How to Plan a Breast Cancer Awareness Walkathon

Raising awareness of breast cancer is important for the women we know.

According to the Breast Cancer Care website, approximately 46,000 people every year, find out they have cancer. This means that most of us know of someone who has been impacted by breast cancer in one way or another. One of the easiest ways to raise the profile of the various breast cancer campaigns is to be involved in organized events, including "walkathons."

Things You'll Need

• Participant registration forms
• Event flyers/posters
• Sponsorship forms
• Bottle of water
• Comfortable shoes/clothes
• Camera
• Loose-fitting comfortable clothes

Instructions

Check Events in Your Area

1. Check the websites of various breast cancer charities including the American Cancer Society in the United States or the Breast Cancer Care in the United Kingdom to find out when and where planned walkathons are taking place. If the charity doesn't have an organized walk arranged, its staff may be open to your suggestion and invite you to contact them with your idea.

2. 

   Registering your details secures your involvement.

   You will need to register your details with the charity you wish to support, completing an online form. You choose your level of commitment, from being involved in the actual organization of the walkathon itself, to planning a team's involvement for the day.

3. 

   Anyone can accomplish a short distance walkathon.

   Decide on the distance you wish to walk. Walkathons range in distance from three to 23 miles. But for most, a three- to five-mile walk is easily achievable. The charity organizers would have worked out the route with local authorities for the day of the walkathon.

Spread the Word and Get Sponsored

1. 

   Get your friends and family to sign up and join in.

   Understand that the hardest part of planning a fund raising event, is to get others to join in. If you are committed to getting a team of walkers together, then start talking to everyone you know -- family, friends, colleagues about what you are planning, asking them to sign-up for the walk. Create posters and flyers showing what you are planning to do, and how people can support you.

2. 

   Use personal experience to drum up support.

   Use your own experiences to encourage people to join in, or if you know anyone who is passionate about raising the awareness of breast cancer, let them know how they can help the cause by being a part of your walkathon or team.

3. 

   Being in a team raises team camaraderie making everyone likely to succeed.

   Register as many people in your team as you can, as there may be a minimum fund raising amount you are expected to raise for the event, payable at the time of registration.

4. 

   Online donations are a quick, safe and easy way for your walk sponsors.

   Keep in mind that it is up to you to get as many people as you can to sponsor you and your team. Use the online giving donation websites, where you register your details and your friends can make a donation under your details. This helps you avoid the "big chase" after the event. If you are a member of a social network website, this is also a great way to get people to sponsor you and your team.

5. 

   Have lots of fun whilst raising money for breast cancer awareness.

   Attend the walkathon on the day, taking water with you to keep you hydrated on the route. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Have lots of fun with your friends, and take pictures to remind you of the experience.

Tips & Warnings

• Take the walkathon in your stride -- the achievement is not in the time you take to do the walk, but in finishing the race.

• If possible, train prior to the day of the walkathon, so you know you can go the distance.

• If you have difficulty with physical activity, consult your doctor before embarking on the walkathon to ensure your body can cope with the exercise.

References

• The American Cancer Society
• Breast Cancer Care
• Breast Cancer Campaign
• The Pink Ribbon Foundation