Whether you're training for your first 5K or gearing up for your next marathon, fundraising as a runner can turn every mile into a mission. With a bit of creativity and a good pair of trainers, you can raise serious funds for the causes that matter most to you. If you're looking for marathon fundraising tips or just clever ways to rally support, you're in the right place. Not all fundraising has to happen online; you can get creative with it, as it’s quick and easy to add offline donations to your dedicated fundraising page.
Here’s our ultimate guide to fundraising tips for runners in 2025, including quick wins, fan-favourite ideas, and long-term strategies to help you smash your target goal.
Short on time? No worries. These quick and easy ideas for raising money are perfect for busy runners juggling training schedules, work, and life:
Start strong and start early, JustGiving “found that when someone gets their first donation around three months before the event, they can raise about £800 more than someone who gets their first donation two to four weeks before”. So, by getting ahead of the curve, setting up a page on platforms like GoFundMe or JustGiving, adding a photo, a clear target, and some information about why you’re running and how much you want to raise. You can hit your fundraising targets much earlier! Don’t forget to update your page regularly, seeing your progress (and red-faced selfies) keeps people invested, and it’s a good reminder to donate.
Training gives you the perfect excuse to flood your socials (guilt-free). Post progress updates, share your running playlist, and celebrate mini-milestones. Ask for small donations per kilometre, per run, or whatever milestones you like. You’d be amazed how quickly £2 here and there adds up. Use Instagram stories or TikTok to track your journey, and don’t forget to pin your fundraising link in your bio or post it with every update. A little visibility goes a long way!
Pick a week and turn it into a full-blown fundraising frenzy. Run in fancy dress, attempt daily dares (like burpees challenges, or early morning sprints), or let donors vote on your training route and daily antics. The more outrageous, the more engaging, and the more donations you’ll likely inspire.
Got a birthday, work anniversary, or special occasion coming up? Ask friends to skip the gifts and donate instead. Pair it with a celebratory run and share your thanks publicly.
Encourage supporters to give up one takeaway coffee a week and donate the money. It’s a small switch that’s easy to commit to and adds up fast, especially if a few get involved!
Sell old running gear, race bibs, or even unused home items on eBay or Vinted and donate the proceeds. It declutters your space and supports your charitable cause, so it’s a win-win.
Or for other quick and easy fundraising tips, click here.
These tried-and-true tactics never go out of style:
Pub quizzes are social, fun, and great for fundraising. Include a few running-themed rounds for a laugh. “Guess the Mystery Marathon Snack” is a personal favourite. Add in a raffle with local business donations or running goodies to up the ante.
Bring your friends (or Instagram followers) along for the ride by launching a virtual race or training group. Set a donation to join, provide a flexible training plan, and offer digital medals, t-shirts, exclusive shout-outs, or personalised thank-you videos as fun rewards.
Don’t forget to check if your employer offers matched donations. Many companies will double what you raise, instantly boosting your total without asking your mates for another penny.
Whether you’re a natural storyteller or just up for a challenge, documenting your journey via blog or vlog can be powerful. Talk about the highs, the lows, the achey knees, and the joy of finishing a long run. Share your donation link with every post.
From superhero sprints to retro ‘80s power walks, themed events are always a hit. Add fancy dress, throw in a playlist, and offer prizes for the best-dressed runners.
Discover other popular fundraising tips.
If you’ve got more time or a big goal in mind, these next-level strategies will help you go the distance when it comes to more invested or high-value fundraising:
Reach out to local businesses or your workplace to see if they’ll sponsor your run in return for a shoutout, logo placement, or feature in your social media updates. Small businesses love being part of a feel-good story, and it’s great PR for them too, so everybody wins.
Fancy yourself as a coach? Lead a warm-up session, a couch-to-5K club, or a virtual stretching class. Ask for donations from attendees and share tips while building your running community.
Design and sell simple branded items, like wristbands, t-shirts, tote bags, or water bottles. Include your slogan or charity logo and make sure proceeds go toward your fundraising target.
Get creative with the calendar. Host a spooky Halloween night run, a Santa sprint in December, or a spring scavenger hunt. These seasonal tie-ins will make your fundraising feel fresh.
Every great fundraiser starts with a story. Whether you're running for mental health, cancer research, or in memory of a loved one, your personal ‘why’ is what inspires others. Share photos, videos, and honest reflections, because people give to people, not just to causes.
Gratitude goes a long way. Send thank-you messages, tag donors in social media posts, or even dedicate a mile of your race to them. Let people feel part of your journey!
At realbuzz, we believe running is about more than pace and personal bests; it’s about passion, purpose, and people. Whether you’re clocking up miles for mental health, medical research, or another cause close to your heart, you have the power to make a difference.
Looking for inspiration or practical fundraising tips? From creative challenges to quick cash wins, this guide has you covered. Lace up, log those miles, and turn every step into support for a cause that really matters to you, and to help those who really need it!