How to Run a Read-A-Thon in 4 Steps

In this video, Catie from RallyUp walks you through how to run a school Read-A-Thon in four steps — from setting the rules to celebrating the finish. 

A Read-A-Thon is an A-Thon fundraiser where students collect pledges for the reading they do over a set period. It works for schools, PTAs, and literacy nonprofits because the activity is already happening — you’re just giving it structure, an audience, and a finish line. RallyUp keeps pledge tracking, donations, and sharing in one place. 

Why schools love a Read-A-Thon: 

• Set the rules first — the time frame, what counts as reading, and how progress gets tracked. One month is a strong starting point 
• Build the buzz at assemblies, with take-home flyers, and on social. The more people who know, the more pledges roll in 
• Keep students motivated with class-versus-class competition, plus prizes like pizza parties and no-homework days for top readers 
• Celebrate the finish with a school-wide ceremony, the total raised, and prizes — make it a moment students remember 
• A Read-A-Thon raises money and supports reading growth at the same time 
• Run it online with RallyUp: pledge tracking, donations, and sharing all in one place