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
June Calendar Events
Events in June 2025
SSunday
MMonday
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FFriday
SSaturday
Start to Complete Your 85 KM Goal Leading up to Kidney March!
– June 1, 2025
Starting today! 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!
Kidney Walks 2025 - Medicine Hat- Join us & track your first KM's towards Kidney March!
– June 1, 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.
Training Walk with Stuart Duff - 5 KM Glenmore Landing
– June 8, 2025
Sunday June 8th, this group will meet at the Glenmore landing Starbucks 9:30 am in Calgary.
Okay Kidney March people. Time to get your Kilometres in before September!! I will be doing a 5km training walk on Sunday June 8th at Glenmore landing. Meet at the Starbucks at 930. First time or 16th time marcher. Come join me for a walk and meet some other marchers!!
KMGuide Walk with - Michelle - "Griffith Woods Park" 4.5km
– June 8, 2025
Join me Sunday June 8th at 11:00 am for a Walk in the Woods...
--Details--
Explore Griffith Woods Park with me. This extensive park covers 93 hectares and is primarily a natural environment park. There are many trails throughout this park, both paved and unpaved. We'll be stopping at various points on a self-guided tour. At each stop and throughout the park, you can enjoy and immerse yourself in a provincially significant forest home to a diverse mix of flora and fauna, some of which are not commonly found anywhere else in the city.
DISTANCE: 4.5km LOOP
WALK NOTES: All of the trails are flat and easy to walk. Dog friendly - on leash
Today is the final day to get your fundraising dollars in to qualify for the 2025 Fundraising Reward. All participants who raise an additional $500 between April 27 and June 27, 2025 will earn a $75 credit to the Kidney March store. For full details visit: https://kidneymarch.ca/2025-fundraising-reward/
KMGuide Walk with - Michelle - "Nose Hill Park" approx. 5km
– July 5, 2025
Join me Saturday July 5th at 9:00 am for a walk on the hill...
--Details--
Explore Nose Hill Park with me. About and History: The park was created in 1980 and covers over 11 square kilometres. Nose Hill is one of the only remaining examples of the high plains which once covered our city. Ancient rivers, successive glaciers and their run-off have eroded the landscape producing the surrounding valleys and lowlands. The most recent glaciers left behind "glacial erratics". One such erratic is on the east side of Nose Hill and was once a part of Mount Edith Cavell in Jasper National Park. The park contains significant archaeological sites, including stone circles. The hill was also a sacred place used for ceremonies and burials. European settlers began using the area in the late 1800s for farming and ranching. In the 1980s, much of the park was destined for residential development. However, vigorous citizen action saved the land for the magnificent park we have today.
DISTANCE: 5km LOOP
WALK NOTES: Some Hills, mixed terrain. Not much shade so come prepared. Bring your water, bug spray, sunscreen, and a hat!
MEETING SPOT: Nose Hill, West Parking Lot, Shaganappi Trail NW Google Map: https://g.co/kgs/s9oDNkJ (there is a bathroom at this parking lot)
WHEN: Saturday July 5, 2025 9:00 am MT
Email Michelle.hofer@kidney.ca to let me know you are planning to join!
🚨Kidney March Weekend Walks - 3 LocationsHave your started tracking your Kidney March kilometres yet?There are 3 walks scheduled in Calgary this weekend for those looking to log some kilometers with fellow Kidney Marchers. 👟 Walk Leader: Shariefa📅 Saturday, June 7⏰ 8:45am📍Edworthy Park Loop. Meet in front of Angel's Cafe.🏅7.88km👟 Walk Leader - Stuart📅 Sunday, June 8⏰ 9:30am📍 Glenmore Landing. Meet at the Starbucks.🏅 5km🗺️ Kidney March Guide Walk👟 Walk Leader - Michelle📅 Sunday, June 8⏰ 11:00am📍 Griffith Woods Park. Meet in parking lot at 160 Discovery Ridge Blvd SW.🏅 4.5km 📰 Stay in the know about all our upcoming walks and events. Visit kidneymarch.ca/upcoming-events/... See MoreSee Less
The 2025 Kidney March is just a few months away on Sept 6 – 7! ⛰️Walk the farthest you have ever walked and raise the most you have ever raised to fight kidney disease. Kidney March is more than an event; it’s a movement of action and support. ❤️Donate or register today at bit.ly/3SqGfCz... See MoreSee Less
Today's the Day - Let's Start Counting and Kick Off Your Kidney March Kilometres!Do you have a unique plan or fun route for your March? Tell us about it! We want to cheer you on, share your journey, and get the whole kidney community excited to support you. Every step deserves a celebration. Tag us along the way using #kidneyMarch or @KidneyMarchShare your journey this summer with your supporters as you work towards your fundraising goal.Don't Forget: for all registered Marchers and Crew who fundraise an additional $500 between April 27 and June 27, 2025, you will receive a $75 credit to use at our Kidney March Store in 2025!The life you change might be yours. ... See MoreSee Less
Are you ready to start your 100km for Kidney March? It's time to lace up your sneakers!!💡Reminder - From June 1, 2025, to September 6, 2025, Kidney Marchers will walk and complete 85 kilometres of their 100-kilometre journey.✅ Let us know your plans so we can share your journey and encourage the community to support you in your fundraising & highlight your unique adventure ideas. #️⃣Tag us on social media #KidneyMarch @KidneyMarch and be sure to share your milestones along the way with your Virtual Mileage Markers in our Fundraising and Resources Toolkit. kidneymarch.ca/fundraising/🎉 Kick off your kilometres by taking part in Kidney Walk this weekend in Southern Alberta!! Visit www.kidneywalk.ca for more details.Let's Go!!!! 👟 ... See MoreSee Less
🚨 Volunteer Call 🚨We need YOUR help! We are looking for a team of volunteers who are able to lift 40+ pounds 💪 to help us with some spring cleaning at the Kidney March office on Thursday, June 5 at 10am. If this sounds like something you can tackle, please let us know in the comments below or send us a message ✉️ kidneymarch@kidney.ca for more details.Have some friends that can help? Bring them along - many hands make light work. ... See MoreSee Less
Are you ready to start counting your virtual 85km for Kidney March on June 1? ✅ Visit our Events Calendar for all Kilometer Guided Walks in Calgary leading up to Kidney Marchkidneymarch.ca/upcoming-events/✅ Join the Kidney March Strava Group and share your progress on your personal fundraising pagewww.strava.com/clubs/KidneyMarch✅ Join the Kidney March Training Walks group to plan group walks and connect with fellow Marchers and Crew - this weekend, Stu will be hosting a 5km walk around the Glenmore Reservoir on Sunday, May 24 at 9:30am. The meeting point will be at the Glenmore Landing Starbucks. If you can't make it for the walk? Stop by for a visit and coffee at Starbucks around 10:30am.www.facebook.com/groups/836845433135517... See MoreSee Less
🚗✨Join Kidney Marchers Rizwana and Sheni at Sheni's Auto Trend for a Car Wash Fundraiser! ✨🚗📅 Date: Saturday, May 31⏰ Time: 9:00am - 2:00pm📍 Location: Sheni’s Auto Trend: 521 53 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2H 0N5For just $50, get your car washed and detailed with proceeds going to The Kidney Foundation of Canada through Kidney March. 🙌 They will be accepting donations on location that day. 💖 Spread the word! Share this post and invite your friends to support.Are you hosting a fundraising event? Let us know and we can share the details. 💡 Don't forget: For all registered Marchers and Crew who fundraise an additional $500 between April 27 and June 27, 2025, you will receive a $75 credit to use at our Kidney March Store in 2025! . Visit kidneymarch.ca/manuals/ for all the details. ... See MoreSee Less
A friendly reminder, the Southern Alberta Branch office will be closed today, May 19 for Victoria Day.For any direct inquiries, please feel free to email us; our team will be happy to get back to you upon their return.Alternatively, we invite you to check our support page to find resources here: www.kidney.ca/Support... See MoreSee Less