Common questions

When does the event take place? Back to top

The challenge takes place between Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 May 2013, starting from Richmond-Upon-Thames in South West London and finishing at Brighton Racecourse.

When you register you will be able to select your own prefered start time, Action challenge will then confirm your exact starting time three weeks prior to the event. 

How do I apply for a place? Back to top

Entries are now open. Apply for your place online now|.

You can apply as an individual or as a team. Registration costs £85 per person and is paid directly to the event organisers, Action Challenge, at the point of registration.

Upon completing your registration, you will receive a welcome email followed by a comprehensive fundraising pack from Macmillan. 

How much money do I have to raise? Back to top

You will need to pledge to raise a minimum of £400 for Macmillan, £200 of which must be received by Macmillan six weeks prior to the event.

We will support you in this by providing you with a comprehensive fundraising guide and newsletters with lots of useful hints and tips.

What difference will my sponsorship make? Back to top

The London to Brighton Challenge is a major fundraising event for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Your support will go a huge way to help people affected by cancer, for example:

• Every £100 spent on the Macmillan Benefits Helpline helps people affected by cancer to claim £2,691 in benefits to which they are entitled.
• £184 could fund a Macmillan nurse for one day.
• £350 could pay for a much-needed convalescent break for someone with cancer and their carer.
• £769 could fund a Macmillan social worker for a working week.
• Around £60,000 could help fund a new small Macmillan information and support centre.

What’s included? Back to top

• Comprehensive event information pack, including timing chip, hi vis snap bands, glow sticks and energy products.
• Support walkers, marshals and vehicles en-route.
• Fully signed route and route map.
• Event doctor, medics and experienced event response team.
• Aerobic warm up at the start.
• Manned checkpoints and water/snack stops every 12.5km.
• Volunteer physios at hot meal stops.
• Hot food at 50km and 75km.
• Shuttle service for retirees at rest stops from 50km onwards.
• Hot brunch/lunch at the finish.
• Massage facilities from 75km rest stop onwards, and at the finish.
• Runners - Extra supplies of energy bars and gels along route
• Finishers pack with a 2013 challenger medal and T-shirt
• Shuttle buses to Brighton Station 
• Full support from Team Macmillan (see below).

What kind of support will Macmillan give me? Back to top

When you join Team Macmillan you will be supported throughout your entire event experience.

In addition to our initial fundraising pack, we'll send you regular newsletters with tips to help you prepare for the big day. And if that isn't enough, we will be there for you on the day and offer well-deserved congratulations at the end of the event.

Am I fit enough? Back to top

There's no denying it - this is a tough challenge by anyone's standards. It will be physically and emotionally demanding. You will have to combat fatigue and tiring limbs as you battle through the challenge.

You will need to prepare but Action Challenge, the event organisers, will provide you with a 15 week training plan when you register to assist your preparation for the event. Please read the training advice carefully. The more comfortable you are with walking long distances for sustained periods the more comfortable and enjoyable you will be on the challenge.

What do I need to carry? Back to top

You are responsible for your personal items on the event. An equipment and clothing list will be available to download  from the participants area on the London 2 Brighton website.  |

You will need a daypack (c30litres) to carry the recommended personal items throughout the event including wet weather gear, warm clothing, water, snacks, sun protection, personal first aid kit, and personal items.

You will be issued with a walker safety pack including maps.

There will be a baggage transfer service from the start in London to the finish line in Brighton for a single piece of baggage not exceeding 50litres/10kg. Participants who retire from the challenge will be responsible for claiming their baggage at the finish line. 

How old do I need to be? Back to top

You must be 17 years or over on the date of the event (25 May 2013) to enter the London to Brighton Challenge. 

What happens if I can no longer take part? Back to top

If you or one of your team mates withdraw on medical grounds you will receive a full refund of any registration fee paid (on supply of a medical certificate).

Team members can be substituted until 31 Mar 2012 on payment of an administration fee of £25. Beyond this time changes will be subject to a new registration (£75).

If your team size drops below three due to a cancellation your team will be required to walk as part of the individual entries with pace walkers for safety reasons.

What happens if I get injured? Back to top

If you are injured while training we recommend you contact your GP or a specialist sports injury clinic. They will be able to advise you if you are fit enough to take part. If you do need to withdraw you will need to notify the event organisers, Action Challenge, as soon as possible. Please also let Team Macmillan know that you will not be taking part.

If you get injured during the challenge, you will be supported by roaming medics and an experienced event crew who will be on-hand to help you out if needed. 

Further questions Back to top

If you have any further questions that aren't answered here, then get in touch with the Macmillan hiking team on 020 7840 7887 or e-mail hiking@macmillan.org.uk|.