We are incredibly proud of our Kidney March Family. Every conversation, every tweet, every facebook status, every newspaper feature and every shout out has helped spread the word about Kidney March far and wide, and for that, we are beyond grateful. We welcome you with open arms to be as Kidney March connected as possible. There is an amazing community with a strong voice out there and you can find it all here. Read our blog below for our News and Community updates and stay connected.
Want to get to know a few of your fellow Marchers? Visit our 'Marcher Stories' page under 'The Cause' to read more!
Kidney March in the News! To read and watch past news storries on our event and participants visit our 'Media' page.
If you’re looking for some extra motivation to reach your fundraising goal for Kidney March, look no further. Fundraise and additional $500 between April 27 and June 27,2025, and you’ll receive a $75.00 credit to our Kidney March Store. We know fundraising can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! We’ve got all the resources you’ll need to help you come up with fundraising ideas that are both effective and fun. Head over to our fundraising page to find all the tools and tips you’ll need to get started. Need more help? Chat with our team they have lots of great ideas! *Store Credit is only valid for Kidney March 2025 and must be used by December 31, 2025 – limit one credit per participant. We will notify all participants who earn the $75 credit by email after June 27, 2025.
Dr. Josip is back for 2025 and he is here to help you achieve your goals.
We have a special message to share with you from Dr. Josip about why he volunteers his time at Kidney March and how he can help you this year. Dr. Josip has been an integral part of our community and we are so thankful for his support.
(Dr. Josip and Dr. Lisa)
Dear Members of the Kidney March Community,
I want to introduce myself. My name is Dr. Josip Batinić. I am an exercise physiologist, chiropractor, and Clinic Director of Momentum Health National Spine & Wellness in Calgary.
I have had the privilege of being involved with the Kidney March for four years. My engagement began when a patient who had participated in several Kidney March events shared her experiences regarding back pain during the March. She desired my support during the event, noting that no chiropractic was available. This prompted me to reach out to the Kidney March team, and after a series of meetings, I was invited to join the event to provide training support and treatment for the Marchers.
Whether you are a seasoned participant or preparing for your first Kidney March, I would like to share several insights that may enhance your training and readiness for the event in whatever shape or form it takes for you this year.
Kidney March involves a lot of walking over long distances, totaling 100 kilometers. It represents a considerable physical challenge for most of us! This undertaking will test your body, particularly your ability to sustain a consistent walking routine. Your bones, joints, and muscles will endure repeated action throughout the event and leading up to it.
To provide some context, it may be helpful to understand how muscles and joints function. Muscles facilitate movement by pulling on bones through tendons, requiring adequate fuel and hydration for optimal performance. Joints, the spaces between bones, allow for mobility. Key joints utilized during the March include the ankles, knees, hips, and various spinal segments within the lower back.
Undertaking a new challenge that involves walking longer distances than you are accustomed to can subject these muscles, bones and joints to significant stress, which may result in discomfort and stiffness. Such discomfort can be exacerbated when traversing uneven terrain, such as the side of a road with a slight incline. This disparity can lead to imbalances, causing one side of the body to exert more effort or function differently.
As a chiropractor, I focus on identifying these imbalances. Much of my work with Kidney March participants involves maintaining pelvic and hip alignment to ensure that the lower body functions in unison. Achieving balance in the lower body can effectively prevent injuries during your training walks, your initial 85 kilometres, and your final 15 kilometres on the Kidney March route.
To support healthy movement, I recommend incorporating stretching into your daily training routine, utilizing foam rollers or massage balls to release tension, and considering acupuncture or regular massage therapy. Addressing muscle and joint tension will improve your overall mobility.
Whether you are new to long-distance walking and hoping to build up your strength, or you are already an active person planning to take on a more rigorous challenge this year, I am here to help.
I encourage all participants to consistently stretch and seek consultations with physiotherapists, chiropractors, and massage therapists. Such preventative measures can minimize the risk of injury and facilitate the successful completion of every step of your personal 100-kilometrte journey.
Should any Kidney March participants wish to discuss their situations further, please do not hesitate to book online here, or contact my office at 403-270-7252. Say you are doing Kidney March and my staff can arrange a phone consultation to explore your needs. Furthermore, I invite all Kidney Marchers to visit my office for a complimentary consultation. This will allow me to understand your health history better, enabling me to provide more effective care during the event.
In closing, I sincerely thank the entire Kidney March community for the opportunity to contribute to your experience. See you at Kidney March EXPO this April and throughout this years Kidney March!
Lost and found from Kidney March 2024
Please check the below list of items and let us know if you think something may be yours. To claim your lost item contact Sharon D’Souza sharon.dsouza@kidney.ca 1-587-200-2780 | 1-800-268-1177
We will bring all unclaimed items to the Alumni Reunion in October. Any remaining items following the reunion will be donated to Kidney Clothes.
Unclaimed found items:
Description
• Brown Glasses Pouch with 2 Pairs of Glasses
• Blue Olympic water bottle
• Blue Contigo water bottle
• White bag with Kidney March jacket and gloves. may have had “jenny” written on it.
• Steal Water Bottle – Klean Kanteen
• Black Contigo Beverage Bottle
• Green Nalgene Water bottle with MAC V… on it
• Walking Poles – Brand Cascade
• Air Mattress – Outbound
• Green and yellow Vape
• Blister Buddies Bracelet – from the Swifties
• Smartwool Socks – Pitstop 5
• Neck Cooler – Pitstop 3
• Kids Black Size M George Sweater
• Blue and white lanyard with Japanese style art Keychain with a Car key.
I thought I share some tips for coping in hot weather. I had some experience in extreme temperature events like finishing the 2014 Vineman Ironman distance race (3.8km swim 186km bike and a full marathon) in a 41˚C heat wave. That was way too hot. So here are some tips my coaches relayed to me.
Coping in hot weather:
•Switch to light color clothing, preferably non-cotton, polyester blend fabrics for breathability. Light or white color clothing cuts a few degrees off your overall heat load.
•wear a light color hat or cap to keep the sun off your face. A hat can help cool your head effectively, especially when soaked in water or holding a baggie of ice underneath your cap for temporary relief.
•bring a pair of sunglasses. Protect your eyes from the bright sun. Fighting glare without the help of sunglasses only brings discomfort.
•lighten your load-reduce your gear to the bare essentials. Edit your gear ruthlessly and thoughtfully. Think about dropping off your heavier stuff or morning clothes at the aid stations.
•carry a water bottle with you. Use water to spritz yourself every few minutes for additional cooling. A cold bottle held near your neck where the carotid artery is is a good way to bring extra relief. But be careful to avoid getting your shoes wet if you choose to soak yourself. One trick is to lean way forward to get wet to douse yourself but keep your legs dry.
•drink electrolyte rich sports drinks to prevent dehydration and it helps to reduce swelling of hands and feet caused by prolonged exercise in the heat. If your pee is a darker shade of yellow, you’ll need to drink a lot more. Hydrate until you pee light yellow or pale clear. You may be sweating out salts more than you are used to and replacing lost electrolytes is even more important on hot days and exercise. If you feel muscle cramping, increase your electrolyte intake. Upping your salt intake can help reduce cramping within minutes.
•if you have elastic laces, they may help your feet adjust your feet as they tend to swell. As the day gets warmer, you might opt to loosen the tension in your laces to ease some of the pressure from your feet swelling from heat and prolonged distances.
•positive mental attitude goes a long way. It gives you room to handle more challenges. Negativity is unnecessary baggage to think about on your mission. The thoughts you have should be focused on being comfortable as best as you can. Think about drinking water or spritzing yourself to aid cooling.
•most importantly…listen to your body. Know the signs of heat exhaustion. If you feel:
• muscle cramps
dizziness
mild confusion
abnormally fast heart rate or breathing
headache
irritability
extreme thirst
nausea or vomiting
pale skin
heavy sweating or even the lack of sweating
fainting
Take a break in the shade and recover. Your safety is paramount.
Kidney March is the experience of a lifetime and maybe the biggest challenge you’ve ever undertaken deserves a lot of celebration!
During Kidney March, safety is our top priority. Support is also very important to us, so we want to make sure your family and friends have opportunities to cheer you on! There are specific locations each day where friends and family can safely park and greet you:
Day One
7:00 am sharp, Opening Ceremony at Millarville Racing & Agricultural Society, Millarville Racetrack: 306097 192 Street, Millarville, AB T0L 1K0
9:30 am – 1:00 pm, Diamond Valley lunch stop, Royalite Millennium Park: approximately 105 Valley Trail NE, Turner Valley, AB T0L 2A0
Day Two
11:30 am – 2:00 pm, Kananaskis lunch stop,Elbow Valley Visitors’ Information Centre: 2 AB-66, Bragg Creek, AB T0L 0K0 (Alberta Parks Kananaskis Conservation Pass Required)
Day Three
10:30 am – 1:30 pm, Lunch StopSpringbank Park for All Seasons, 32224A Springbank Road, Calgary AB, T3Z 2L9. Please park in front of the Park for All seasons building in the main parking lot. Then you must walk through the middle of the Park for All Seasons building to the white domed outdoor arena behind. Link to Google map for Parking
3:00 pm, Marchers and Crew complete their final kilometres and walk into the Closing Ceremony at WinSport Canada Olympic Park,in the Festival Tent, 88 Canada Olympic Rd SW, Calgary AB **bottom of the hill only** The hill road will be closed. Please enter Winsport from Canada Olympic Drive SW and Park in the main parking lot behind the Sports Hall of Fame. Link to Google directions for Parking
Please use the designated cheering stations only.
For safety reasons, we cannot allow spontaneous stops along the route or have family and friends joining the walk. Family and friends are encouraged to find their Marchers and Crew only at the cheering stations listed.
**Guests or visitors are not permitted at Kidney March Camp**
More posts
May Calendar Events
Events in May 2025
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Kidney March EXPO 2025
– April 27, 2025
Learn everything you need to know at EXPO!
Join us for Kidney March EXPO in Calgary on Sunday, April 27, 2025.
EXPO is our annual spring kick-off event for Kidney March. It will equip and inspire you to join Kidney March and complete the life-changing, 100-kilometre journey this year. At EXPO, you discover all there is to know about Kidney March. Meet other participants, learn about the cause, and learn how Kidney Marchers help to improve the lives of so many in our kidney and transplant community. Attendees can ask questions, chat with the Kidney March team, and visit sponsor and supporter booths for expert advice and information.
DATE: Sunday, April 27, 2025 from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm MST
AGENDA
10:00 am: Visit our Marcher market, sponsor and supporter booths, and shop the Kidney March Store.
11:00 am: Join us in the Plaza Ballroom to learn about Kidney March 2025 and for a Fundraising Workshop.
until 1:00 pm: Mix and mingle with the kidney community
KMGuide Walk with - Michelle - "Jane's Walk Along the Nose Creek Pathway"
– May 4, 2025
Join me at a 'Jane's Walk' for this Training walk. Sunday May 4th at 10:30 am - Find details and reserve your spot at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/janes-walk-along-the-nose-creek-pathway-tickets-1299676901599?aff=ebdsoporgprofile
FREE - But you do need to reserve your spot! If it is full join the waitlist on their eventbrite page and email michelle.hofer@kidney.ca to let her know you plan on coming.
--Details--
Join us for this year’s Jane’s Walk as we explore the natural beauty and hidden history along the Nose Creek Pathway on May 4th from 10:30 AM to 12:00 AM. We’ll begin at the West Nose Creek Park parking lot and set out on a 3km guided walk along the scenic Nose Creek Pathway.
Led by Andrew, president of the Nose Creek Preservation Society, this journey will highlight the area’s watershed system, unique geological features, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural history. Along the way, we’ll make stops to discuss topics like flood mitigation, local biodiversity, and the historical significance of this beloved green space.
Whether you’re a seasoned local or new to the community, this Jane’s Walk is a wonderful opportunity to connect with your neighbors and learn more about the natural and historical treasures in your backyard. Bring your walking shoes, water bottle, and a sense of curiosity—we can’t wait to explore with you!
WALK NOTES: Steep slopes, uneven terrain, breaks offered along the way.
MEETING SPOT: West Nose Creek Park Parking Lot, 3409 Nose Creek, Calgary, AB T3K
YOUR WALK LEADER: Andrew Yule - Andrew is the president of the Nose Creek Preservation Society, a local organization dedicated to preserving Nose Creek. With a deep passion for environmental conservation, Andrew has been actively involved in various community initiatives focused on preserving the natural beauty and biodiversity of the area. He brings a wealth of knowledge on local ecosystems, wildlife, and sustainable land management practices, and enjoys sharing his expertise through educational programs and community engagement activities. Andrew’s dedication to the Nose Creek area makes him an invaluable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the region’s ecological and historical significance.
Team Kidney Beans will be hosting a garage sale on Saturday, May 17th from 9 A.M. to 4 P.M at 103 Thorson Cresent in Okotoks. Along with many great items to sell they will also have a concession stand featuring hot dogs, pop, chips and some sweets. As well as a 50/50 draw and raffle. You can also participate in their Online Silent Auction using the following link: https://www.32auctions.com/TheKidneyBeans2025Auction
Kidney Walks 2025 - Lethbridge - Join us & track your first KM's towards Kidney March!
– May 31, 2025
To kick-off our first set of Kidney March kilometres we invite you to register for Kidney Walk in Lethbridge or Medicine Hat. These walks are free to join and are a great way to meet up with member of the kidney community. We are excited to share that Dr. Julian Midgley will be taking part in Kidney Walk in Lethbridge and he would love to have you join him there. If we have a large enough group, we can host transportation to get you there! Chat with KMGuide Maggie Morris if you’re interested.
Registration is free and required, do so at https://kidney.akaraisin.com/ui/SABWALKS2025 then email Maggie Morris to let her know you are joining as part of the Kidney March Group. Contact her at maggie.morris@kidney.ca
Get behind the one you love by participating in the Kidney Walk.
Every year, Canadians unite at the Kidney Walk to celebrate the strength of our kidney and transplant community. When you join the Walk, you’re joining a passionate community with a shared belief in doing all we can to provide hope and support to our loved ones living with kidney disease. Let’s celebrate that our kidney community is stronger than ever – we look forward to seeing you at the Kidney Walk!
Lethbridge
Date: May 31, 2025
Registration Time: 9:00 am
Start Time: 10:00 am
Location: Henderson Lake Park: 2710 Parkside Drive South, Lethbridge, AB (See Map) Distances: One lap around the lake is 3 km and two laps is 6 km.
Start location will be at the Henderson Lake, Horseshoe Pits
Medicine Hat
Date: June 1, 2025
Registration Time: 9:00 am
Start Time: 10:00 am
Location: Medicine Hat College: 299 College Dr. SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 3Y6 (See Map)
Distances: One lap is 2.75 km or two laps is 5.5 km
Starting location will be at Medicine Hat College, Centennial Hall.
Are you following our new page? Like & Follow The Kidney Foundation of Canada, Southern Alberta Branch Page on Facebook! Join our community dedicated to supporting kidney health and improving the lives of those affected by kidney disease and organ donation across Southern Alberta. Here, you'll find valuable resources, inspiring stories, updates on our latest initiatives and events, and stay connected with us for local information.Whether you're a patient, caregiver, healthcare professional, or supporter, your presence and participation are vital to our mission. #kidneySAB ... See MoreSee Less
The weather is warming and we're headed into yard sale season!! Many communities host a parade of garage sales and this is a great opportunity to take advantage of the extra foot traffic in your area. Kidney Marcher’s are hosting yard sales as part of their fundraising – are you doing this? Let us know and we’ll share the news. For those in Calgary and Okotoks area - Team Kidney Beans will be hosting a garage sale on Saturday, May 17th from 9 A.M. to 4 P.M at 103 Thorson Cresent in Okotoks. Along with many great items to sell they will also have a concession stand featuring hot dogs, pop, chips and some sweets. As well as a 50/50 draw and raffle. You can also participate in their Online Silent Auction using the following link: www.32auctions.com/TheKidneyBeans2025AuctionTIPS: ✔️ Post a sign with a QR Code to your fundraising page for potential donors✔️ Leave a jar out for any cash donations (make sure you have donation forms available)✔️ Ask companies, friends, or family if they might be interested in helping you raise some funds. For example, maybe your friends or family are already having a garage sale this weekend, ask them if you can put out a charity tip jar or an info page about your Kidney March with your donation link or QR code. ✔️ Review the Fundraising Page and Toolkit on KidneyMarch.ca for more ideas at kidneymarch.ca/fundraising/... See MoreSee Less
To kick-off our first set of Kidney March kilometres we invite you to register for Kidney Walk in Lethbridge or Medicine Hat. These walks are free to join and are a great way to meet up with member of the kidney community. www.kidneywalk.caWe are excited to share that Dr. Julian Midgley will be taking part in Kidney Walk in Lethbridge and he would love to have you join him there. If we have a large enough group, we can host transportation to get you there! If you're interested in a ride, connect with Maggie Morris for more details maggie.morris@kidney.ca by Friday, May 16, 2025 ... See MoreSee Less
🎵🎵 Suggest a Theme Song for 2025 🎵🎵We are looking to find the PERFECT song that captures the feeling of Kidney March for our theme song this year! This is the song that will be our anthem for #kidneyMarch, a song that unites us! We are looking for something upbeat, inspiring and speaks to the community of Kidney March! Think you have a song that fits? Send your song suggestions with the song name and artist to sarah.lawrence@kidney.caNeed some inspiration? Check out our video gallery for past year's theme songs. kidneymarch.ca/video-gallery/We can't wait to see what suggestions you have for this year! ... See MoreSee Less
🚨 Missed the Fundraising Workshop at Expo? No worries! Here’s the inside scoop on the awesome ideas we came up with:💬 1. ASK, ASK, ASK! 💪 – Don’t be shy! Share your story of why you’re walking for Kidney March and ask people to support you. Reminder: People love to help when they know why it matters!🎉 2. Garage Sale with a Twist! 🛍️ – Host a garage sale and pop a donation jar in the mix for Kidney March. Clean out your clutter and do good!🍾 3. Bottle Drive Bonanza! ♻️ – Gather those empty bottles and turn them into fundraising dollars! It’s a win-win!📱 4. QR Code Power! 🔍 – Create a QR code for your backpack and wear it proudly on your training walks. Make donating as easy as scanning a code!🍫 5. Partner Up with Local Fundraising Businesses! 🛍️ – Kernels Popcorn, Purdy’s Chocolate, Pie Junkie, or Growing Smiles could be your next fundraising partners. 🍿🍫🎟️ 6. 50/50 Draws & Raffles Galore! 🎉 – Host a 50/50 draw, a wine raffle, or a squares draw. It’s all about those fun prizes! If you're in Alberta, our team can help with your lottery license. 🐕 7. Walk Your Pup, Get Sponsors! 🐾 – Got a dog? Walk those paws and ask people to sponsor each kilometre you walk with your furry friend! Talk about a doggone good cause!🖼️ 8. Show Off Your Special Skills! 🎨 – Are you crafty? Offer handmade items for sale or donate your time—photography sessions, handyman services, you name it—for Kidney March donations.Need more inspiration? Visit kidneymarch.ca/fundraising/... See MoreSee Less
🚨 May the Fourth be with you - Training Walk Alert (2 Locations) taking place Sunday, May 4th 🚨✅ Join Stu for a walk around the Glenmore Reservoir. Meet at the Glenmore Landing Starbucks at 9:30am. ✅ Join Michelle at a "Jane's Walk" at 10:30am . It is FREE - But you do need to reserve your spot with the Janes Walk group! If it is full they said to join the waitlist on their Eventbrite page. For full Details and Registration link visit: www.eventbrite.com/.../janes-walk-along-the-nose... Email michelle.hofer@kidney.ca if you plan on coming.Some info about the Walk - ...explore the natural beauty and hidden history along the Nose Creek Pathway on May 4th from 10:30 AM to 12:00 AM. We’ll begin at the West Nose Creek Park parking lot and set out on a 3km guided walk along the scenic Nose Creek Pathway.👟 REMINDER: Starting on June 1, all Marchers will start logging their walking kilometres to make their way to their virtual 85km goal. To keep the community of Kidney March spirit going – we will have Kilometre Guides hosting walks all throughout the summer in Calgary. They will take you to different areas of the city, some will be themed walks, some hikes, some sight-seeing, and even some that include mini-Marchers. If you are interested in being a Guide yourself, connect with michelle.hofer@kidney.caVisit the events calendar on the Kidney March website kidneymarch.ca/upcoming-events/ for all scheduled Kilometre Guide led walks. ... See MoreSee Less
At EXPO, we announced our 2025 fundraising reward! If you're looking for some extra motivation to reach your goal, look no further. Fundraise an additional $500 between April 27 and June 27, 2025, and you'll receive a $75 credit to our Kidney March Store - it's that simple! We know fundraising can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be! We've got all the resources you'll need to help you come up with fundraising ideas that are both effective and fun. Head over to kidneymarch.ca/fundraising/ to find all the tools and tips you'll need to get started, or contact us directly. Also, check out the kidneymarch.ca/store/ for all the amazing items you can get with your reward!What are you waiting for? Start fundraising today and get one step closer to earning your Kidney Marcher 2025 fundraising reward! *Store Credit is only valid for Kidney March 2025 and must be used by December 31, 2025. #kidneyMarch#fundraisingisfun#RewardYourself#kidneymarchstore... See MoreSee Less
Happy Volunteer Week! 👏Thank you to all of our amazing volunteers who support us for Kidney March and throughout the year! We are so grateful for you sharing your time with us and your commitment to the kidney community!! 🩷 ✨ Share your volunteer stories or express your gratitude for a volunteer's hard work in the comments below! Let's come together to spread gratitude and love! 💖If you would like the opportunity to volunteer with Kidney March, bring your amazing talents and join us as Crew! Crew are integral to the success of Kidney March. Learn more in our Crew Manual kidneymarch.ca/manuals/... See MoreSee Less
Reminder to join us for Kidney March EXPO taking place this Sunday, April 27, 2025, starting at 10am, at the Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza Hotel. Learn all about Kidney March, hear Marchers stories and get inspired to make a difference in the lives of those touched by kidney disease. Visit www.kidneymarch.ca/expo for all the details. ... See MoreSee Less
Things worth checking out at the Kidney March EXPO this Sunday! 🔴DOOR PRIZES – Stop in for your chance at a door prize! KM Swag packs or a free night’s hotel stay. Also check out the Country 105 : Calgary's Country booth for a chance to win tickets to Country Thunder!🔴Marcher Market – Check out all the items your fellow marchers have crafted and are selling to raise funds! 🔴Fundraising Workshop – Get ideas, ask questions and chat with us for tips, tricks, and support to excel you towards fundraising success! 🔴Get Your Package and Extra Promo Materials – If you have not picked up your package yet we’ll have it for you at EXPO. Get posters, flyers to use to promote your March. Plus, talk to us about borrowing bigger signs for your personal fundraising events. 🔴Chat with our KM Guides! – Put a face to some of the names that will be leading walks starting in June! 🔴Kidney March Store – Stock up on your KM Clothing and Accessories, some items are now on SALE!🔴Questions Answered – Check out the info session to get all your Kidney March questions answered and bring friends and family who are interested in marching with you to see what it is all about!🔴MEET YOUR Kidney March FAMILY and so much more at EXPO!EVENT DETAILS AT: kidneymarch.ca/expo/#kidneyMarch#kidneydisease#KidneyWalkCanada#kidneyhealth#OrganDonation... See MoreSee Less
