Without money, even the kindest hearted and generous individual cannot support a cause. Every NGO and charitable organization needs a certain amount of funds to build awareness and conduct activities. To fund these campaigns and activities most organizations actively solicit donations year round. For most, these efforts pay off with a steady stream of donations, which keeps organizations in the black but sometimes you need an added cash infusion. One good way to raise money is by organizing a charitable race or marathon. Organizing a charitable race or marathon is fairly easy if you follow our how to guide:

	Race Budget: When determining a budget for your race/marathon, you need to take into account both race size and administrative and other costs. Race size: Are you organizing a local, national or international level marathon? Do you expect 50, 100, 1000 or 10000 runners? Knowing the size of your marathon enables you to determine how big a budget you will require. Administrative and other costs: Organizing a marathon involves a variety of costs - basic admin costs, advertising (flyers, posters), registration forms, race banners, race number stickers, timers, race safety pins, water, paint, signage, gifts, certificates, awards and more. You need to anticipate all of these costs when deciding your budget.
	Find sponsors: A good way to offset costs is by getting local businesses to sponsor your marathon.
	Event Name: Runners and donors will associate your marathon name with you, your organization and cause, which, makes your ‘Name’ choice extremely important.
	Marathon Course: Choose your marathon venue depending upon the marathons type and size. For example, if you are organizing the marathon for amateur runners you can choose to organize a 5K or 10k marathon instead of a half or full marathon that typically are 21 kms and 42 kms respectively. A short marathon means you don’t have to worry about closing or clearing roads or arranging police protection. You can organize the marathon at a local park or even a school ground.
	Awards & Certificates: If a good cause is not sufficient motivation to run then the thought of winning an award will give people an extra push. Decide on runner categories, awards, certificates for participation etc. before you begin to advertise your marathon.
	Authorities & authorizations: Informing concerned authorities about your marathon and obtaining authorization from police is extremely important, as you really do not want cops stopping the marathon as if it is a wild party. Such a happening would be disastrous, as it would give runners and spectators i.e. potential donors a negative impression of your event and organization.
	Find volunteers: Volunteers are essential to the smooth running of your marathon. You need volunteers to help with registration, check-in, run water and first aid stations, monitor the race and more. Make sure you have sufficient volunteers and they are easy to identify (give them a uniform/ask them to wear the same color t-shirt).
	Medical Aid & Insurance Coverage: Think like a boy scout and be prepared. Many unexpected emergencies can up during a marathon such as overheated runners and sprains. Arrange for professional medical help for the marathon and prevent unnecessary chaos. You should also obtain insurance coverage especially for bigger events. You probably won’t need it but it is good to be prepared for the worst.
	Advertise: Send a press release to the local papers, put up posters and flyers. Make sure to include all relevant information - event name, event date, venue & directions, starting time, course distance, awards, organizer contact information etc. in these press release and ads so build excitement, awareness and even enable interested individuals to pre-register for the marathon.

I hope that this simple 9-step guide has provided you will all the information you need to organize a marathon and raise sufficient funds to support your cause. Good Luck!