How does a Jog-A-Thon work: 5 simple steps
Many schools need money for supplies, field trips, extracurricular activities, and fun events. A Jog-A-Thon offers an easy way for parents, teachers, and kids to gather support and funds from friends and family. This event encourages exercise and teamwork and creates a fun atmosphere for everyone.
How does a Jog-A-Thon work? Picture kids running or jogging around a track for a certain amount of time. Parents, teachers, and friends cheer from the sidelines, and each runner gathers pledges before the big day. Donors pledge money based on how long they run, how many laps they complete, or simple flat donations.
Step 1: Planning and Setup
When planning your event, you might wonder how does a Jog-A-Thon work in terms of logistics. Let’s start from the top. First, PTAs and school reps pick a day for the Jog-A-Thon and set up a safe jogging place. A track, a playground, or even a safe sidewalk can work. Many schools use their track, field, or even a large playground. Some communities set up a safe path through the neighborhood. Teachers, staff, and parent volunteers help prepare by marking the course, setting up water stations, and creating signs to keep kids motivated. Schools often include music, decorations, and even a countdown to build excitement before the big day.
Step 2: Gather Pledges
How does a Jog-A-Thon work when it comes to gathering pledges? Before the event, kids who participate in the Jog-A-Thon ask family, friends, and neighbors to support them by making pledges. A pledge means someone agrees to donate a certain amount of money once the event ends or for each lap the kid completes. For example, if a grandparent pledges $2 per lap and the child runs ten laps, that equals a $20 donation. Some donors prefer to give a fixed amount, like $25, no matter how far or long the student runs.
PledgeStar’s online fundraising platform covers every scenario, including per-lap or per-repetition donations. Plus, we help you raise more and keep more. PledgeStar’s online fundraising platform is easy for admins, families, and donors. Admins efficiently manage their events. Families create personalized fundraising pages and easily share them on social media. Plus, they send them out in different languages as the platform supports translation in over 50 languages. And donors can pledge their donation effortlessly and with just one click.
Step 3: Run and Have Fun!
On the big day, students arrive ready to jog, walk, or run as many laps as possible for the event's time set. If you’re still asking yourself how does a Jog-A-Thon work, this step brings all the action! They wear comfortable clothes, running shoes, and often a special event T-shirt. Volunteers help count laps, hand out water, and cheer for the runners. Some schools add friendly competition by awarding prizes to students who complete the most laps. Music, clapping, and encouraging words from parents and teachers keep the energy high. Whether kids sprint, jog, or take a few walking breaks, everyone feels a sense of accomplishment by the end of the event.
Step 4: Collect Donations
Once the Jog-A-Thon ends, students report their lap totals to their donors. If someone pledged per lap, they calculate the total donation and send in their contribution. Schools often set a deadline for collecting all the funds.
How does a Jog-A-Thon work when it comes to collecting donations? With tools like PledgeStar's One-Step Donation feature! Each donor receives a personalized pledge request with a unique donation link. A quick click takes them to their own secure donation page, where they simply enter the amount, credit card number, and expiration date. No extra steps, no hassle. PledgeStar also accepts donations via check and PayPal for those who prefer other payment methods. Plus, to simplify tax time, every donor automatically receives a receipt with your school's tax ID number and a heartfelt thank-you note.
Every dollar raised then goes toward important school programs, supplies, or special projects that benefit students and teachers alike.
Step 5: Celebrate Success
After all the hard work, schools (and parents, too) make sure to celebrate! Some organize a school-wide assembly to announce the total amount raised, while others hand out small prizes like medals, certificates, or even a fun class party. Recognizing every participant helps kids feel proud of their efforts, no matter how many laps they complete. Beyond raising funds for important causes at school, how does a Jog-A-Thon work as an educational experience? Well, it teaches kids valuable lessons about teamwork, goal-setting, perseverance, and the importance of staying active - and those lessons last long after the event ends!
Ready to plan a Jog-A-Thon?
Jog-A-Thons unite communities, encourage kids to stay active, and provide much-needed school funds. With a bit of planning and a lot of enthusiasm, these events answer not only how does a Jog-A-Thon work, but also why they’re so effective at bringing people together.
Having a successful Jog-A-Thon, means planning it out! Recruit enthusiastic volunteers, pick a wide-open space for running, and invite kids to gather pledges from people who cheer them on. How does a Jog-A-Thon work when it comes to organizing volunteers? Make sure everyone knows their roles and responsibilities to ensure a smooth event. Hand out plenty of water and healthy snacks, and celebrate every effort with big applause. Hand out plenty of water and healthy snacks, and celebrate every effort with big applause. A Jog-A-Thon raises crucial funds and boosts health, harmony, and joy for children, parents, and everyone involved! How does a Jog-A-Thon work to bring communities together? It combines exercise, teamwork, and fundraising into one exciting event. Jogging, walking, or running helps children build strong bodies and healthy hearts. Friends cheer each other on, which creates a joyful spirit. Teachers and parents help kids stay safe and motivated. Together, everyone works toward a common goal: raising funds for important school needs. Consider joining the next Jog-A-Thon at your local school. Ask your child how many laps feel comfortable, then gather family and friends as sponsors. Watch your child run or walk, cheer with excitement, and celebrate each lap. This event offers a simple way to support education, foster healthy habits, and create wonderful memories.
And last, but not least: choose the right fundraising platform. PledgeStar helps you raise more, and keep more. We only charge 7% of your donations, but never more than $1195 which is our cap fee. So, the more you raise, the more you keep! Learn more about our pricing and get started now!