Ask an Advisor Answers

Question: Our non-profit is planning an educational health fair around health disease to increase the awareness that heart disease is the #1 cause of death in the U.S. We would like to kick-off the health fair with a community 5k and family fun run/walk. How do we plan a community run? Thank you!
Answer: Below is a link to a section on the ToolBox about special events that provides lots of information and asks a number of good questions. /ar/tablecontents/sub_section_main_1070.htm There are some additional links at the bottom of that page also for more information. Beyond reading, a good next step would be to reach out to another local organization(s) that routinely sponsors road races and fun runs. They might do it in collaboration with a local running club but can tell you about some of the planning and prep work involved. Do not be surprised if you get initially discouragement as these special events are time and labor intensive and typically do not raise a lot of money but can be great for public awareness and getting some important local media coverage which is your stated goal. The planning and lead time for such events typically is 6 to 9 months and advance planning and getting lots of individual and volunteer help is the key. If you do this keep everything to make the 2nd year easier.
Question Date: Fri, 01/09/2009