How to fundraise for a charity walk

Choosing which type of walk you want to do can be exciting but also tough, but we are here to help. It is important to do a walk which is enough of a challenge to be able to fundraise for, but not one so difficult that it will feel impossible to complete. Consider your own fitness levels, how far you want to walk, what type of terrain you will be walking on, and how much time you want to complete your walking challenge in. Once you have decided which walk, hike or challenge you want to take on the next step is to make as many people as possible aware of it. From kickstarting your fundraising and maximising your fundraising online to top tips on events day Macmillan are there with you every step of the way. Check out our fundraising tips.

How do charity walks work?

There are hundreds of walking and hiking events that take place across the UK every year and you can raise money for your chosen charity at any of them. Equally, if none of those are of interest then we have lots of tips and advice on organising your own walk. Whether you choose to organise your own or join someone else's event all you need to do is set up a JustGiving page and start spreading the word. There are also more exclusive events that take place throughout the year that are much harder to get a place for through public ballots. These events allocate a number of charity places which means runners have a second chance at gaining entry to the event. Take a look at some of the walking events where you can represent and support Macmillan.

What to do before a charity walk

Before you embark on your hiking challenge there are plenty of things to think about from training plans to making sure you have the right equipment with you on the day. But don't worry, we'll be with you every step of the way. Check out our top hiking tips and information.

What distance are charity walks?

Whether it's a 1km fun run that all the family can get involved with, a 10km race, the full marathon or a unique ultra distance challenge such as walking the length of the UK there is no distance too short or too long when it comes to charity walks. When considering the length of your walk you want to choose a walk that's suitable for your ability and/or fitness level. Enough of a challenge to raise money for but not so tough you can't complete it. Whatever your distance Macmillan has some great advice and training plans to help you along the way.

Are charity walks and races worth the effort?

Walking or hiking for a good cause has a number of benefits both for your chosen charity and for yourself. The biggest benefit to the charity of course is the much-needed money that your fundraising will help to provide. Additionally, walking events are great to raise awareness for your charity of choice by proudly wearing one of their running vests. Find the right walking event for you.

Can you make friends on charity walks?

Of course! Charity walks are a brilliant way to meet new, like-minded people who are all there to support a good cause. Whether it is a Macmillan Mighty Hike where everyone is pulling together for the same cause or one of the many other organised charity walks, where everyone will be supporting various charities, you'll be sure to have a great time and make new friends.

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Walking for charity

Lace-up your walking boots and take on some seriously scenic hiking routes for Macmillan.
Whether you choose to walk, hike, trek or ramble, we have everything you need to help you enjoy your event, reach the finish line, and support our vital services.

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Popular walks and hikes

Mighty Hikes Series

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Fundraising support

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Fundraising tips

All the information you need to get your fundraising started and raise as much as you can for our vital services.

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Materials and resources

Create your own fundraising materials or order some additional resources to give your fundraising activity the iconic Macmillan look.

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From water bottles to sweat bands and everything in-between. Get the full Team Macmillan makeover from our online shop.

Training essentials

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Practical tips and information

Read our top 10 tips on training for your hike, along with guidance on what gear you’ll want to wear and carry to be comfortable and safe.

Prepare your body

Get your body into tip-top shape with our guidance on stretching, conditioning and nutrition.

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Training plans

Whether this is your first hike or you’re a regular hiker, we have the plan for you.

Your hiking stories

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Khalid

Khalid hiked 13 miles for Macmillan in July 2021. Since the age of 7 he has had no vision. Khalid was able to complete the Yorkshire Dales Mighty Hike with a sighted assistance.

"I've been wanting to fundraise for Macmillan for a while, but kept saying to myself, 'Ok, after lockdown finishes, after Covid. Then I heard about Captain Tom Moore and I thought if he can do this now, why am I sitting around?'"

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Dave

Dave completed his first Mighty Hike for Macmillan in 2018. He was inspired to fundraise for Macmillan after a conversation with a woman he met on another walking challenge.

"Having discovered a small trace of Swedish DNA I completed the Thames Path Mighty Hike dressed as a Viking! All the advice and support from Macmillan and the other walkers really helps you get through it."

Why your support matters

Find out how your support helps people living with cancer and the ways we make a difference.

Impact of donations

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View fundraising ideas

How to fundraise for a charity walk

Choosing which type of walk you want to do can be exciting but also tough, but we are here to help. It is important to do a walk which is enough of a challenge to be able to fundraise for, but not one so difficult that it will feel impossible to complete.

Consider your own fitness levels, how far you want to walk, what type of terrain you will be walking on, and how much time you want to complete your walking challenge in.

Once you have decided which walk, hike or challenge you want to take on the next step is to make as many people as possible aware of it. From kickstarting your fundraising and maximising your fundraising online to top tips on events day Macmillan are there with you every step of the way.

Check out our fundraising tips.
How do charity walks work?

There are hundreds of walking and hiking events that take place across the UK every year and you can raise money for your chosen charity at any of them.

Equally, if none of those are of interest then we have lots of tips and advice on organising your own walk.

Whether you choose to organise your own or join someone else's event all you need to do is set up a JustGiving page and start spreading the word.

There are also more exclusive events that take place throughout the year that are much harder to get a place for through public ballots. These events allocate a number of charity places which means runners have a second chance at gaining entry to the event.
Take a look at some of the walking events where you can represent and support Macmillan.
What to do before a charity walk

Before you embark on your hiking challenge there are plenty of things to think about from training plans to making sure you have the right equipment with you on the day. But don't worry, we'll be with you every step of the way.

Check out our top hiking tips and information.
What distance are charity walks?

Whether it's a 1km fun run that all the family can get involved with, a 10km race, the full marathon or a unique ultra distance challenge such as walking the length of the UK there is no distance too short or too long when it comes to charity walks.

When considering the length of your walk you want to choose a walk that's suitable for your ability and/or fitness level. Enough of a challenge to raise money for but not so tough you can't complete it.

Whatever your distance Macmillan has some great advice and training plans to help you along the way.
Are charity walks and races worth the effort?

Walking or hiking for a good cause has a number of benefits both for your chosen charity and for yourself. The biggest benefit to the charity of course is the much-needed money that your fundraising will help to provide. Additionally, walking events are great to raise awareness for your charity of choice by proudly wearing one of their running vests.

Find the right walking event for you.
Can you make friends on charity walks?

Of course! Charity walks are a brilliant way to meet new, like-minded people who are all there to support a good cause.

Whether it is a Macmillan Mighty Hike where everyone is pulling together for the same cause or one of the many other organised charity walks, where everyone will be supporting various charities, you'll be sure to have a great time and make new friends.