What’s In a Name?
Planning an event is a lot of hard work, but sometimes you get to let your creative juices flow and have little fun while you are at it. This is why one of my favorite parts of the planning process has to be choosing the race name.
Now, if you are organizing an event for a larger charity organization you’ll probably have a lot less flexibility when it comes to the name of the event. However, if you are organizing a more local event benefiting a charity of your choice selecting a name can really be a lot of fun.
The name of your event may not completely convince a potential participant to commit, but it can certainly catch their eye. This is especially true when it is listed among many others on a race calendar.
You might want to consider a few things when working with your team to come up with a catchy and creative name for your event.
Look at what is already out there. It is important to stay up-to-date on similar events near your area so you do not repeat a name and cause confusion for possible participants. On the other hand, looking at a list of events from a place far from you may give you some ideas to build on.
Think about the timing of your event. What season or holidays does it coincide with? Is there a local mascot or comical pun you could incorporate?
Hold a contest! Use the creative energy of your planning team and allow them to enter a possible title into a contest. You can have everyone vote on the best name. If the event is raising funds for a children’s charity, allow some of the children who will benefit the opportunity to create a name.
Make your charity known. It doesn’t have to go in the initial name, but list it soon after. Start with the catchy part and then end with “to benefit _______” filling in the blank with the cause or charity name. Knowing who is being supported is important to participants. I have come across many brochures that list it in tiny print at the bottom of a brochure. It should really be a selling point of your event to benefit the cause as much as possible.
So speaking of names, this is my favorite time of year. As the autumn and holiday seasons approach organizations get really creative with event titles. I think we have all heard of the Turkey Trot and the Reindeer Run, but I did a little searching and found some pretty unique ideas. Here are some events from different parts of the U.S. that have creative names for a good cause.
Atlanta Dog Jog in Atlanta, GA to benefit Canine Companions for Independence.
Scarecrow Shuffle in Lombard, IL to benefit the Northeast DuPage Special Recreation Society.
Boo Bash Dash in Greensboro, NC to benefit Ataxia-Telangiectasia (AT) research.
Pilgrims Progress in Columbus, OH to benefit The Luke Billings Foundation and children with Cerebral Palsy.
Cold Winter’s Day 5K for Epilepsy in Columbia, SC.
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Great post Lori. Here’s my 2 cents for anyone thinking of starting a new charity athletic event. Plan a charity bike ride. There are TONS of running and walking events to choose from, but not that many events for cyclists. The American Diabetes Association puts on the Tour de Cure bike ride at various location throughout the US. I like that name, reminds me of my favorite pro-cycling events – the Tour de France!
Thanks for the good idea Lynn!
I’ve also heard of some charities changing the name of their walk or run to more clearly communicate the cause. The March of Dimes Walk America is now called March for Babies.
Costumes are another way to distinguish an event… i.e. the Santa runs. I’ve heard of some crazy costumes especially from participants in the London marathon. Personally I don’t know how they do a marathon in costume, a 5K maybe, but not 26.2 miles!
Oh my, no way for a marathon. I’m not sure I could even do a 5K in a costume. I have seen a lot of that though in addition to even the Halloween races. I do love all the dressing up for the winter holiday runs. It makes it very festive!
I think doing a sponsored or fundraising run in costumes is a great idea. It gives people a chance to wear their favorite costumes, any time of the year, plus you’ll be raising money for a good cause and getting fit at the same time.
Great post. Thanks for sharing.