Active Sunderland BIG Walk
Sunday 25th September 2016
Frequently asked questions:
ENTERING THE SUNDERLAND BIG WALK
Q
A
How do I enter the BIG Walk?
Q
Will I receive confirmation of my entry?
A
Yes, confirmation will be sent via email upon receipt and process of your entry.
If you do not have access to email, confirmation will be sent by post. Additional
information will follow in the weeks before the event. Please also check your
spam email folder just in case your confirmation email ends up there.
Q
Why is there an entry fee?
A
The Active Sunderland BIG Walk incurs as many running costs as similar
events. The entry fee covers marshalling costs, promotion costs and other
event logistics. Don’t forget, children under 5 are free of charge.
Q
Can I enter on the day?
A
We would prefer to have all entries received and registered prior to the event
day to enable accurate event planning and to organise the correct levels of
support, water, event materials etc. Entries will be accepted on the day.
However, there will be a limited number of goody bags and ruck sacks and
once they are gone, those registering on the day will only receive a medal. This
is because the rucksacks and goody bags need to be pre ordered.
The charges will be as follows:
Entries are on line only. Please go to www.activesunderland.org.uk
If you are unable to enter on line please call 0191 56144600
Don’t forget, an early bird offer of £1.00 discount per entry is available
until 19th August 2016.
DISTANCE
3 MILES
7.5 MILES
11.5 MILES
ENTRY WITH GOODY BAG,
RUCKSACK AND MEDAL (if
available)
£13.00
£14.00
£15.00
ENTRY WITH MEDAL ONLY
£8.00
£9.00
£10.00
(These prices include an additional fee for those entering on the day).
Q
What time should I arrive on the day?
A
Registration will open at 8.45am. Please ensure that you arrive in plenty of time
to register and be ready to start walking at 10.00am.
Q
Can I buy a t-shirt on the day?
A
No. There will be no BIG Walk T-shirts this year. Instead, all participants who
have pre registered will receive a rucksack, medal and goody bag which are all
included in the entry fee.
Q
Is there a discount for groups?
A
Yes. If you register a group of five people, you only pay for four, saving at least
£10.00.
Q
How many children can I enter under my supervision?
A
We suggest that one adult supervisees no more than four children. This is to
ensure the safety and supervision of children in your care whilst taking part in
the Active Sunderland BIG Walk.
Q
A
Can I get a refund?
If you change your mind about attending the event, a refund can be processed
on request but only up to the date that the online entry system closes. In the
event that Active Sunderland cancels the event, in extreme weather conditions
for example, refunds will be issued to all participants.
FACILITIES AT HERRINGTON COUNTRY PARK
Q
Is there car parking at Herrington Country Park?
A
Yes, ample free parking is available within the park. Parking marshals will direct
you to the registration point
Q
What facilities will there be at Herrington Country Park?
A
Toilet facilities are available on site and there is a café located next to the
toilets.
Q
Will there be anything else to do within the park on the day of the
event?
A
Yes there will be a number of FREE family fun activities, sports and Nordic
Walk taster sessions throughout the day.
TIP - Hundreds of people may be taking part in the Active Sunderland BIG
Walk. Please ensure that you allow enough time to arrive at Herrington
Country Park and register before the BIG Walk begins at 10.00am.
THE WALK ROUTES AND PREPARATION
Q
Where can I find out more about the route?
A
A route map can be found on the Active Sunderland website
www.activesunderland.org.uk and will be provided to you on the day. The route
will be signposted and marshals will be posted along the route to help you.
Q
Are there many hills on the route?
A
Both the 7.5 and 11.5 mile routes include the climb over Penshaw Hill as well
as several gentler inclines along the way. The 3 mile walk remains within the
confines of the park, which undulates with gentle inclines.
Q
Can I change the distance on the day?
A
Yes you can but please notify staff at registration. There will be an additional
fee if you choose a longer route.
Q
Do I have to be really fit to complete the walk?
A
No, you don’t have to be an athlete to complete the Active Sunderland BIG
Walk! Participants are encouraged to enjoy the day and walk at their own pace.
However, if you are concerned about your fitness levels why not use the weeks
before the event as an opportunity to get out and practise. If you have concerns
about your health please consult your GP
TIP - The best training you can do in advance of the walk is to get out and walk!
Try to get as close to your chosen distance as you can before the event
day. Remember the more you walk the better prepared you will be on the
day. If you are walking with a rucksack then fill it up with everything you
need and get used to carrying the extra weight.
Q:
I am pregnant, can I take part in the walk?
A:
As long as you are well and there are no complications with your pregnancy, it
should be fine. If you are fit and well and walk on a regular basis at similar
distances, there is no reason why you shouldn’t participate. If you are heavily
pregnant you should seriously consider whether or not it is appropriate for you
and which distance you should choose. There are places you can stop to rest if
need be. If you are in any doubt, please seek advice from your GP or midwife
before taking part.
Q
Are there any toilets on the route?
A
Yes, toilets are provided at Fatfield Bridge for those doing the 11.5mile walk.
Q
Will there be any refreshments on the route?
A
Yes, a water and snack stop will be provided on the route by the event
organiser. Please bring your own water bottle as plastic cups will not be
provided. There are also a number of public houses at Fatfield and Coxgreen.
All participants are encouraged to bring along adequate water/drink supplies
and their own lunch and snacks.
Q
Do I need walking boots?
A
No, walking boots are not compulsory. However we ask you to observe the
weather in advance of the event and choose suitable footwear on the day.
TIP - If you purchase new footwear for the Active Sunderland BIG Walk, make
sure you wear them before the event day and ensure they are
comfortable. It may be advisable to pack some blister dressings – just in
case!
Q
What time do you expect people to complete the walks?
A
Participants are encouraged to walk at their own pace and enjoy the day. It is
not a race. On average we expect the 3 mile walk to take approx. 1 hour, the
7.5 mile walk to take 2.5 – 3.5 hours and the 11.5mile walk to take 4-5 hours.
Q
Is it a race and will I be given a time on completion?
A
No it is not a race. The BIG Walk is an opportunity to be out in the fresh air and
take in the local scenery. No times will be provided.
Q
Will we find out about places of interest en route?
A
A walk leaflet will be provided to all participants on the day, providing detail of
the features and heritage points along the route.
Q
What if I am unable to complete the walk?
A
We hope that all entrants in this year’s Active Sunderland BIG Walk are capable
of completing either of the distances. Please enter the distance which you feel
best suits your ability. If you are unsure, why not go out for a trial walk and see
how you feel? The weeks leading up to the event are an ideal opportunity to get
outside and practice, gradually increasing your distances each week. Please
visit www.activesunderland.org.uk for details on the Wellness Walking
programme.
If you choose not to complete the walk on the day, please call the number on
the information sheet provided at registration so that we know you are safe and
have gone home.
WEATHER
Q
Will the event be cancelled due to the weather?
A
Unless the weather conditions are considered severe, the event will take place.
With this in mind, please observe the weather forecasts ahead of the event and
plan your clothing / equipment accordingly, i.e. sun block, a hat, sunglasses,
water proof clothing, changes of clothing etc. If we need to cancel in advance of
the morning of the event you will receive an email.
FIRST AID AND INCIDENTS
Q
If I have an accident whilst walking what should I do?
A
A number of walk leaders will be walking amongst participants together with
members of staff from the Active Sunderland team acting as marshals on the
route. All are first aid qualified and they will provide initial assistance should
there be any incidents. If you are experiencing any difficulty please advise one
of the marshals. If your incident is life threatening, please contact emergency
services immediately.
Q
Will there be first aid provision on the walk?
A
Yes there will be first aid provision.
Tip - Remember to bring any personal medication you may need.
TIP - Please ensure that we have a mobile contact for you on the day. All
walkers are checked out and in to ensure that people have completed the
walk safely. Ensure that your phone is fully charged!
WHEELCHAIR AND PUSHCHAIR ACCESS
Q
Are the routes suitable for wheelchairs / pushchairs?
A
The shorter 3mile route is accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs. The
surface is predominantly smooth and all gates and barriers along the route will
be open to allow passage. The 7.5 and 11.5 mile routes are not suitable for
either wheelchairs or pushchairs.
SPONSORSHIP AND FUND RAISING
Q
I am fundraising for a club / charity / group, how can I prove I have
completed the walk?
A
All BIG walk finishers will receive a rucksack, medal and goody bag. You will
also receive a congratulatory email following completion of the BIG Walk.
Q
I am taking part to raise money for a charity, can I wear the charity tshirt?
A
Of course. The Active Sunderland BIG Walk is a perfect opportunity to raise
money for a charity, club or group so please feel free to represent your good
cause.
Q
Do you provide sponsorship forms?
A
No, please contact the charity, group or club you wish to fund raise for who will
be able to provide you with forms. Alternatively you could set up a Just Giving
page to collect sponsorship for your chosen charity.
TIP - After completing the BIG Walk, let sponsors know how you got on. Drop
them an email or phone call, they may like to hear how you found the
walk, what the highlights were, and thank them for their support. They
may take part next year!
DOG WALKING
Q
Am I able to bring my dog(s)?
A
Dog walking is permitted on the Active Sunderland BIG Walk. Please let us
know in advance if you intend to bring your dog on the walk.
Q
Does my dog(s) need to remain on a lead?
A
Yes, given the large numbers on the day and other dogs we need all dogs to be
under control and on a lead.
TIP - Make sure that your dog is capable of completing your intended route.
Bring a dog bowl or water container in case your dog needs water in
between water stops.
If your dog fouls along the way, please pick it up!
CYCLING
Q
Can I cycle the event?
A
No. This is a walking event and cycling amongst other walkers is not permitted
to ensure the safety of other walkers.