Walk-a-thons & Jog-a-thons are an amazing way to raise money for your school. If you’re feeling a little lost, or this is your school’s first time hosting one, we’re here to help! Below is a step-by-step guide to planning, preparing, promoting and hosting a walk- or jog-a-thon!

 

 

Why host a walk-a-thon fundraiser?

  • Walk-a-thons get students active and working together
  • They create a way for parents to get involved
  • They’re budget-friendly! All you need are sign up materials, small incentives like t-shirts and pizza parties and day-of participant supplies.
  • Walk-a-thons are downright fun! The school raises funds, the students have a good time and win prizes, and the parents get to watch their kids!

 

1. Elect a planning staff

2. Figure out what you’re raising money for, and pick a goal.

  • Is it to hire new teachers? Repairing, or remodeling? Pick a goal and the amount you need to achieve it. make sure the amount is reasonable to what each student can raise.

3. Choose a date

  • Make sure it’s a day that won’t be too hot or too cold, and you’ll have access to your walking location!

4. Make an incentivizing plan

  • What prizes/benefits will you offer to students to inspire them to get sponsors? some ideas include: pizza parties, movie day in class, t-shirts, toys and gift cards.
  • Determine how you’ll collect funds and when.

5. Get all your paper materials ready

  • Everyone loves paperwork! Look down below at the planning materials for all the things you’ll need.
  • Determine when you’ll collect the sponsor pledge forms 

6. Promote your event!

  • Do this with regular announcements, banners, take home flyers

7. Rent/Acquire everything you need for the day of.

  • Make sure you have First Aid kids, water, snacks, and a method to keep track of students’ laps. See the full list down below.

8. Host the walk-a-thon!

  • Arrive early and ensure your teachers and/or volunteers are ready to track laps and make sure kids are all taken care of. Stick to your start and end times
  • Have fun!

9. Collect money and distribute gifts

10. Commit the money to your project and and hold on to tax documents! You’re done!

Walk-A-Thon Prize Ideas

  • Pizza parties for the class
  • Custom winners t-shirts
  • Ditch Day from school
  • Movie in class
  • Gift cards to restaurants
  • Video game gift cards (GameStop, Nintendo store)

Thanks for making the process so easy! The shirts came out great, and the online ordering was so easy, I will never do it the old fashion way again!
Heritage High School

The kids really love their shirts, thank you so much! We'll be back again next year for sure.
Fremont Elementary

Walk-a-thons make great fundraisers, as the whole community can get excited about supporting its favorite school. Impact Spiritwear would love to help you get started! We offer free shipping and a quick two weeks or less turnaround, so you won’t have to wait long for the shirts to arrive and the cheers to begin!


  • Turn your ideas into a design you love, for free, by experts.
  • Online Stores turn any school spirit order into a fundraiser for your school.
  • Never collect checks or put money upfront again.
  • Get ideas from a library of design templates.
  • 100’s of apparel types are available for you to choose from.

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