2026 Kidney March The Basics & FAQ's
Overview
Welcome to Kidney March • September 11, 12, and 13, 2026.
MARCHERS will walk 100 kilometres over three days, spend two unforgettable nights surrounded by the Rockies, and raise $2,200 in the fight against kidney disease and for organ donation.
Kidney March means doing the most you can do. Whether you are marching the 100km or supporting as Crew, you will meet some of the most inspiring people on the planet and make the biggest difference you’ve ever made in your life.
Kidney March is more than your average walkathon. It is a movement. It is a community of people rallying as one united front in support of each other. It is an experience that will take you beyond your limits and reward you for pushing those limits in more ways than you ever thought it would. You will change the lives of those around you and in turn, you might find you’ve changed your own.
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, fund vital research, and draw attention to this important cause.
Get ready for a journey like no other. We’re crafting something truly special for Kidney March 2026. Exciting new experiences are calling, and we can't wait to share them with you! Register for 2026!
Your journey starts here
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.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. All Marchers must attend a mandatory Kidney March Package Pickup and Safety Session called 'Day Zero' in Calgary on Thursday, Sept. 10, the day before Kidney March begins.
Overnight Camp
You’ve never seen anything quite like this. Welcome to Kidney March Camp - a vibrant village nestled in the majestic Rocky Mountains, where every detail is taken care of so you can focus on the journey. Picture a city of pristine sleeping tents, charming cabins, a welcoming dining centre serving hot nutritious meals, and steamy showers to refresh you after a day on the road.
The camp features dedicated spaces for massage, stretching, medical support, and even a general store. These common areas invite relaxation and connection. As the sun sets, we gather in the central hub for an evening of laughter, entertainment, and Kidney-O-Kee, where stories from the road come to life and memories are made under the stars.
We've got a brand new camp location this year. We can't wait to welcome you to our new mountain home, where comfort meets wilderness! Check our a sneak peek of the new camp here:
The Route
The Kidney March route is a breathtaking journey through some of Southern Alberta's most iconic landscapes. Over three days, participants walk approximately 33 kilometres per day, surrounded by the ever-present beauty of the Rocky Mountains. From sweeping prairies to rolling foothills, the scenery is world-renowned for its majestic charm and natural wonder.
To preserve the spirit of adventure and ensure a safe and well-supported experience, specific route details are shared only with registered participants during the Kidney March weekend.
Our closing ceremony takes place on the last day of Kidney March after all Marchers have reached the finish line. Then we will celebrate your achievement and complete Kidney March with loved ones and supporters.
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.”
ON-ROUTE AMENITIES
Along the day’s route you’ll find pit stops, complete with cheer and medical crew, music, water, electrolyte drinks, snacks, and portable toilets. At the lunch stop you'll rest and re-fuel for the other half of the day's journey.
The most inspiring thing you’ll find along the route is your fellow Marchers and Crew. Along your travels, you will also learn about yourself in ways you never experienced before.
HOW FUNDRAISING WORKS
Each Marcher commits to raise a minimum of $2,200. In order to march you must reach your fundraising goal. See FAQ's section below for full details. There is no minimum to participate as Crew, but Crew are encouraged to fundraise with the same gusto as Marchers and try to reach the same $2,200 amount, especially our Trailblazers. We hope you’ll raise much more – most people do.
Fundraising is at the heart of Kidney March — it’s how we turn every step into real impact. The money raised directly supports vital programs, research, and resources for those affected by kidney disease. By fundraising, you're not just participating, you’re helping change lives. Every dollar brings us closer to better treatments, greater awareness, and hope for the future.
We need you. If we don’t fundraise, we can’t march. And if we don’t march, we can't make a difference. Your efforts matter more than you know.
We’re here to support you. Visit the Fundraising Page for a Tool Kit, resources and more information. Ask us for help. Contact us for ideas and support.
| Goal | $1,000,000.00 CAD |
|---|---|
| Achieved | $1,099,610.09 CAD |
What's CREW?
Join us as Crew and bring your talents to Kidney March! Crew members are the heart of the event supporting Marchers, and ensuring safety. Whether you're cheering, providing route support, serving food, or helping with medical or logistics, your energy, care, and initiative make all the difference. Once registered, our team will match you with the best role and keep you updated throughout the year. Crew spots fill quickly, so sign up early.THE PEOPLE YOU WILL MEET
We look forward to spending time with our Kidney March Family every year. Most people new to Kidney March have never done anything like this before. It's not unusual to be nervous about the fundraising or the distance - and usually, it's a bit of both. You're not alone if your feeling unsure, but that's exactly what makes achieving these two goals so powerful.
Kidney Marchers aren't elite athletes, although you might find a few among us. They're everyday people drawn together by shared purpose. Some are living with kidney disease, some are walking for loved ones who are, some are organ donors or recipients, and others march in memory of someone they’ve lost. Many simply want to make a meaningful difference.
Get to know some of our Kidney Marchers on the Marcher Stories Page, or find our community on social media @KidneyMarch.
Connect with the Community
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.
SOUND DOABLE? IT IS. COME TO AN INFO SESSION
For nearly two decades, Kidney March has inspired people. You're not alone, many have walked this path before you, they did it and so can you.
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.
Take your first step today.
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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.
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