DO IT FOR THE KIDS
The Complete Guide to Charity Running in Victoria
Run for Variety – the Children’s Charity
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
The Complete Guide to Charity Running in Victoria
How to Run, Fundraise and Change Lives with Team Variety
Running is powerful on its own.
Running for a cause makes it transformational.
If you’re thinking about taking on a race in Victoria and want your kilometres to mean more, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about charity running with Variety – the Children’s Charity.
THE WHAT
What is Charity Running?
Charity running means participating in a running event while raising funds for a cause you care about.
Instead of just crossing the finish line, you also
- Support children who are sick, living with disability or experiencing disadvantage
- Raise funds for essential equipment and programs
- Build community around something bigger than yourself
When you run with Variety, every dollar you raise goes towards practical support that helps kids be heard, belong and join in.
GO THE DISTANCE
Major Charity Running Events in Victoria
Variety partners with some of Victoria’s most popular running events, including:
- Run Melbourne
- Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival
- Great Ocean Road Running Festival
- Geelong Running Festival
- Ballarat Marathon
- Run the Rock
- Sunset Series
Each event offers different distances and experiences, from coastal runs to city races and regional challenges.
DO IT FOR THE KIDS
How Much Should You Aim to Raise?
We encourage runners to set meaningful but achievable goals.
For example:
$280 can help provide a bike
$600 can contribute to a communication device
$1,500 can help fund essential mobility equipment
Setting a clear goal gives your supporters something tangible to rally behind. Most runners raise their first donations within 48 hours by simply telling their story.
HOW IT WORKS
Take part for the kids in three easy steps
Register
Sign up for your event and choose Team Variety when you register. Pick your distance, lock in your spot, and get ready to run, walk or roll!
Spread the love
Start training and share why you’re running for Variety. Invite friends, family and colleagues to support you - every message helps build momentum.
Raise money
Every dollar you raise helps Variety support kids who are sick, disadvantaged or living with disability through vital equipment, programs and experiences.
TOP TIPS
Fundraising Tips That Work
Simple tactics often outperform complicated ones.
- Make a personal self-donation first
- Share why you’re running
- Post regular training updates
- Send a short direct message rather than just a social post
- Thank every donor publicly
People give to people, not pages.
Each event offers different distances and experiences, from coastal runs to city races and regional challenges.
TEAM UP
Running as a Team
Charity running is even more powerful when you do it together.
You can create a team with
- Friends
- Work colleagues
- Family
- Community groups
Teams increase accountability, energy and fundraising results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be an experienced runner to join Team Variety?
Not at all. Whether you’re taking on your first 5km or chasing a marathon personal best, there’s an event and distance to suit you. Many of our runners are first-timers who simply want to make a difference for kids.
Is there a fundraising minimum?
Some events may have a suggested fundraising target, particularly if you’re securing a charity super star place. Others allow you to set your own goal. We encourage every runner to aim high, because every dollar raised helps children access vital equipment, therapy and opportunities.
How does fundraising work?
Once you register for your chosen event and join Team Variety, you’ll receive a personalised fundraising page. Share it with friends, family and colleagues, and we’ll provide tips and ideas to help you reach your goal.
It’s simple to set up and even easier to share.
What does my fundraising support?
Your efforts help children who are sick, living with disability or experiencing disadvantage.
Funds raised can provide:
-
Mobility and adaptive equipment
-
Communication devices
-
Therapy support
-
Access to sport, education and community participation
Every kilometre you run turns into practical support for a child and their family.
Can I join as a team?
Yes. You can create a team with friends, family or colleagues and fundraise together. Running as a team is a powerful way to build momentum and make an even bigger impact.
I’ve already registered for an event. Can I still fundraise for Variety?
Absolutely. If you’ve secured your place directly through the event organiser, you can still join Team Variety and set up a fundraising page. We’d love to have you on board.
What support will I receive from Variety?
When you join Team Variety, you’ll receive:
-
Fundraising tips and templates
-
Milestone encouragement
-
Impact updates so you can see what you’re making possible
-
A supportive community running with purpose
We’re here to help you succeed.
How do I get started?
Choose your event above, click through to join Team Variety, and set up your fundraising page. From there, share your story and start raising funds to help kids across Victoria.
Ready to Run for Variety?
Explore upcoming events and join Team Variety today.
Got questions?
Have a question or need a hand? Contact Mary on 03 8698 3900 or mary.nania@varietyvic.org.au.
We're happy to help with everything from signing up to fundraising tips.
