Kidney March The Basics

Overview

Welcome to Kidney March • September 6, 7, 8, 2024. Walk 100 kilometres over three days. Raise $2,200 in the fight against kidney disease and for organ donation. Kidney March means doing the most you can do. No matter where we are across the globe, and no matter what comes our way, our team is excited to once again bring you Kidney March. Our commitment to our kidney community remains stronger than ever. 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 but reward you for pushing those limits in more ways than you ever thought it would.

We are excited to make Kidney March 2024 another amazing experience, so be sure to join us! Register now!

KidneyMarch

Overnight Camp

You’ve never seen anything quite like this. A camp in the Foothills of the majestic Rocky Mountains where we take care of all your needs. A city of pristine sleeping tents. A dining tent where dedicated volunteers serve you hot, nutritious meals. Showers for a steamy hot refresh at the end of the day. Kidney March Camp features tents dedicated to massage, stretching, medical support, and a general store. We gather around a central stage in the evening for Kidney-O-Kee, some laughs and stories from the road.

Take a tour of camp by watching this video:

The Route

We start off on Friday in Millarville, Alberta, our gateway to Kananaskis Country. We head into Kananaskis, a place where people from around the world come to enjoy the stunning scenery and fresh mountain air. The grandeur of the Rocky Mountains ever in sight, we make our way north along the Foothills, also known for their majestic beauty.

Our closing ceremony takes place three days later at Winsport Calgary at Canada Olympic Park. It’s the perfect spot to celebrate your achievement and complete Kidney March as one united front.

on route amenities

ON-ROUTE AMENITIES

Along the day’s route you’ll find pit stops, complete with a cheering crew, music, water, electrolyte drinks, snacks, and portable toilets. The lunch stop is a hearty nutritious re-fuel for the rest of the journey.

The most inspiring thing you’ll find along the route is your fellow marchers and crew. Along this route, you will also learn about yourself in ways you never experienced before.

HOW OUR FUNDRAISING WORKS

Each Marcher agrees to raise a minimum of $2,200. 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. 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 ideas and support.

110%
Goal $1,000,000.00 CAD
Achieved $1,099,610.09 CAD

THE PEOPLE YOU WILL MEET

Most people on Kidney March have never done anything like this before. They are intimidated by the fundraising or intimidated by the distance, or in most cases, they are uneasy about both. This is not a group of athletes, although there may be a few. 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, or find our community on social media @KidneyMarch.

SOUND DOABLE? IT IS. COME TO AN INFO SESSION

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.


Tracking Your Kilometres with STRAVA

Share your 100 km journey with us through the online tracking program STRAVA! Click here for our Guide to help you set up your STRAVA account and start recording your walk activities for Kidney March.  By using STRAVA, you can virtually walk with the Kidney March community, connect with other Marchers, post your walks on social media and share your achievements with your supporters and donors!
Once you have a STRAVA account, or if you already do, join the 'Kidney March Club'!

Take your first step today.


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Kidney March FAQ's

The experience of a lifetime. Maybe the biggest challenge you’ve ever undertaken. We know there’s a whole heap of questions you must have, everyone does. Here are some answers to some of the most commonly asked. And remember – our Kidney March Support Team is here for you every single step of the way.

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. 

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. 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. You will rediscover the fun of spending relaxing moments under the stars throughout the weekend.

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

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 held in Calgary Alberta, Canada and it marches through various towns and provincial parks in the Calgary area. All Marchers must attend a mandatory Kidney March Check-in held called 'Day Zero' in Calgary on Thursday, the day before Kidney March begins. Contact us for more specific information on this year's march. Detailed route information will be provided to all registered participants.

Q. WHAT ABOUT COVID-19?

A. As we adjust to life with COVID-19, recommendations on how to manage risk continue to evolve, and it’s important to have access to as much reliable information as possible. Visit kidney.ca/COVID-19-How-to-Protect-Yourself for up to date information.  

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.

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. Each marcher has until Sept 30 to complete their commitment to raise the $2,200 or contribute the balance needed. 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 actual three days 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