Marathon fundraising 101: How to set up a page & hit your target

Running a marathon is a huge commitment. Months of training. Early alarms. Long runs in unpredictable weather. Blisters, sore legs, and serious determination.

So, if you’re going to run 26.2 miles, why not make every step count?

Marathon fundraising is one of the most powerful ways to raise money for charity. Whether you’re running a marathon for charity or just want to make your miles count, people are inspired by endurance challenges. They understand the effort involved. And when you connect that effort to a meaningful mission, donations follow.

But here’s the truth: simply signing up for a race doesn’t guarantee you’ll hit your fundraising target.

The difference between raising £150 and raising £1,500 usually comes down to strategy, not how many people you know.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to:

• Choose a cause that genuinely motivates you
• Set a realistic (but ambitious) fundraising target
• Build a high-converting fundraising page on GoodHub
• Tell a story that inspires people to donate
• Launch strong and build early momentum
• Promote your page without feeling awkward
• Keep donations coming in throughout training
• Maximise race week excitement
• Finish strong, even after you cross the finish line

Whether this is your first marathon or your fifth, this step-by-step guide will help you raise more, stress less, and feel proud not just of the miles you run, but the impact you make.

You’re putting in the effort. Let’s make sure it pays off.

Step 1: Choose your cause (and make it personal)

The most successful marathon fundraisers choose a cause that genuinely means something to them.

Why? Because personal stories drive donations.

Before setting up your page, ask yourself:

• Why does this cause matter to me?
• Has it impacted me or someone close to me?
• What change do I want to help create?

You don’t need a dramatic story, just an honest one. When people understand why you’re running, they’re far more likely to support you.

Then connect your reason to real impact. Instead of focusing on how tough 26.2 miles will be, explain what donations will actually do.

GoodHub’s SmartSearch lets you explore 190,000 UK charities. This means  you can find causes that match your values, motivations, and personal goals, whether it’s a local charity, a national initiative, or a specific issue you care about. By comparison, other fundraising platforms offer far fewer choices, so you can be confident that on GoodHub, you will find the perfect match.

Once you’ve chosen your cause, link it directly to your GoodHub marathon fundraising page. Supporters can see exactly where their money goes, which builds trust and boosts giving.

Choose a cause you care about. When it’s personal, it’s powerful.

Step 2: Set a realistic (but ambitious) fundraising target

Your marathon fundraising target shouldn’t be a guess; it should be a plan.

Start by breaking it down. For example:

• 30 people giving £20 = £600
• 10 people giving £50 = £500
• A matched donation from your employer = £250

Suddenly, a £1,500 goal feels achievable.

Aim high enough that it motivates you, but not so high that it feels impossible. A target signals confidence and encourages bigger donations. People are more likely to give generously when they see you’re serious.

If you’re fundraising on GoodHub, your goal is visible on your page, which helps create momentum as you get closer to hitting it.

You can always increase your target if you reach it early. It’s much harder to raise it if you start too low.

Be strategic. Be ambitious. And give people something meaningful to help you achieve.

Step 3: Set up your marathon fundraising page on GoodHub

Now it’s time to turn your plan into action.

Whether you are running the London Marathon, Edinburgh Marathon, or any other marathon fundraising event, setting up your page on GoodHub only takes a few minutes, but how you build it makes all the difference.

Focus on the essentials:

• A clear headline: Make it specific and personal
• Your story: Share why you’re running and what the donations will achieve. Keep it honest and easy to read.
• A strong marathon fundraising target: Add the goal you set in step 2.
• A great photo: A training photo or personal image builds trust and connection.

Your marathon fundraising page is your campaign hub. Make it clear, personal, and impact-focused, and it will do much of the heavy lifting for you.

Step 4: Craft a story that converts

A compelling story is what turns visitors into donors. People give when they care, not just because you’re running a marathon.

Keep your story simple and structured:

1. Why you’re running: Share your personal connection or motivation.
2. Why the cause matters: Explain the impact donations will have.
3. What you’re asking for: Be clear about how people can help.
4. A call to action: End with a friendly, direct request to donate.

A strong story isn’t just inspiring; it’s persuasive. Make every word count. Fundraising support from GoodHub can help you shape a story that truly connects.

Step 5: Launch strong

The first 48 hours set the tone for your entire marathon fundraising campaign. Early momentum shows potential donors that your campaign is active and worth supporting.

How to launch effectively:

• Soft launch to friends and family first: Ask your closest supporters to donate early.
• Announce on social media: Share your page with a personal message, not just a link.
• Highlight your goal: Let people know exactly what you’re aiming for and why it matters.
• Show enthusiasm: Your excitement is contagious and encourages others to give.

Starting strong builds credibility, attracts attention, and makes hitting your target much easier as your campaign gains visibility.

Step 6: Promote without feeling awkward

Sharing your marathon fundraising page doesn’t have to feel pushy; it’s about letting people know how they can make a difference.

Start by telling a story instead of just posting a link. Share updates about your training, milestones, or why the cause matters.

Reach out to close friends and family personally before going public. When you do share more widely, mix up your channels: social media, messaging apps, or community groups. Celebrate progress along the way, thanking donors and showing how close you are to your goal. Keep your posts short and heartfelt; genuine passion always resonates more than pressure.

Focus on the impact you’re helping create, and promotion will feel natural, not awkward.

Step 7: Keep momentum going during training

Marathon fundraising isn’t over once your page is live; keeping momentum during your training is key to hitting your target. Regular updates remind people that you’re committed and make them feel part of your journey.

Share progress on your long runs, training milestones, or small wins along the way. Highlight mini-challenges or creative ways donations make an impact.

Don’t be afraid to be honest about setbacks, showing perseverance makes your campaign relatable and inspiring.

Consistency is everything. Even brief weekly updates keep donors engaged, encourage sharing, and help maintain excitement as race day approaches.

Step 8: Race week and race day strategy

Race week is your final opportunity to energise supporters and push your marathon fundraising over the line. As the big day approaches, remind people of your goal and the difference their donations make. Share updates about tapering runs, pre-race preparations, or your excitement.

On race day, post live updates or photos if possible. A quick note at the start, midway, or as you cross the finish line keeps your audience engaged and encourages last-minute donations. Highlight how close you are to your target and make a clear, friendly call to action: it’s the perfect moment for people to rally behind you.

Think of race week as the crescendo of your campaign; it’s where momentum turns into results.

Step 9: After the marathon

Crossing the finish line is just the beginning of your impact. After the race, make sure to:

• Thank every donor personally: A heartfelt message shows your appreciation and builds lasting connections.
• Share your experience: Post photos, highlights, and stories from race day to engage your supporters.
• Celebrate your total raised: Show how close you came to your goal and the difference everyone’s contributions made.
• Make a final donation push: Let people know it’s not too late to contribute and help reach or exceed your target.

Finishing strong continues beyond the race itself. Gratitude, celebration, and clear impact leave a lasting impression on your supporters.

You’re running 26.2 miles. Make it count

Running a marathon is no small feat. Every early morning, long run, and mile you push through shows incredible dedication. But the real power of your effort comes when it’s paired with purpose. By fundraising for a cause you care about, you turn those miles into meaningful impact.

Remember everything you’ve learned: choose a cause that matters to you, set an ambitious but realistic target, craft a compelling story, keep momentum throughout training, and engage your supporters every step of the way.

Your journey doesn’t end at the finish line. It continues in the lives you touch and the difference your fundraising makes. Lace up, run with intention, and make every mile count.

Your marathon isn’t just a race. It’s an opportunity to change lives.

Set up your marathon fundraising page on GoodHub today and turn your marathon miles into real impact.