Walkathon: Difference between revisions
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{{About|fundraising walks|the walkathon as a competitive event|dance marathon}} |
{{About|fundraising walks|the walkathon as a competitive event|dance marathon}} |
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{{More citations needed|date=March 2011}} |
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[[File:The children playing the Band on the occasion of International Day of Older Persons at a Intergenerational Walkathon of the Senior Citizens in New Delhi on October 01, 2006.jpg|thumb|Children playing in a band on the International Day of Older Persons at an Intergenerational Walkathon of the Senior Citizens in New Delhi on October 01, 2006]] |
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A '''walkathon''' ('''walk-a-thon'''), '''walking marathon''' or '''sponsored walk''' is a type of community or school [[fundraiser]] in which participants raise money by collecting donations or pledges for [[walking]] a predetermined distance or course. They are similar in format to other physical activity based fundraising events such as [[marathons]] and [[cycling]] races, but are usually non-competitive and lower intensity. The low intensity model is ideal for mobilizing broad-based community support, and as a result Walkathons usually target participants from a wide range of ages and economic backgrounds. |
A '''walkathon''' ('''walk-a-thon'''), '''walking marathon''' or '''sponsored walk''' is a type of community or school [[fundraiser]] in which participants raise money by collecting donations or pledges for [[walking]] a predetermined distance or course. They are similar in format to other physical activity based fundraising events such as [[marathons]] and [[cycling]] races, but are usually non-competitive and lower intensity. The low intensity model is ideal for mobilizing broad-based community support, and as a result Walkathons usually target participants from a wide range of ages and economic backgrounds. |
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Walkathons are popular fundraisers for issues that affect large sections of the population. Most commonly, Walkathons focus on fighting or curing pervasive [[diseases]] or ailments such as [[AIDS]], [[ |
Walkathons are popular fundraisers for issues that affect large sections of the population. Most commonly, Walkathons focus on fighting or curing pervasive [[diseases]] or ailments such as [[AIDS]], [[cancer]], [[diabetes]], [[Systemic lupus erythematosus|lupus]], and [[arthritis]], and participation is also often promoted as a symbol of empowerment, remembrance, or awareness of affected people and their relations. |
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Walkathons are also popular for elementary schools because they allow the children to make a visible contribution to their school, they build community, are fun, encourage healthy exercise, and can be very lucrative. |
Walkathons are also popular for elementary schools because they allow the children to make a visible contribution to their school, they build community, are fun, encourage healthy exercise, and can be very lucrative. |
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==History== |
==History== |
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The first known walkathon was held in [[San Juan, Puerto Rico]] in 1953, by the Puerto Rican actor/comedian, [[Ramón Rivero (Diplo)|Ramón Rivero]], |
The first known walkathon was held in [[San Juan, Puerto Rico]] in 1953, by the Puerto Rican actor/comedian, [[Ramón Rivero (Diplo)|Ramón Rivero]],<ref name="WA">[http://www.walkathonguide.com Walkathon Guide, a blog about organizing walkathons]</ref><ref name="GoPR">[http://www.oslpr.org/files/docs/{6D918532-0518-4428-9FE4-FDF75B87B28D}.doc Puerto Rican Senate Resolution declaring May 29 of each year as the "Day of Ramón Ortiz del Rivero (Diplo)"]</ref> better known as Diplo. He walked 80 miles (from the capital city of San Juan to [[Ponce, Puerto Rico|Ponce]], on the other side of the island, to raise money for the ''Liga Puertorriqueña Contra el Cáncer'' (the Puerto Rican League Against Cancer). In that walkathon, Ramón Rivero raised the equivalent of $85,000 in four days. The walkathon turned into an historical event that became part of the collective consciousness of Puerto Ricans all over the world<ref name="GoPR"/><ref name="WA"/> and has been copied several times since, including in 2009, when the "League", in memory of the first event, did a "Diplo Returns to San Juan" walkathon, raising almost $200,000.<ref name="GoPR"/><ref name="WA"/> |
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In 1968, the first walkathon was held on the US mainland, sponsored by the American Freedom from Hunger Foundation. After receiving a national promo from [[Johnny Carson]] and [[Ed McMahon]], who were in the [[Twin Cities]] for a live performance of ''[[The Tonight Show]]'', the [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]] walkathon, called the "International Walk for Development", drew over 3,000 walkers to the 33-mile route through the streets of Minneapolis. The local organizers included two high school activists, Laurel Norton of [[St. Paul, Minnesota|St. Paul]], and Howard Freedland of [[Minneapolis, Minnesota|Minneapolis]], who convinced Johnny Carson to promote the event and organized local churches and synagogues to support the walk.{{citation needed|date=February 2015}} |
In 1968, the first walkathon was held on the US mainland, sponsored by the American Freedom from Hunger Foundation. After receiving a national promo from [[Johnny Carson]] and [[Ed McMahon]], who were in the [[Twin Cities]] for a live performance of ''[[The Tonight Show]]'', the [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]] walkathon, called the "International Walk for Development", drew over 3,000 walkers to the 33-mile route through the streets of Minneapolis. The local organizers included two high school activists, Laurel Norton of [[St. Paul, Minnesota|St. Paul]], and Howard Freedland of [[Minneapolis, Minnesota|Minneapolis]], who convinced Johnny Carson to promote the event and organized local churches and synagogues to support the walk.{{citation needed|date=February 2015}} |
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Additional walks were held in [[Fargo, North Dakota]] and [[Moorhead, Minnesota]], where 650 walkers finished the entire 33-mile route.{{citation needed|date=February 2015}} |
Additional walks were held in [[Fargo, North Dakota]] and [[Moorhead, Minnesota]], where 650 walkers finished the entire 33-mile route.{{citation needed|date=February 2015}} |
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The other walkathon organizers included Harvey Silver and a former priest named Jack Healey. On a stopover in England, when returning from the [[Peace Corps]], they saw adults participating in sponsored walks to raise money for causes. Together with Bob Schumacher, who provided the public relations support, the first walkathons were held in the |
The other walkathon organizers included Harvey Silver and a former priest named Jack Healey. On a stopover in England, when returning from the [[Peace Corps]], they saw adults participating in sponsored walks to raise money for causes. Together with Bob Schumacher, who provided the public relations support, the first walkathons were held in the US, primarily with children walking, rather than adults.{{citation needed|date=February 2015}} |
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On 8 May 1971, the largest nationally coordinated walkathon to |
On 8 May 1971, the largest nationally coordinated walkathon up to that time saw over 150,000 American walkers on several dozen routes throughout the nation walk over 2 million miles, raising over $1.2m to fight hunger. These "Walks for Development" were coordinated by the American Freedom from Hunger Foundation. The largest 8 May walk was in [[Milwaukee, Wisconsin]], with an estimated 20,000 walkers on a 31-mile route. Other large marches that day were in [[Indianapolis]], [[Eugene, Oregon|Eugene]], and [[Philadelphia]].<ref>{{cite news|title=150,000 march in U.S. to aid hungry|work= Eugene Register-Guard |author=AP|date= May 9, 1971}}</ref> |
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The concept immediately caught on with other groups, and many organizations soon adopted walkathons for fundraising. |
The concept immediately caught on with other groups, and many organizations soon adopted walkathons for fundraising. |
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The record for the world's largest recorded walkathon was set by the [[Iglesia ni Cristo]], a religious organization based in the [[Philippines]]. Taking place 15 February 2014, it was called the '''Iglesia ni Cristo World Wide Walk For Those Affected by [[Typhoon Haiyan|Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan]]'''. It broke two [[Guinness]] world records: largest charity walk in a single venue ([[Manila, Philippines]]) with 175,000 participants, and largest charity walk in 24 hours for multiple venues (from [[Christchurch]], New Zealand to [[Hawaii, USA]]) with 519,521 participants.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.interaksyon.com/article/80854/iglesia-ni-cristos-worldwide-walk-breaks-2-guinness-world-records | title=Iglesia ni Cristo's Worldwide Walk breaks 2 Guinness world records | date=15 February 2014 | access-date=16 February 2014 | work=Philippine News Agency}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.mb.com.ph/inc-smashes-guinness-record/ | title=INC smashes Guinness Record |
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| date=15 February 2014 | |
| date=15 February 2014 | access-date=16 February 2014 | author=Leslie Ann Aquino| website=[[Manila Bulletin]] |
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}}</ref> |
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== Notable walkathons == |
== Notable walkathons == |
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* [[Relay for Life]] |
* [[Relay for Life]] |
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* [[Walk and Rock]] |
* [[Walk and Rock]] |
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* 5K Walk For The Living (See [[Ride For The Living]]) |
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==Etymology== |
==Etymology== |
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The term ''walkathon'' dates to the 1930s, when it was used to describe a variant of the competitive [[dance marathon]].<ref>[https://books.google. |
The term ''walkathon'' dates to the 1930s, when it was used to describe a variant of the competitive [[dance marathon]].<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=BnoSrB7LJkIC&dq=walkathon&pg=PA17 Frank M. Calabria, ''Dance of the Sleepwalkers: The Dance Marathon Fad'', Popular Press, 1993, p.17]</ref> It is a [[portmanteau]] of the words [[walk]] and [[marathon]].{{citation needed|date=February 2015}} |
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== See also == |
== See also == |
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* [[Jog-A-Thon]] |
* [[Jog-A-Thon]] |
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* [[List of health related charity fundraisers]] |
* [[List of health related charity fundraisers]] |
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* [[List of longest walks]] |
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* [[Racewalking]] |
* [[Racewalking]] |
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== External links == |
== External links == |
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{{external media |
{{external media |
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| audio1 = You may view a newsreel of Rivero in the world's first '''"Walk-A-Thon"''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Juy3_KoV6Io |
| audio1 = You may view a newsreel of Rivero in the world's first '''"Walk-A-Thon"''' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Juy3_KoV6Io '''here'''] |
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* [http://www.uburst.com/uwalk/diy_walkathon_guide.html DIY walkathon guide for schools] |
* [http://www.uburst.com/uwalk/diy_walkathon_guide.html DIY walkathon guide for schools] |
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* [ |
* [https://www.walkathon.com/overview-of-walkathons-in-the-us-in-2020/ List of major walkathons] |
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* [http://www.walkathonguide.com Walkathon Guide, a site selling walkathon organizing tools] |
* [http://www.walkathonguide.com Walkathon Guide, a site selling walkathon organizing tools] |
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* [http://www.dojiggy.com/resource_center/dog-pledge-walkathons/ Walkathon resources collected by pledge drive software vendor] |
* [http://www.dojiggy.com/resource_center/dog-pledge-walkathons/ Walkathon resources collected by pledge drive software vendor] |
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{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2015}} |
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2015}} |
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{{Walking}} |
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{{Authority control}} |
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[[Category:Charity events| ]] |
[[Category:Charity events| ]] |
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Latest revision as of 09:51, 12 November 2024
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (March 2011) |
A walkathon (walk-a-thon), walking marathon or sponsored walk is a type of community or school fundraiser in which participants raise money by collecting donations or pledges for walking a predetermined distance or course. They are similar in format to other physical activity based fundraising events such as marathons and cycling races, but are usually non-competitive and lower intensity. The low intensity model is ideal for mobilizing broad-based community support, and as a result Walkathons usually target participants from a wide range of ages and economic backgrounds.
Walkathons are popular fundraisers for issues that affect large sections of the population. Most commonly, Walkathons focus on fighting or curing pervasive diseases or ailments such as AIDS, cancer, diabetes, lupus, and arthritis, and participation is also often promoted as a symbol of empowerment, remembrance, or awareness of affected people and their relations.
Walkathons are also popular for elementary schools because they allow the children to make a visible contribution to their school, they build community, are fun, encourage healthy exercise, and can be very lucrative.
History
[edit]The first known walkathon was held in San Juan, Puerto Rico in 1953, by the Puerto Rican actor/comedian, Ramón Rivero,[1][2] better known as Diplo. He walked 80 miles (from the capital city of San Juan to Ponce, on the other side of the island, to raise money for the Liga Puertorriqueña Contra el Cáncer (the Puerto Rican League Against Cancer). In that walkathon, Ramón Rivero raised the equivalent of $85,000 in four days. The walkathon turned into an historical event that became part of the collective consciousness of Puerto Ricans all over the world[2][1] and has been copied several times since, including in 2009, when the "League", in memory of the first event, did a "Diplo Returns to San Juan" walkathon, raising almost $200,000.[2][1]
In 1968, the first walkathon was held on the US mainland, sponsored by the American Freedom from Hunger Foundation. After receiving a national promo from Johnny Carson and Ed McMahon, who were in the Twin Cities for a live performance of The Tonight Show, the Minneapolis, Minnesota walkathon, called the "International Walk for Development", drew over 3,000 walkers to the 33-mile route through the streets of Minneapolis. The local organizers included two high school activists, Laurel Norton of St. Paul, and Howard Freedland of Minneapolis, who convinced Johnny Carson to promote the event and organized local churches and synagogues to support the walk.[citation needed]
Additional walks were held in Fargo, North Dakota and Moorhead, Minnesota, where 650 walkers finished the entire 33-mile route.[citation needed]
The other walkathon organizers included Harvey Silver and a former priest named Jack Healey. On a stopover in England, when returning from the Peace Corps, they saw adults participating in sponsored walks to raise money for causes. Together with Bob Schumacher, who provided the public relations support, the first walkathons were held in the US, primarily with children walking, rather than adults.[citation needed]
On 8 May 1971, the largest nationally coordinated walkathon up to that time saw over 150,000 American walkers on several dozen routes throughout the nation walk over 2 million miles, raising over $1.2m to fight hunger. These "Walks for Development" were coordinated by the American Freedom from Hunger Foundation. The largest 8 May walk was in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with an estimated 20,000 walkers on a 31-mile route. Other large marches that day were in Indianapolis, Eugene, and Philadelphia.[3]
The concept immediately caught on with other groups, and many organizations soon adopted walkathons for fundraising.
The record for the world's largest recorded walkathon was set by the Iglesia ni Cristo, a religious organization based in the Philippines. Taking place 15 February 2014, it was called the Iglesia ni Cristo World Wide Walk For Those Affected by Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan. It broke two Guinness world records: largest charity walk in a single venue (Manila, Philippines) with 175,000 participants, and largest charity walk in 24 hours for multiple venues (from Christchurch, New Zealand to Hawaii, USA) with 519,521 participants.[4][5]
Notable walkathons
[edit]- AIDS Walk
- Breast Cancer 3Day
- March for Babies
- MS Challenge Walk
- Relay for Life
- Walk and Rock
- 5K Walk For The Living (See Ride For The Living)
Etymology
[edit]The term walkathon dates to the 1930s, when it was used to describe a variant of the competitive dance marathon.[6] It is a portmanteau of the words walk and marathon.[citation needed]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c Walkathon Guide, a blog about organizing walkathons
- ^ a b c Puerto Rican Senate Resolution declaring May 29 of each year as the "Day of Ramón Ortiz del Rivero (Diplo)"
- ^ AP (9 May 1971). "150,000 march in U.S. to aid hungry". Eugene Register-Guard.
- ^ "Iglesia ni Cristo's Worldwide Walk breaks 2 Guinness world records". Philippine News Agency. 15 February 2014. Retrieved 16 February 2014.
- ^ Leslie Ann Aquino (15 February 2014). "INC smashes Guinness Record". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved 16 February 2014.
- ^ Frank M. Calabria, Dance of the Sleepwalkers: The Dance Marathon Fad, Popular Press, 1993, p.17
External links
[edit]| External audio | |
|---|---|
 You may view a newsreel of Rivero in the world's first "Walk-A-Thon" here |
- DIY walkathon guide for schools
- List of major walkathons
- Walkathon Guide, a site selling walkathon organizing tools
- Walkathon resources collected by pledge drive software vendor
