Simple Tips for Running Lifestyles

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March is a symbol of inspiration and fresh opportunities since spring is approaching. It’s also the perfect time to boost your marathon fundraising efforts! 

This month has so many great opportunities to post about your marathon fundraiser. These March-specific fundraising ideas will help you engage supporters, tell your story, and get closer to your fundraising goals. I personally like simple fundraising ideas so everything included in this list will focus on easy actionable ideas to help you with your fundraising.

If you haven’t officially started marathon training yet, March is the perfect time to time to focus on fundraising. My recommendation is to get as close as possible to your fundraising minimum before the training season begins so you have one less thing to worry about.

How to Raise Money for a Charity Marathon in March

Let’s dive into some encouraging and actionable campaigns that can transform your marathon fundraising journey this month.

International Women’s Day Fundraising Ideas for Runners

March 8th marks International Women’s Day, a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the powerful women who have shaped your journey. 

Consider creating a featured story that highlights an influential woman in your life who embodies the spirit of your charity cause. Pick a suggested donation as a way to celebrate and honor her, like her favorite number or $38 (for March 8th).

Charities You Can Support for International Women’s Day

Here are a few ideas of how you can relate your charity mission to elevate a woman (or the women) in your life.

• Female-Cause Charities: Honor a woman in your life who inspires you. For me, I plan on showcasing that I’m running the Bank of America Chicago 13.1 for Girls on the Run Chicago. I’ll be asking for donations to help sponsor the girls in the program.
• Cancer Charities: Honor a woman in your life who was impacted by cancer or an inspiring caregiver.
• Animal Causes: Is there a woman who supported animals and you want to give a shout-out? I immediately think of how people donated to animal causes to honor Betty White for what would have been her 100th birthday.
• Advocacy Charities: Shout out a woman who has been an incredible advocate and highlight what you admire about her.
• Education Charities: Honor a female teacher who shaped you.
• Sports Charities: Share a female athlete who’s inspired you. 

Social Media Ideas to Celebrate International Women’s Day

Here’s how you can get started on a social post to share your story for International Women’s Day.

• Share a Personal Tribute: Write an inspiring post about the woman you’ve chosen. Let your passion shine through by recounting personal anecdotes and the impact she’s had on your life. 
• Visual Impact: Use photos or a short video tribute to add a personal touch to your story.

By celebrating the achievements and contributions of these women, you’re not just fundraising, you’re inspiring change and fostering community support.

Related Post: I ran the Bank of America Chicago 13.1 for Girls on the Run, read my story and learn about this charity!

Spring-Inspired March Fundraisers

Unofficial Chicago Day

While Chicago’s birthday is actually March 4th, the unofficial “Chicago Day” is March 12th since the original Chicago area code is 312. This is a perfect social media post if you’re running the Chicago Marathon and ask friends to help you reach a goal of $312 in donations for the day.

Related Post: For tips on how to enjoy Chicago during marathon weekend, check out this Chicago guide!

First Day of Spring

The first day of Spring is March 20th. Spring symbolizes a fresh start, new beginnings or inspiring a renewed energy. Kickstart your fundraising campaign if you haven’t started sharing your fundraising page. Or, with the warmer spring temperatures, use it to share the symbolic start of the running season.

St. Patrick’s Day Ideas for Marathon Fundraising

St. Patrick’s Day is on March 17th and is all about fun, luck, and a little bit of mischief. Tap into that festive energy with a creative, pun-filled fundraiser:

• “Feeling Lucky? Donate a Pot of Gold!”: Create a campaign where each donation adds a “pot of gold” to your total. Set a milestone and challenge your friends to help you reach a magical goal. Or ask for $17 donations for the spirit of the day.
• Social Media Buzz: Use playful puns to add charm to your post. Lean on terms like the “Luck of the Irish” by making a marathon donation! Or “I’d be so lucky if you donate today!”

This lighthearted approach makes fundraising silly and every bit of luck shared brings you one step closer to your marathon goal.

Need Boston Marathon Fundraising Ideas?

The Boston Marathon is held on Patriots’ Day (the third Monday of April) every year. For 2026, the race is on Monday, April 20th. If you’re fundraising for the Boston Marathon, consider March 1st as a prime fundraising day since it’s 50 days before the race. This is a great opportunity to create a post to celebrate this milestone.

In addition to the 50-day milestone, March 26th is 25 days until the race. Consider asking for $25 donations or ask friends to help you toward a goal of 25 donations for the day. You can use stories and posts throughout the day to track your overall progress. I love using a letterboard to track so my friends can follow along and it makes a great visual on social media.

Related Post: Brian and I visited Boston for a weekend and had an amazing time! Check out our Boston weekend and see how to enjoy your time in Boston!

London Marathon Fundraising Tips

Similar to the Boston Marathon Fundraisers, the London Marathon is only 6 days after Boston on Sunday, April 26th. 50 days until the London Marathon is March 7th (which is also the day before International Women’s Day).

If you need tips for what to do in London while you’re in the UK, check out this recap from my time in London for the 2025 London Marathon.

Pro Tip: If you’re traveling to London (or anywhere in the UK) this year, you’ll need to apply for a new application program. For details, check out this post on Global Entry with details on the UK ETA program.

March Madness Bracket Fundraiser for Charity

As March Madness kicks off on March 17th with play-in games, the excitement of the tournament can serve as a dynamic backdrop for your fundraising efforts. 

Consider hosting a bracket challenge as a “split the pot” fundraiser.

• 50/50 Split: Host a bracket challenge with the winner splitting the pot of the entry fees with your fundraiser. Players pay per bracket (such as $10) and can submit multiple brackets. You’ll want everyone to pay you directly and you’d make one donation with 50% of the pot. 
• The First Round Begins on Thursday, March 19th. Teams in the tournament are announced on March 15th, known as Selection Sunday. The first four games are on March 17th for play-in games, with brackets locking on March 19th before the first game (12 PM Eastern).
• Seamless Participation: By using an online platform, such as CBS Sports or ESPN, to manage the challenge smoothly. Make sure everyone knows how to submit their brackets and monitor the leaderboard.

Leveraging the excitement of March Madness creates an interactive environment and gets you closer to your fundraising target.

Related Post: Get a full outline for hosting a March Madness bracket fundraiser with this guide!

March Birthday and Half-Birthday Fundraisers 

If March is your birthday month—or even if it’s the month for a half-birthday celebration—why not turn your special day into a fundraising opportunity? Here’s how you can make your celebration count:

• Celebrate with Purpose: Ask for donations to transform your birthday (or half-birthday) celebration into a meaningful milestone.
• Create a Unique Campaign: Consider incorporating fun challenges or setting donation milestones that coincide with your birthday. You could ask for your age (or half your age) as a suggested donation amount.
• Leverage Social Media: Use platforms like Facebook or Instagram to broadcast your celebration.

By personalizing your celebration, you not only raise funds but also create an intimate, memorable event where every donation gets you closer to your goal.

Spring Into Fundraising and Kickstart Your Campaign

With winter behind us and the promise of spring in the air, there’s no better time to jumpstart your fundraising efforts, especially if you haven’t yet started. Let the season’s renewal inspire you to “spring” into action:

• Set Fresh Goals: Use the energy of the new season to outline clear fundraising targets. Reflect on your vision and set actionable steps to reach those milestones.
• Motivate and Mobilize: Share your excitement about starting something new.
• Celebrate Spring! Spring is the season of rebirth and new beginnings—let it fuel your drive and inspire supporters to join you as you launch your campaign with enthusiasm and optimism.

Related Post: Love these ideas? Get fundraising ideas for the whole year with this guide!

Bonus Tips for Marathon Fundraising Success

Here are a few extra pointers to help your fundraising campaign flourish:

• Tell Your Story: Authenticity resonates. Share your journey, challenges, and the reason you’re running. 
• Engage Regularly: Keep your supporters updated with progress reports and behind-the-scenes looks at your training plan.
• Mix and Match Ideas: Don’t hesitate to combine elements from these strategies to create a campaign that feels uniquely yours.
• Show Gratitude: Always thank your supporters—whether through personal notes, social media shout-outs, or public acknowledgments on your campaign page.

Each step you take in preparing your fundraiser is a stride towards achieving something remarkable. Your creativity and passion can truly make a difference.

Related Post: Set up your fundraising page with these tips that inspire donations.

March Fundraising Ideas for Good

March is brimming with opportunities to create engaging, memorable, and effective fundraising campaigns for your marathon. Whether you’re honoring inspiring women on International Women’s Day, getting playful with a St. Patrick’s Day pun, or simply springing into action as the season changes, each idea is a stepping stone toward your goal.

Every donation, share, and story contributes to building momentum for your charity. You’re not just running a marathon—you’re running for a reason. Lace up your shoes, share your journey, and let your passion lead the way. 

Related Post: Need marathon fundraising ideas for April or May? Check out these additional Spring fundraising ideas!

What’s your fundraising plan for March? Let me know in the comments! Know someone raising money for a charity this year? Send them this post!

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