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!

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!

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.

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.

Visit Kidney.ca for The Kidney Foundation of Canada's Privacy Policy

Q. 100KM IN 3 DAYS. CAN I DO THIS?

A. YES. Whether you are a couch potato or an experienced runner, we will provide training guidance and resources to get you from start to finish. Our comprehensive training program will gradually and painlessly get you ready to handle the long journey ahead. You may be surprised to know that many people are capable of doing this if they prepare for the distance over time. You will be in great shape by the time Kidney March rolls around, with plenty of energy to spare. You will train alongside other participants and everyone goes at their own pace. You will be ready. However always keep in mind, Kidney March is not a race and is more than the 100-kilometres walked. It is an opportunity to walk with others and hear their story, and to be a part of something both inspiring and lifechanging. Kidney March is not about completing every single kilometre, we know many of you will want to, but no matter what, it is about the journey, the weekend, and doing the most you can do – safely. You will have tons of support along the way no matter what. Together, we can do this!

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. Be sure to read your Marcher or Crew Manual found online on our Manuals Page

Q. I NEVER CAMPED BEFORE. WHAT IS IT LIKE?

A. Imagine a camp where you get to spend a breathtaking outdoor experience with hundreds of your newly found friends. Some have referred to it as, "adult summer camp." You will rediscover the fun of spending relaxing moments under the stars throughout the weekend. We will have tents, hot meals, hot showers, bathroom facilities, luggage service, live entertainment, therapeutic massage, a stretching tent, first aid, a general store, and much more. Everything you’ll need is there. We will tell you exactly what you will need to pack depending on your accommodation type. All tents are provided, but you will need to bring a sleeping mat, sleeping bag, blanket, and pillow. We do not allow any trailers or outside accommodations to be brought to our new camp.

Q. WHAT KIND OF SUPPORT CAN I EXPECT ALONG THE MARCH?

A. Plenty. You will be served sports drinks, water, snacks, and food along the way. We provide a delicious lunch at the middle of each day’s walk where you can take a well deserved break. We will also have massage and medical support to help you if you ever need it. This event will be well supported to help you complete your heroic journey. Not to mention all those cheering for you along the way who will be there to give you moral and emotional support as you press onward to the finish line. At the end of the journey, you will be treated to an amazing and emotional closing ceremony to commemorate your history making accomplishment. It will be a celebration like no other.

Q. WHERE IS KIDNEY MARCH AND HOW DO I GET TO IT?

A. Kidney March is hosted from Calgary Alberta, Canada and it marches through various towns and provincial parks in Southern Alberta west of Calgary. All Marchers must attend a mandatory Kidney March Check-in held called 'Day Zero' in Calgary on Thursday, the day before Kidney March begins. On each day of Kidney March starting that Friday morning, you will be transported by bus to the starting point of the route, and returned each night to the camp location. Your transportation will be covered during the entirety of the Kidney March weekend. Family, friends or supporters are not permitted on the route or at the camp during Kidney March. Contact us for more specific information on this year's march. Detailed route information will be provided to all registered participants on the weekend of the march.

Q. IF I DECIDE TO OPT OUT, CAN I GET A REFUND FOR MY REGISTRATION FEE?

A. All $75 Registration fees and $99 meal plan fees are non-refundable and cannot be converted to a donation for a tax receipt. Once you have registered we make commitments based on your participation. 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, 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.
If you would like to 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. 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. 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 Pagefor a Tool Kit, resources and more information. Ask us for help. Contact Us for ideas and support.

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, our experts on training, custom-shoe fitting, why we march and more.
• Follow your 12-week Training Plan on KidneyMarch.ca
• 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, Twitter and Tiktok.
• Join the Kidney March Training Walks Facebook Group to connect with the community. 
• Ask us for resources such as posters, hand outs, and other print resources.
• Contact the Kidney March team with any questions or support you need. Visit our Contact Us Page or 403.255.6139 • kidneymarch@kidney.ca.

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. Where do the funds raised through Kidney March go?

A. Funds raised through Kidney March support people across Canada affected by kidney disease and organ donation, 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. Can Family & Friends Join me? Can I bring my pet?

A. For everyone's safety pets and/or guests are not permitted on the Route or at Kidney March Camp. Designated cheering station locations for each day will be announced for participants to invite family, friends, and supporters to.