The Basics 2025
Your journey starts here.
Kidney March means doing the most you can do to fight against kidney disease, fight for organ donation, and support everyone in our community.
To plan the best March possible, and with your best interests at heart, Kidney March will continue in a different format this year. After 15 years our beloved Kidney March Camp location, Camp Hope, will be going through some changes and renovations. This news means they won’t be able to host us this year.
After careful consideration and exhaustive investigation into various alternatives by our whole team, we have determined that no other suitable location would be feasible or available for 2025. This unique circumstance means we must pivot away from our classic three-day overnight event this year. The Kidney March weekend will for 2025 consist of two event days chalked full of opportunities to meet amazing people, march together, and raise monumental funds.
For answers to some common questions around this change and other frequently asked questions, see our FAQ’s listed below.
Kidney March means so much more. It’s more than a walk, more than a weekend, it’s a community of kindness, a beacon of hope. Our reasons for marching, the essence and the mission, is to do the most we can do for those who need us. Failure is not an option, we will come together to support and lift up all those affected by kidney disease, advance kidney health and organ donation initiatives, and draw attention to this important cause. No matter where we are, and no matter what comes our way, Kidney March belongs to you, and it is what you make of it.
We’ll be doing something great together and guess what, we are also going to have a lot of FUN! Our team is excited to keep you connected and bring you a unique and meaningful experience. The COVID pandemic years proved that nothing could stop us, and we can’t wait to march with you again this year.
Overview
THE LIFE YOU CHANGE MIGHT BE YOURS.
Walk 100 kilometers. Raise a minimum of $2,200. Whether you are marching the 100KM or supporting as Crew, you will change the lives of those around you and in turn, you might find you’ve changed your own. We ask you to march and crew united by the common purpose, to commit to raising the most money you can raise to truly make a difference towards improving the lives of those affected by kidney disease. Your support is crucial.
Kidney March is more than an event; it’s a movement of action and support. It brings together a community rallying for each other, offering an experience that rewards you in more ways then you thought possible. You’ll leave Kidney March with a unique sense of accomplishment, connections with others on similar kidney journeys, a deep sense of purpose and resilience, and the opportunity to make positive changes in the world around you.
We look forward to spending time with the Kidney March Family and getting to know you! Whether you are marching or supporting as Crew, you will meet some of the most inspiring people on the planet. This is a group of people drawn together because they are personally dealing with kidney disease, they have a loved one who is, they’ve lost a loved one, or they simply want to do something meaningful. Get to know some of our Kidney Marchers on the Marcher Stories Page.
The March
Once registered, all participants will receive a registration package and shirt, access to their personal fundraising page, and access to their Marcher or Crew Manual with more detailed information on all Kidney March activities.
- Leading up to Kidney March – From June 1, 2025 to September 6, 2025 Marchers will walk and complete 85 kilometres of their 100-kilometre journey. Everyone is welcome to participate in organized Kidney March group walks. Plus, everyone will be working hard to reach their fundraising goals!
- The Kidney March Weekend
Saturday, Sept 6, 2025 – Join us for ‘Day Zero’ in Calgary for your Kidney March orientation and package pickup, plus some other fun. There will be no overnight camping this year.
Sunday, Sept 7, 2025 – Marchers will complete their final 15 kilometres with us in person on this years route. Marchers will meet at 12:00 pm(MT) at the Millarville Racetrack (306097 192 St W, Millarville, AB T0L 1K0). Our inspirational Opening Ceremony will start at 12:45 pm and shortly after you will hit the road together. At the end of this final day of Kidney March, everyone will cross the finish line and will have completed their full 100KM journey. After cheering in every Marcher, all Marchers, Crew, loved ones, and supporters will celebrate at our Closing Ceremony, with entertainment to follow. (Full details will be emailed to participants regarding the finish line BBQ and parking/transportation options).
MARCHERS
Marching & Fundraising • From June 1, 2025 to September 6, 2025 walk and complete 85 kilometres of your 100-kilometre journey. Don’t forget to join the Kidney March Training Walks Group or Strava Club to connect with other Marchers. Let’s celebrate our achievements and support each other as we pursue our goals. Remember to use your mileage markers to take photos, share them with your supporters, and update us as you hit key milestones. Tag us on your socials @kidneymarch and #KidneyMarch.
Make it your own: We understand everyone is at different levels of fitness, with various degrees of support. Do what is right for you. Some may want to challenge themselves more and others might want to break the distance into smaller parts. Whatever you decide, talk to us about your plans so we can help you meet your 100KM commitment safely.
Different ways to think about how you can complete your 100KM commitment:
Gentle entry into Kidney March • This is a perfect year to enter the world of Kidney March for those who were not sure they could do the full distance all at once but want to fundraise and be a part of the community. This format allows for the distance to be broken up and tailored to your abilities and timeline. Work on your walking skills, build endurance, make new Kidney March friends at a training walk, and be rewarded with the personal health benefits of incorporating walking into your routine. After this year you will be well prepared for the Kidney March weekend, but also ready to hit the pavement for years to come!
Do it all virtually • That’s an option for those who might be out of town or can’t join us in person. Let us know if this would work best for you.
GO BIG 100KM+ • This could be the perfect year to challenge yourself or your Team, in a BIG way. Why stop at 100km, why stop at $2200? Do you want to go farther, higher, faster and raise more than you ever thought you could? Perhaps you want to take on an epic hike this summer or incorporate a marathon, maybe an Ironman… Do it all while sporting your Kidney March gear and asking people to support your Kidney March. There are so many options for you to complete your 100KM+ commitment! Spread Kidney March Far and Wide! Let us know your plans so we can share your journey and encourage the community to support you in your fundraising and highlight your unique adventure idea.
Let’s remember our reasons for WHY WE MARCH and hold on to those reasons as we go forward. “I am not a hero, but I walk in beside one… I walk for the body’s hero in tribute to the strength I was given and in step to the spirit I will share. I will not fail.”
CREW
Bring your amazing talents and join us as Crew! Fundraise and support Marchers in creative and unique ways. Crew are integral to the success of Kidney March, and we need your expertise and helping hands. Welcome to a world where other people are supporting you and you experience the rush that comes from supporting other people. Crewing is about caring and ensuring everyone’s safety while raising awareness for kidney disease and organ donation. Crewing is about foreseeing issues and taking the initiative to get in there, pull up your sleeves and help get things done.
It is your passion, cheers, smiles, and words of encouragement that keep Kidney March going. Cheer, Route Support, Pit Stop Support, Food Services, Medical, Traffic Safety, Signage, and new Closing Ceremony Crews, are just some of the Crew Roles available this year.
Once you have registered, our team will connect with you to place you on the best Crew for you. They will be in touch throughout the year to update you on Crew activities, timelines, and more. Crew registration will close once all crew positions have filled, so sign up early!
Staying Connected with the Community & meeting the people
Follow us on social media – Facebook, Instagram and X/Twitter. Plus we want to see your posts too! Proudly share your journey to let all your supporters, donors and networks know the powerful commitment you are making by actively sharing your milestones. Don’t forget to tag us @kidneymarch and #kidneymarch in all your posts! We also have a number of private community groups on Facebook. Join and connect on our Kidney March Training Walks Group, Crew Group, and even our Mini Marchers Group.
Kidney March is a commitment, and we understand you will have questions before you sign up. Everyone does. We’re here to help. Provide us with your contact info by Contacting Us and we’ll chat with you about joining us for an in person or virtual info session that works with your busy schedule or join us in April for Kidney March EXPO.
ABOUT FUNDRAISING
How much should I fundraise? As much as possible! Each Marcher agrees to raise a minimum of $2,200 to march. There is no minimum to participate as Crew, but Crew are encouraged to fundraise with the same gusto as our Marchers and try to reach the same $2,200 amount, especially our Trailblazers. We hope you’ll raise much more – most people do. We’re here to support you. We’ll do one-on-one coaching and provide a variety of online tools to make the process as smooth as possible. The key to fundraising is to ask. Ask and ask and ask. The more you ask, the more you’ll raise. Visit the FUNDRAISING PAGE for a Tool Kit, resources and more information. Ask us for help. Contact Us for more ideas and support.
The Route & Training
In advance of September 6th, we ask you to complete 85 kilometres of your 100-kilometre journey. Leaving 15km for Sunday September 7th. We will complete our last kilometers then and cross the finish line together in celebration of everything we have accomplished. Your Marcher Manual will have full details along with various suggestions of ways you can complete your 100KM Journey. Stay tuned for organized training walks in the Summer that will help you reach your goals! The Sunday Route will take you in and around the Millarville Racetrack on roadways. You will have pitstops every 3 to 4 kilometres. At the end of the route, we will celebrate at our Closing Ceremony, BBQ, and entertainment!
Learn about Training for Kidney March on our TRAINING PAGE
The experience of a lifetime. Maybe the biggest challenge you’ve ever undertaken. We know there’s questions you must have, everyone does. Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked ones. And remember – our Kidney March team is here for you every single step of the way.
Q. WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM NOW UNTIL THE KIDNEY MARCH WEEKEND?
A. To hear from us: Our Kidney March team will be staying in touch via email and by phone to keep you updated on upcoming events, promotions, and more. Make sure you don’t unsubscribe to our important emails. You will get a registration package in advance of the event that contains everything you will need and more. We will provide event instructions and an itinerary with all our weekend activities and opportunities to connect with each other. Kidney March will include opportunities to train and connect throughout the year, Opening and Closing Ceremonies and community building activities.
Q. WILL I GET HELP FUNDRAISING?
A. Absolutely. You will have access to online tools and support from our staff, we have lots of terrific, proven fundraising strategies to help you get to your goals. The average participant will meet or exceed their fundraising expectations quickly and easily. And you won’t believe how painless and easy it can be.
Q. WHAT RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE TO ME?
A. There are several resources available on our website, and you can contact our team anytime for special requests.
- Find video resources at Video Gallery for videos from past events and more.
- Refer to your Fundraising Toolkit on the Fundraising Page.
- Review your Crew or Marcher Manual. This manual will be your go-to to learn all things Kidney March, including training and fundraising.
- Follow @KidneyMarch on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter) and TikTok.
- Join the Kidney March Training Walks Facebook Group to connect with the community.
- Ask us for resources such as posters, handouts, and other print resources.
- Contact us at Kidney March with any questions or for support. Visit our Contact Us Page or call 403.255.6139 • kidneymarch@kidney.ca.
Q. WHERE DO THE FUNDS RAISED THROUGH KIDNEY MARCH GO?
A. Funds raised through Kidney March support people across Canada affected by kidney disease, advance world-class research, and promote and advocate for improved kidney health and organ donation.
For over 60 years The Kidney Foundation has been developing research opportunities, programs, services, and awareness campaigns, that have helped to change the course of kidney disease, thanks to generous supporters. With that support, there are vastly improved treatment options, discoveries about early detection, improved educational resources and achievements in advocacy. We’ve accomplished so much together. View 60 years of milestone moments at: Let’s Keep Making History
To fund our important work, the Kidney Foundation of Canada operates a diverse mix of fundraising campaigns. These campaigns can also have other important benefits, such as community building. Our programs are evolving to ensure funding investments are made in the areas that will have the greatest impact on patients’ lives. Each year we publish an Impact Report highlighting the important milestones and successes made possible thanks to donor support. Learn more at: Annual Impact Reports & Financial Statements
Q. WHAT IF I HAVEN’T RAISED THE FULL $2,200 BY THE KIDNEY MARCH WEEKEND?
A. In order to March, each Marcher must raise a minimum of $2,200. If you have not reached your minimum goal by ‘Day Zero,’ you can either change to participate as Crew, Volunteer, opt out, or if you are close to your goal, for example within $500 from it, you can choose to continue to march. If you march while below your fundraising goal, following Kidney March those Marchers have until October 31st, to complete their commitment to raise the $2,200 or contribute the balance needed. Please connect with us early if you are worried about reaching your $2,200 minimum so we can help work with you on a plan to achieve it.
If a Marcher is part of a team and the team has collectively raised enough funds to equal a minimum of $2,200 per Marcher on their team, that is sufficient. For example, if there are 4 Marchers on a team, the team must raise a minimum of $8,800 for each Marcher to be able to march. The week before Kidney March, the weekend of Kidney March, and the week after Kidney March are great times to ask and re-ask for donations. Sharing your story of why you are marching, your experiences training and preparing, or your experience on Kidney March are great things to share with your donors and potential donors. Share on social media. The more you ask, the more you will receive. People want to support you.
Q. HOW MUCH SHOULD CREW FUNDRAISE?
A. As much as possible! Although there is no minimum fundraising goal requirement to participate for Crew, Crew are encouraged to fundraise with the same gusto as our Marchers and try to reach the same $2,200 amount, especially our Trailblazers. The minimum fundraising goal is no place to stop for Crew. Remember, we are here to change lives through this fundraising event. Sharing your story of why you are Crewing and who you are supporting, talking about your experiences at Kidney March and the people you meet are great things to share with your donors and potential donors. Share frequently on social media. The more you ask, the more you will receive. People want to support you and the things you care passionately about.
Q. IF I DECIDE TO OPT OUT, CAN I GET A REFUND FOR MY REGISTRATION FEE?
A. All $75 Registration fees are non-refundable and cannot be converted to a donation for a tax receipt. The Kidney Foundation is a not-for-profit organization. There is a cost to put on a world-class event like Kidney March and the majority of those costs are directly used for operational expenses such as, venue rentals, insurance, road use fees, portable toilets, water and food, shirts, and much more. If you make the decision to not participate in this year’s format, your registration fees will still have been put to good use and will go towards reducing costs so more of the funds raised can go to where they are needed most. We can’t offer refunds or registration rollovers to a future year. There are no exceptions.
Q. CAN I TRANSFER MY REGISTRATION TO SOMEONE ELSE?
A. Yes, there is no issue if you would like to opt out for any reason and transfer your registration to someone else who would like to March or Crew and fundraise in your place. Contact us to discuss this so we can make the official updates and collect the information we will need from the new participant. Transfers must be made through the Kidney March Staff, having another person use your Lanyard ID without following the proper transfer procedure is strictly prohibited. This may seem well intentioned but has many negative implications to the organizers and participants including liability, medical support, and many other factors.
Q. Why can’t we use Camp Hope?
A. We have been aware that Camp Hope was working towards building a new structure in the area of Tent City Two for a few years, a dining building we envisioned might become the new dining space for Kidney March some day. However, they have decided to do further changes to their location this year to expand and develop the camp and create an even better space for their camp kids. After the Christmas Holiday break we confirmed that Camp Hope would not be available to us, with no chance of that changing for 2025. Our team has since been working nonstop to seek other options.
We want to thank Camp Hope and the amazing staff we have worked with over the years. Even though they cannot be our home away from home, they too have appreciated hosting us. Jared with Camp Hope Mission said, “You have been great tenants and have been so great to work with.” Kidney March will always treasure the wonderful memories and friendships created in that magical place under the stars.
Q. Why couldn’t you let us know sooner?
A. We needed to give our team time to exhaust all possible options and scenarios before we could make the final decision on how best to adjust Kidney March. This period allowed us to generate new ideas and secure an event space for 2025. We also needed to contact and confirm with our vendors, sponsors, permitting, insurance, and more. Finally, and most importantly we needed to prepare for you so we could answer all your questions and ultimately provide you with transparent details of what this year will look like. We wanted to be ready to let you know what we still have in store for you and the kidney community this year. Please know that we understand, and this was as fast as we could possibly let you know.
Q. Why did you decide to continue with an adjusted Kidney March for 2025 rather than cancel?
A. Our motto has been for many years, ‘Failure is not an Option’. We went through two years of virtual Kidney Marches during COVID, one of which was our second highest fundraising year ever. Over the years, we have had to change our route weeks before the event, deal with threatening fire smoke, survive monsoon rains, blistering heat, and much more, but none of that stopped us. Sometimes things happen that are out of our control, but we find the best way to move forward and keep marching ahead. The cause has not changed, the purpose has not changed, and our kidney and transplant community need us and we will not fail. Kidney March has a reputation of doing the most we can, working together overcoming any hurdles we face with positivity and determination. Kidney disease does not take a break when things get hard, and neither does Kidney March.
Kidney March has always been a reflection of the heroic nature of kidney patients and a way to glimpse the challenges they face. This year, it still holds true. In the words of Heather Dean, “As a Nurse I have seen firsthand how Kidney Patients and their families face many challenges. They reset, re-frame and go on. I feel we need to follow their lead and carry on as they do.” Kidney March will look different this year, but it is still Kidney March. People are counting on us.
The funds we raise are vital, they have an impact and without us, people who depend on our programs, services, and research funding would be impacted. Let’s remember our reasons for marching and hold on to those reasons as we go forward. Why We March
Q. WHAT ABOUT THE MARCHER $99 MEAL PLAN FEE?
A. Included in the registration of any Marcher who registered before March 5th, 2025 was a $99 meal plan fee. In our current format, route snacks and the Sunday BBQ Celebration dinner will be included in the registration fee for participants. We invite those who already paid the Meal Plan Fee to donate your $99 fee towards your Kidney March fundraising goal and receive a donation tax receipt. You can also contact us to discuss alternative options such as a refund this year. Please contact kidneymarch@kidney.ca to notify us or discuss. An email to all participants who paid this fee will have been received on March 5th. If we do not hear from you by March 26, 2025, your $99 meal plan fees will be automatically converted into a 2025 donation, and you will be issued a tax receipt.
Q. I AM CREW, WHAT WILL MY ROLE BE?
A. We need lots of Crew and Crew Leads. Plus, we will have some completely new Crew Roles this year! Our staff will contact you in the coming months about Crew roles with details to find the best fit for each of you. We will also be organizing Crew meetings to go over your roles and talk about what the day will look like for your Crew well in advance of the Kidney March weekend. See your Crew Manuals for general descriptions of some of the Crew Roles. Will there still be Medical Crew? YES 100% we need our Medical Crew. We will still be marching on the route. Safety is key for all our participants. Although Kidney March will be condensed into one amazing day blisters always find a way…
Q. WHERE IS KIDNEY MARCH AND HOW DO I GET TO IT?
A. Kidney March will be hosted out of Calgary Alberta, Canada and the March Day will start and end at the Millarville Racetrack (Address: 306097 192 St W, Millarville, AB T0L 1K0). All in person Participants must attend the Kidney March orientation and package pickup called ‘Day Zero’ in Calgary on Saturday, September 6, 2025 (Time and location will be supplied to participants closer to). On the day of the March, Sunday, September 7, 2025. Marchers and supporters will need to meet at the Millarville Racetrack by 12:00 pm MT. The Opening Ceremony will start promptly at 12:45 pm MT. Crew, volunteers will arrive at different times depending on their role and shifts. Carpooling is highly recommended, parking will be available.
Please read your Marcher/Crew Manuals, plus keep an eye on your email inbox for further details. For information about an optional shuttle for participants who have no alternative mode of transportation from Calgary, see your Manuals or contact us directly at kidneymarch@kidney.ca.
Q. WHAT IS THE KIDNEY MARCH 15KM ROUTE?
A. Detailed route information will be provided to all registered participants closer to the event. Contact us with your specific questions. The terrain will mainly be along roadways, on pavement. The route is considered moderately flat. Be prepared for any weather conditions as the event will be held outdoors.
Q. WHAT SHOULD I BRING WITH ME on the MARCH?
A. We recommend only Marching with what you need and to keep your valuables with you. Do bring a refillable personal water bottle. Help us use less plastic! Keep anything you might need post Kidney March, like a spare jacket, in your vehicle. Or you can place it at our Lost & Found area in a white bag with your name and phone number on it for you to pick up following the March. You can shed unwanted layers, if any, with our Route Support Crew. They will have white bags for you to place your items in and it will be taken to the Lost & Found area following the March. Please note your bag may not be dropped off at the Lost & Found before you reach the finish line, and you might have to wait for your items to be brought in once all Crews have returned for the Closing Ceremony. *Headphones are not permitted on the Route. Please do not bring these with you.*
Q. IS THIS EVENT SPACE OR ROUTE ACCESSIBLE?
A. While some of the route is accessible, the majority is on the side of roadways where there may be sections that have gravel or involve narrow shoulders with rough edges, please contact us to discuss options and to see if we can find ways to make the event work for you. Our event location space at the Millarville Racetrack itself involves gravel roads, uneven surfaces, and the ceremonies and BBQ will be held on a grass covered field space. This means some of the terrain could be difficult to navigate. Your comfort and participation are important to us so please contact us to discuss access requirements so we can check with our venue and see if we can reduce barriers to help make Kidney March a better experience for you to attend. There are accessible washrooms available on site in the main buildings at the Millarville Racetrack.
Q. CAN I BRING MY PET?
A. No, Pets are not allowed on the grounds at the Millarville Racetrack for the opening or closing ceremony and BBQ. Only trained Service Dogs are permitted at the Ceremonies. Animals of any kind are not allowed to accompany you on any part of the Route. This is for everyone, including your animal’s safety.
If your question was not above – Contact us at Kidney March
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