. It is difficult to predict
the number you will need to order, but it is recommended that you order about 25% extra. If your supplier
requires more time, you may need to order the t-shirts earlier.

1 Week in Advance
Create Signs
Signs you might want to consider whether you need registration signs, racecourse directional signs, winner
boards, sponsor signs, etc. You can have these signs created professionally; you can use white boards or even
create your own signs on poster board. Be aware that in good weather the later will work fine. However,
should the weather be less than desirable, the professionally created signs will be of benefit.
Assemble Participant Packets
Place all the material you want to give participants in a giant envelope. For runners include their bib number. If
you are using tear off bib numbers, you will want to fill out the bottom of the bib prior to putting it in the
envelope. Place the participants name on the outside of the envelope and file them alphabetically. This will
allow participants to pick up their material quickly on the morning of the event.

Day Before

Walk/travel Route
You probably want to travel your race route in the day(s) before the race to ensure there will be no surprises on
the day of the race. Be sure to give yourself time to get something resolved if you see a potential problem.
Obtain Snacks, Drinks and Ice
Possible snacks for the race include apples, bananas (cut in half), oranges (cut in fourths), donuts (cut in half),
pizza, cupcakes, cookies, or just about anything that can be eaten with your hands. Drinks should include water
and sports drinks such as Gatorade. Many grocery stores will donate these items or at least provide them at
cost. Ask before you pay!
Verify all Materials will be at Race on Time
Make a list of everything you will need on the race day and who will be bringing it. You dont want to find
yourself needing something you left at home.

Day of Race

Place Signs
Place signs where appropriate at the beginning of the race route, along the race route and at the finish line.
Make sure they are easily visible.
Set up Registration Tables
Set the tables up with ease of flow in mind. Make certain that people can approach and leave the table area
even if there is a crowd.
Ensure Volunteers are Set
Check to ensure all your volunteers have arrived on time and are aware of their responsibilities.

ECD Global Alliance

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Set up Snacks
Make your snacks available in a pleasing and sanitary manner. Make certain that it will be possible for people to
reach the snacks without difficulty and without creating a bottleneck.
Set up Finish Line

After Race

Send out Thank You notes

Send your sponsors and/or volunteers thank you notes. You may want to provide Certificates of Appreciation to
businesses. Include statistics about the events success, a t-shirt, and the other information you included in the
participants packets. Dont forget those who donated their time or material (i.e., police force, grocery stores,
etc.)
Notify Media of Event Success
Begin thinking about your next event. What do you want the public to know? Let them know how much their
support meant and how any funds raised will be used.

ECD Global Alliance

Attachment 1. Sample Registration Form

www.erdheim-chester.org

Gary Brewer Memorial Run

Supporting Erdheim-Chester Disease Global Alliance
www.erdheim-chester.org

[email protected]

5k Run/ 1 mile Walk

Saturday, March 19, 2011/ 8:00 a.m.
Location: Downtown DeRidder, in front of Presleys Barbecue
217 N. Washington St, DeRidder, LA 70634
Time: Registration 7:15-7:45 a.m.; Run/Walk 8:00 a.m.
Course: Both the walk and run will be done entirely on asphalt. The route will loop back to starting point.
Register: Please register by mail by March 6 to: ECD Global Alliance, P.O. Box 775, DeRidder, LA 70634 or
drop off at Greater Beauregard Chamber of Commerce, 111 N. Washington St, DeRidder, LA 70634
Entry Fee: Pre-registration $20 (includes t-shirt); Day-of registration $25 (includes t-shirt as long as they last)
Checks should be made payable to ECD Global Alliance

Deadline for pre-registration rate is March 6

Runner Age Divisions: 13 & under; 14-19; 20-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50 & over
Medals will be awarded to 1st & 2nd place 5k winners in each division.

Cut here

___________________________________________________________________________

Cut here

Entry Form
ECD 5k Run / 1 Mile Walk March 19, 2011
CHECK ONE:
Before March 6 : ($20) 5K Run____ 1 Mile Walk____
Pre-registration required:
T-shirt Sizes (Circle One): Adult:
Youth:

3X-Large

2X-Large

Large

Medium

After March 6 : ($25) 5K Run____ 1 Mile Walk____

X-Large

Large

Medium

Small

Name: ______________________________________

Age: _______ Sex:______

Address: ____________________________________

City:___________________ State: _____ Zip:__________

Phone:______________________________________

E-mail: ___________________________________________

Waiver
I know that running a road race is a potentially hazardous activity. I should not enter unless I am medically able and properly trained. I agree to abide by any decision
of race officials relative to my ability to safely complete the run. I assume all risks associated with running in the event, including, but not limited to, falls, contact with
any participants, the effect of the weather including high heat and humidity, traffic and the condition of the road with all such risks being known and appreciated by me.
In consideration of the foregoing, I, for myself, or heirs, executors and administrators, waive and release any and all rights and claims for damages I may have against
the ECD Global Alliance, volunteers, organizers, and any individuals of organizations otherwise involved with the operation of this event for any and all claims or
damages, demands, actions whatsoever which may arise as a result of my participation in this event. I grant all foregoing to use any photographs or any records of this
event for any legitimate purpose. Because of the nature of this event, registration fees are non-refundable.
I have carefully read this Waiver and Release and fully understand its contents. If I am under 18 years of age at the time of registration, my parent or legal guardian has
completely reviewed this Waiver and Release and understands and consents to its terms, and authorizes my participation by his/her signature below. I am aware that this
is a RELEASE OF LIABILITY, a contract between me and the persons and entities mentioned above, and I sign of my own free will.

__________________________________________
Participant Signature

__________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature if under 18

____________________
Date

ECD Global Alliance

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Erdheim-Chester Disease (ECD) Facts

Extremely rare, debilitating and life threatening disease with less than 400 cases documented in the world, EVER

Cells which normally fight infections accumulate in tissue and organs causing them to become thickened, dense and scar-like

Affects different organs in different people, but can affect almost all organs; Unless successful treatment is found, organ failure
can result

No scientifically proven treatment is available and the cause is unknown

More common symptoms/signs can include bone pain in legs & knees, bulging eyes, balance issues, excessive thirst/urination,
shortness of breath, excessive fatigue, weight loss, cardiac issues, vision problems, reduced kidney function

Many believe ECD is underdiagnosed; Average patient endures years of testing before diagnosis
What is it Like to Have ECD? Imagine:

You are so tired and sick feeling all you want to do is sleep. You have difficulty eating. You are getting sicker every day.

Your pain level sends you to the ER periodically. New and more serious health issues continue to occur, including those related
to heart, kidney, lungs, etc. You find it difficult to walk only a few steps because of breathing issues and you have no balance.

Your medical team can tell you little or nothing about what is making you so sick, does not know how to help you, and is unable
to provide you information about the possible progression of the disease.
ECD Global Alliance Information

International patient advocacy group based in DeRidder, LA, providing support to patients and research funds to find treatments.

Founded in memory of F. Gary Brewer, Superintendent of Beauregard Parish Schools, 1986-1998.

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ECD Global Alliance

Attachment 2. Sponsorship Form

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www.erdheim-chester.org

ECD Global Alliance

www.erdheim-chester.org

Gary Brewer Memorial Run

Raising awareness & research funds for

ERDHEIM-CHESTER DISEASE

5k Run/1mile Walk
__________________________
Date: Saturday, March 19, 2011
Time: Run/walk will begin 8:00 a.m.
Location: Downtown DeRidder, LA
217 N Washington St
Sponsorship Opportunties:
$250 or Greater Donation Logo on run t-shirt
Other Donations Listing in registration packet
All funds raised will go to the ECD Global Alliance, a 501(c)(3) organization EIN #
27-0759192. The ECD Global Alliance is an international organization based in
DeRidder with a mission to serve all people affected by an extremely rare and serious
disorder called Erdheim-Chester Disease.

Unknown cause.
www.erdheim-chester.org

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Unknown treatment.
337-515-6987

[email protected]

ECD Global Alliance

Attachment 3. Budget Spreadsheet

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ECD Global Alliance

Expense Description

Fun Run Budget Spreadsheet

Estimated Cost

Actual Cost

www.erdheim-chester.org

Explanation/Notes

Printing Flyers
Printing Registration Forms
Printing Sponsorship Forms
Printing Brochures
Postage
Runner Bibs
Winner Medals
Tshirts
Equipment Rental
Facility Fee
Insurance Fee
Food for Runners
Drinks for Runners
Signs
Misc.

$
EXPENSE TOTAL Income Description

Estimated Income

$
Actual Income

Sponsorships
Registration Fees
Donations
Misc.

$
INCOME TOTAL -

Funds Raised

Estimated Funds
Raised
$
GRAND TOTAL -

$
Actual Funds
Raised
$
-

Explanation/Notes

ECD Global Alliance

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Attachment 4. Misc. Tables to Track Event Day Items, To-Do Lists &
Sponsors

ECD Global Alliance

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Supplies Needed on Day of Run

Supply
Runner shoot (finish
line), timer, clock
Sound system
Tables
Registration
Pre-registration
Water/snacks at
start, end and
midway
Finish line
recording / posting
Ice chests
Ice
Water, Gatorade
Fruit
Bananas, cut in half
Oranges, cut in
quarter
Apples, whole
Donuts, pizza,
cookies, cupcakes or
some other
carbohydrate snack

Who Providing

Who Picking Up

Date to Pick Up

Status

Returned by/Date

ECD Global Alliance

Supply
Signs (directional,
registration tables)
Registration Packets
(including, bib
number, 4 safety
pins, sponsor sheet,
t-shirt, ECD
pamphlet,
announcement for
other area events) all
in an envelope with
the participants
name on the outside
Leader Boards for
posting winners
Markers for leader
boards
Bibs & extra safety
pins
Pens, pencils,
markers
First-aid kit
Registration forms
Pens
Tape
Staple Gun

www.erdheim-chester.org

Who Providing

Who Picking Up

Date to Pick Up

Status

Returned by/Date

ECD Global Alliance

Supply

www.erdheim-chester.org

Who Providing

Who Picking Up

Date to Pick Up

Status

Returned by/Date

Ties
Cash for making
change
Cash boxes
Extra t-shirts

Run Day Volunteers

Name

Pre-Race

Race Time

Post-Race

To Do
Activity

Who doing?

Status

Phone Number

ECD Global Alliance

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Sponsorships Obtained
Sponsoring Organization / Person

Amount

Thank You Note Written?