Fun Run Planning Checklist: UP UP UP UP

FIRE
UP
YOUR
FEET!
Fun Run Planning Checklist

The Fire Up Your Feet fundraising program provides a healthy and fun alternative to traditional school
fundraisers -- and, more importantly, can help you raise more money with 75 percent of the proceeds going
directly to your school. The remaining 25 percent supports the Safe Routes to School National Partnership’s
efforts to ensure continued funding for schools and communities to create new sidewalks, pathways, and safe
traffic crossings.
Planning a Fired Up Fun Run is easy! Use our resources and materials to raise and collect funds
both in person and online. You can host a School Day Fun Run for students during the school day,
or an After School Family Fun Run so the whole family can participate. Here’s your how-to guide for
planning and getting Fired Up! We recommend that you start planning two to three months prior to
your event.
1. Recruit Volunteers
Start early in gathering a group of take-charge volunteers to help plan and coordinate race day
activities.
Tip: don’t forget to invite your principal, physical education teachers, Wellness Committee, PTA/PTO, students,
student council, school board, staff, families, and the surrounding community to help volunteer and set goals.
2. Communicate Your Goals

Set the dollar amount you hope to raise. (Make sure you’ve read the Fired Up Your Feet Fundraising
101 guide on this website!) How will you use the money raised through your fundraiser? Whether
it’s playground expansions, physical education program improvements, or literacy efforts, your goal
should be clearly messaged and promoted.
3. Save the Date

Spring or fall runs are common, but wintertime “polar runs” can also be successful. Be sure to check
with your principal or secretary to see which dates work best for students. Family Fun Run events are
often held on Saturday mornings, but you can choose any time that works best for your audience.
4. Pick a Location
School grounds will probably be the most convenient and familiar. Nearby parks or accessible trails
are also an option for after-school or weekend runs.
5. Map the Route

Consider the participants’ goals: time running, distance, number of laps. Consider having two or
three different routes/distances so that participants of all ages can enjoy the event. A 5-K distance is
common for adults, while a half mile, 1-mile, or even a 100-yard dash are fun for younger runners. You
can also use your school’s track for a lap-counting run, giving rubber bands, stickers, or colored tape
FIRE
UP
YOUR
FEET!
6. Obtain Permits
If your route goes off of school grounds, check with your city municipality to see if a “parade route”
permit is required. Contact your local police department to see if extra police presence will be
necessary. (Note: holding a run on school grounds will usually alleviate some of these requirements.)
7. Promote the Event

Starting three months prior until the day before the event, spread the word weekly with flyers, emails,
social media, posters, banners, public address announcements, website listings, local media stories,
and more! Start with Save-the-Dates and move on to messages about registration, logistics, and
encouragement.
Tip: Be sure to include a link ot this Fire Up Your Feet page in all your communications for everyone to access the
below section for training tips, warm up exercises, pacing pointers, and proper running technique.
8. Registration
Spring or fall runs are common, but wintertime “polar runs” can also be successful. Be sure to check
with your principal or secretary to see which dates work best for students. Family Fun Run events are
often held on Saturday mornings, but you can choose any time that works best for your audience.
9. Day-Of Logistics
Tee shirts and/or numbers
Both kids and adults like the official feeling of a race number. If budgets are tight, print out your own
numbers or use body paint to write numbers on arms and legs. You can order event-specific or
school-themed tee shirts, or encourage participants to wear a certain color tee shirt.
Warm Up
Have a parent or school staff person lead warm-up exercises and fun music to create enthusiasm.
Food & Drink
Water is a must. Make sure to have it in the main staging area and even along the route. After the race,
offer healthy snacks such as yogurt, fruit, and power bars. You may be able to procure donated snacks
from local grocery stores in exchange for a Thank You sign at the event.
Start & Finish Crew
Designate an official starting judge at the starting line and timekeepers at the finish line. Make sure
timekeepers know to record winners’ names and numbers at the end of the race.
Clean Up
Do you need custodians or groundskeepers? Will there be accessible garbage cans and recycling?
10. Have fun!

With an event like this, you are modeling and encouraging healthy lifestyles for families, students, and
educators in a friendly, fun and safe way. Plus, the funds you raise for both your school and Fire Up
Your Feet will advance the mission of creating smart, fit, and livable communities.

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FIRE

Fun Run Planning Checklist

2. Communicate Your Goals

3. Save the Date

5. Map the Route

7. Promote the Event

10. Have fun!

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