Birmingham Walk to Support
About The Event
Calling all walkers, strollers and rollers.
Walk to Support is a fun walk and way to spend time with friends and family, to explore the city, celebrate our communities in Birmingham and across the Midlands, and to fundraise to support people living with cancer.
We’ll gather in our event village in Centenary Square where there will be food and drink stalls, activities for the whole family, and information about Macmillan's services. You’ll then join the green wave taking on either the 10km route past some of Birmingham’s most iconic landmarks or keep it local with our 2.5km route around the event village.
On the route there will be there plenty of opportunity for rest stops and music checkpoints to help keep you moving.
You don’t have to be fit or fearless. You don’t have to push yourself to your limit. Just sign up and raise as much as you can to support people living with cancer. And come and enjoy the day.
Explore with District
On the day, we’ll be partnering with the technology app District, to bring the experience to life with virtual checkpoints and challenges.
The many virtual checkpoints will be strategically placed around the event. Each checkpoint will be different, but could include a mini challenge, trivia question, or interesting fact.
There will be event ‘points’ to collect on the app too so you’ve got a chance to catch them all whilst you explore your way around the event.
The Walk to Support experience
Whether you’re new to Macmillan or have been a part of the community for a long time, we’re celebrating the people and services that make up Macmillan – and fundraising to continue to do all we can to support people living with cancer.
As a Team Macmillan participant at Walk to Support you'll receive:
But most importantly...
We'll provide you with a reason to keep going because you'll know that you're helping improve the lives of people living with cancer.
Donations make up 98% of our annual income so we simply couldn't do what we do without you.
What do Team Macmillan say about this event?
Arlo Dew, Walk to Support finisher
“It was a day that I will never forget. It was such a positive experience. I was surrounded and supported by my friends and work colleagues, and it signified the end of my cancer treatment journey.”
Aara Hussain, 11, Walk to Support finisher
Marina McIntyre, Walk to Support finisher
Frequently Asked Questions
Before the event
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When and where is the Birmingham Walk to Support?
The event will take place on the morning of Saturday 27 April 2024. Registration and the Event Village will be at Centenary Square, Birmingham, B1 2ND
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What time do I need to arrive?
The Event Village will open at 9am with the walk scheduled to start at approximately 10am. We will share specific details on timings closer to the event.
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How long is the route?
There are two route choices; a 10km route and a 2.5km route. Please note these are approximate distances and may end up being marginally shorter or longer. Exact route details will be shared in the lead up to the event.
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What is the route for the Birmingham Walk to Support?
The 10km route will start at Centenary Square, weaving through the City centre before taking in some of the canal network.
The 2.5km route will follow a route close to Centenary Square.
We will share a detailed route map closer to the event. -
How can I register for the event?
You can register for the event through the registration form. If you need support registering for the event, please call our Supporter Care Hub on 0300 1000 200 and a member of the team will help you register over the phone.
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How much is entry to the event
Early bird registration is £5 for adults who register before 29 February. Registration will then be £10 for each adult, which will cover some of the cost of your place. We also suggest you aim for a fundraising target of £150 but request that you raise as much as you can to support people living with cancer.
Kids/U18s walk for free. -
When will registration for the event close?
One week before the event, or when the event reaches capacity.
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Can children take part in Walk to Support?
Yes, they are welcome to attend the event but must be accompanied by an adult. The parent or guardian must register for the event and include how many u18s they will accompany on the event. Please ensure that if you are bringing a child that the distance is manageable for them and that you take any additional needs they may have into account.
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Can we register as a team?
We are not currently taking team registrations; each individual adult will need to register for the event. You may, of course, fundraise as a team. If you’d like to be thanked as a team then please email us after the event with the total you’d like to be thanked for.
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Will I get sent a Macmillan t-shirt to wear on the day?
Yes, you will be sent a Macmillan t-shirt in the size that you request on the registration form within two weeks of registering for the event. We encourage you wear it on the day as we turn the town green. Dressing up with green accessories is encouraged!
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Can I bring dogs the event?
Dogs can be brought to the event but they must be kept on a lead at all times. All dogs are the fully responsibility of their owner including any loss or damage they may cause.
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When will I receive final event day information?
We will email final event day details to participants approximately two weeks before the event.
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How do I cancel my place?
Please email us at challenge@macmillan.org.uk or call 0300 1000 200 if you can no longer take part. We have to confirm final numbers one week before the event take place so please let us know before then.
Please note, registration fees are non-refundable.
Fundraising
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How much do I need to fundraise to take part?
We suggest aiming to raise at least £150. However, the minimum target you set yourself is up to you. We just ask that you raise as much as you can to support people living with cancer.
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How can I collect donations for my Walk to Support fundraising?
We suggest setting up an online fundraising page to kickstart your fundraising. Use this link to set up a JustGiving page for the Birmingham Walk to Support. People can then donate, leave you a supportive message, and the money, including any Gift Aid, automatically gets sent to Macmillan. Hassle free fundraising.
If you want to collect sponsorship the old fashioned way, you can download our sponsorship form so you can collect donations and Gift Aid declarations.
At the event
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What will be in the Event Village?
The Event Village will host logistical functions such as registration and toilets, but it will also provide a place for learning about Macmillan services, celebrating local community, the event warm up, music and facepainting that will create a welcoming environment for everyone.
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Will there be toilet facilities?
Yes, toilets will be provided in the Event Village.
Accessibility
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Is the route wheelchair accessible?
The 2.5km route is wheelchair accessible. The 10km route is not entirely wheelchair accessible. If you would like to discuss the route in more detail please do get in touch with us. You can email us anytime at challenge@macmillan.org.uk or call us 9am – 5pm on 0300 1000 200.
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Will there be accessible toilets?
Yes, we will provide wheelchair accessible toilets in the Event Village.
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I have special requirements to take part in the event, how do I discuss these with the event organisers?
You can email us anytime at challenge@macmillan.org.uk or call us 9am – 5pm on 0300 1000 200.
If you have special requirements, please add this detail when prompted to on the registration form.
Travel
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Will there be parking at the event?
No, there will be no reserved parking for this event. We encourage, where possible, participants to use public transport to get to the event.
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How do I get to the event by public transport?
By bus
If you’re planning on travelling by bus, timetable information is available from Travel West Midlands. Numerous buses stop around Centenary Square.
By train
If you’re planning on travelling by train, timetable information is available from National Rail. The nearest stations to Centenary Square are:
Birmingham New Street 0.42 miles
Snow Hill 0.47 miles
By tram If you're planning on travelling by tram, journey planner and timetable information is available from West Midlands Metro.
The nearest station is on Centenary Square: Library 0 miles
How can I contact you?
You can email us anytime at challenge@macmillan.org.uk or call us 9am – 5pm on 0300 1000 200.Volunteering
We need an army of cheerers to make this event special. If running is not your thing or you have any family and friends who'd like to come and support you on the day, we'd love them to join our volunteer team!
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