Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Kerry Way Cancer Research Walk?
The Kerry Way Cancer Research Walk is a three day fundraising event for Cork Cancer Research Centre (www.ccrc.ie). Each day there is a different walk with a walk distance of approximately 24km per day.
When and where does The Kerry Way Cancer Research Walk take place?
Usually the third weekend of July in Kerry each
year.
This year the event takes place from Friday, 23rd July
to Sunday, 25th July 2010 and will be based in Kenmare.
Who can take part in The Kerry Way Cancer Research Walk?
The Kerry Way Cancer Research Walk is open to men and
women of all abilities and backgrounds. All walkers must be
at least 18 yrs of age on July 2nd 2010. There is no upper age limit but each
walker is expected to be fit enough to complete each walk. No buggies or animals
are allowed on the Walk.
While some people take part with friends, a lot of
people come on their own, so it’s a great way of meeting new people. You will find that the groups will quickly
bond and support each other throughout the event.
How fit should I be?
The Kerry Way Cancer Research Walk suits people of average fitness and stamina, but we recommend you train and prepare for it as soon as you sign up, in order for you to enjoy the event. It is designed to be challenging but achievable. The fitter you are, the more confident you will be and the more you will enjoy the day. For sample training guides, please visit our Training section.
Must I complete all three days in order to participate?
You
can walk one, two or all three days of The Kerry Way Cancer Research Walk.
There is no stipulation on how many days you must walk. We would be delighted
for you to join us on whichever days you can make it.
What about safety?
Hill
walking is an adventure sport and not devoid of an element of risk. Those
taking part in any of the walks do so at their own risk. Information about
training, equipment and safety is available on this site. Please ensure that
you take time to review this information. The event is supported by volunteer
Walk Leaders who will be available to provide guidance, monitor your progress
and assist with any first aid. The decision and authority of the Walk Leaders
on all walks is final and at all times to be accepted by the participants.
First aid cover is also provided.
How much does it cost to take part in The Kerry Way Cancer Research Walk?
There is no currently no entry fee to
take part in the event. Walkers cover
all their own costs and all sponsorship collected by the walkers goes directly
towards cancer research. Event organisation and marketing costs are kept to a
minimum.
Without the assistance of the walkers,
organising committee members and supporting companies, this event wouldn’t take
place and it would not be possible to raise vital funds for cancer research and
impact the lives of those affected by cancer.
How much sponsorship do I have to raise?
We would kindly request that each participant raise as much funds as
possible for cancer research. For example, if 250 walkers each raise €400,
a total €100,000 could be raised for cancer research programmes.
Why is there a recommended sponsorship amount?
The Kerry Way Cancer
Research Walk is
a fundraising event and the money raised from this event will go directly to cancer
research and to the future breakthroughs that will improve how Cork Cancer
Research Centre can treat this disease.
How will I raise the sponsorship money?
Once you’ve registered we will provide you with a sponsorship card which will allow you to gather and record donations from family, friends and colleagues.
Fundraising needn't be daunting or hard work! Once you start telling people what you're doing and why, you will be amazed at people’s generosity and support. All it takes is a little inspiration and organisation and the money will begin to roll in. Think about your hobbies and interests - they could be the key to your success! Have a look at our Fundraising section for some tips and ideas to help you get started.
A great tip is to break down your sponsorship target into smaller, bite-sized chunks and be proud of what you are doing. Please have a look at our Sample Fundraising Plan for some ideas.
How do I set up my own online fundraising page?
You can create your own fundraising page by simply going to the following address: http://www.mycharity.ie/charity/ccrc. At this address, on the left hand panel, click on ‘raise money for this charity’. Go to the end of page and click ‘create your page’; you will receive help to set up your own personal fundraising page.
When you have completed the page set-up, you can then email the appropriate link to family, friends and colleagues and they can donate on-line in a secure format using either debit or credit cards.
How do I get more sponsorship cards?
Simply email us at info@kerrywaycancerwalk.ie or call
us on 021 490 1437 to request an additional card.
When do I have to submit my sponsorship money?
Ideally the minimum sponsorship amount should be received by Cork Cancer Research Centre before the event takes place, with remainder being paid within one - two months of completing the event. The latest the sponsorship money must be received by Cork Cancer Research Centre is 17th September 2010.
How do I send you the money I have raised?
You can send the monies raised to Cork Cancer Research Centre along with your sponsorship card. Cork Cancer Research Centre’s address will be on the card for easy reference. Please do not send cash in the post.
If you have decided to create a mycharity.ie fundraising web page, all your sponsorship money from this page will automatically be sent directly to our bank account. Details on how to set this up will also be on your sponsorship card for easy reference. Alternatively please read through the information on our Fundraising section.
How do I enter?
- Online: Go to our Registration page and complete your form online.
- Telephone: Call 021 490 1437 and request a registration form.
- Email: Email info@kerrywaycancerwalk.ie and request a registration form.
When do I have to register by?
Participants enter on a first come
first served basis and entries will close on Friday, 2nd July 2010 or once the event participation limit is
reached for health and safety reasons. Therefore we would strongly encourage you to sign up straight away which
will also give you more time in which to raise your funds and train.
What are the routes like?
The Kerry Way Cancer Research Walk uses way-marked way trails, taking in parts of the Kerry Way and the Beara Way, both of which are surrounded by stunning scenery. As the walks are in the countryside, you will encounter all sorts of terrain including fields, country and private lanes, grassy meadows, uneven farmland, undulating forest trails, riverside walks and steep hills.
There will be some sections of the walk that will require you to walk in single file so please be considerate of your fellow walkers. There will also be a small number of roads to cross but these will be marshalled at all times, however please cross with caution. Because these walks are in the countryside, unavoidably there will be some stiles. We have tried to minimise these and where possible there will be marshals stationed at these points to help walkers over them.
You also have some hills to conquer, with great views from the top, so aim to practice on some steeper terrain before the day. For further information, please read our Walk Routes section.
What support will I be given on walk?
You will be well supported and guided throughout the walk and there will always be someone friendly to talk and walk with. Each group will have a walker and sweeper to guide the group. All guides carry contact radios and communicate regularly throughout the day. Support vehicles will also be in place to support the walk leaders and assist with areas such as traffic marshalling etc.
Participants will be divided into walking groups with one guide leading and one guide at the rear. In the interests of safety, no one should pass the lead or fall behind the last guide and any instructions given by the guides must be followed at all times for safety reasons. To help identify participants, please wear your free Kerry Way Cancer Research Walk t-shirt each day.
Although the event is designed to challenge you, we are not putting anyone’s safety at risk and support will be available at all times.
How many people will I be walking with?
It
is anticipated that there will be eight groups of 35 walkers max per day. In the interest of health and safety everyone
walks as a group. Each group is
allocated a walk leader and sweeper. Please do listen to any advice or
guidance they may offer you, as they are there to ensure you enjoy your
day.
How long will it take to walk each day?
We
anticipate that each day’s walk should take between five and seven hours to
complete, including short breaks and lunch stops. This does not include the time for morning
registration and transportation to the walk starting point.
Please remember this
event is not a race. Everyone is encouraged to go at their own pace and the
level of fitness will naturally vary throughout the group. Every group finishes
each day’s walk together, as a group, however this may depend on the pace of
the slowest person.
What will the pace of walking be like?
The pace set will be accommodating for all. This challenge will not be
enjoyable if you rush it. The level of fitness will naturally vary throughout
the group; therefore whatever pace you adopt you can be sure of company.
The group will be encouraged to work together, with
stronger walkers helping those who may be slower. The guides will ensure the
group stays together and everyone has a great day, making sure everyone
completes the event they have chosen to do for cancer research.
In the interest of safety, participants are not
allowed to walk in front of the lead guide or fall behind the last guide.
Please note that the pace set by the guides provides the event organiser enough
time to get everyone to Kenmare before it gets dark and also allows
participants to enjoy the scenery and camaraderie.
Are there many stops on the walk?
We will have regular rest stops throughout the day at
appropriate places. As it is quite a long day, you are encouraged to walk at
your own comfortable pace.
The most important piece of advice on the day is that
you keep taking on fluids at regular intervals. We also recommend that you eat
plenty of energy snacks, e.g. nuts, biscuits and fruit in order to maintain
those vital energy levels throughout the day as well as adjusting your clothing
appropriately. Have extra warm layers in case the weather changes as it tends
to do during the Irish summers!
What weather can I expect?
As with any outdoor event, we are unable to predict
the weather so each participant must be prepared for all eventualities. You
will need to carry full wet weather gear and warm layers with you on the day.
The weather conditions can change a number of times
throughout the day. In the past we have encountered everything from sunshine,
to strong winds and rain.
Should there be adverse weather conditions, we reserve
the right to cancel or change the route for safety reasons.
What clothing and equipment will I require?
The main items you will need to bring with you are a
comfortable pair of walking boots, walking socks, a full set of good
waterproofs and plenty of thin warm layers.
You will need to carry your own personal kit for
the day in a small rucksack which will include: your lunch, water, waterproofs,
warm layers, hat and gloves, and mini first aid kit. Don’t forget to bring blister plasters, lip balm,
insect repellent and sunscreen (high SPF due to wind), as well as your
sunglasses, mobile phone and a camera.
Where do I register on the day?
For health and safety reasons,
participants are asked to register each morning that they are participating
outside the Leisure Centre at the Kenmare Bay Hotel.
What time do the walks start?
The walks start at different times each day. For further details regarding daily registration times and transport to the walk locations, please read through our Walk Routes section.
Where does The Kerry Way Cancer Research Walk start?
Each day there is a different start point. All participants will be transported by bus from the Kenmare Bay Hotel to the walk’s start point. Therefore it is important to be on time each morning so as not to delay buses leaving or impacting other participants’ event. For further details regarding daily registration times and transport to the walk locations, please read our Walk Routes section.
Where does The Kerry Way Cancer Research Walk finish?
Each day’s walk will
finish in Kenmare town centre.
Is transportation provided?
Each
walker is expected to provide their own transportation to the registration
point in Kenmare for each of the three days.
Buses
will be provided to transport all registered walkers from the daily
registration point at Kenmare Bay Hotel to the day’s walk start-point. The
walks will finish in Kenmare town centre each day.
Will there be any toilet facilities available?
Toilets are available at the Kenmare
Bay Hotel during registration and in the town centre pubs on completing each
day’s walk.
Will there be any food or refreshments provided?
Each
walker is expected to provide their own refreshments so please bring plenty of
food and liquids e.g. sandwiches, fruit, chocolate, energy bars, water, energy
drinks, etc.
It
is anticipated that some refreshments may be provided by the kind support of
some drinks and food companies. However, walkers should not rely on the
provisions during the walk as they cannot be guaranteed.
Is there somewhere nearby where I can stay?
As each day requires an early start, participants may wish to stay locally the night before. There is a wide selection of hotels and guesthouses in the local areas. Have a look through our Accommodation section for more information.
Can I run The Kerry Way Cancer Research Walk?
The Kerry Way Cancer
Research Walk is a hill walking event. For the safety of the other
participants, yourself and the general public who we also share parts of the
routes with, no running is permitted.
Can I bring a pushchair?
As there are some less accessible
sections we cannot allow children or pushchairs on the route.
Can I bring my dog?
No dogs are allowed on the walk. The routes pass through farmland where there
are sheep, cows and horses as well as parkland where deer roam.
Do I need insurance?
Cork Cancer Research Centre will not be held
responsible for any accident, loss, damage or expenses etc occurred during the
event.
Due to the nature of this outdoor activity,
participants should accept a certain element of risk. Our guides will do
everything in their power to minimise the risks, where possible. In the
interests of safety all participants must abide by any decisions made by the
guides.
If I don’t want to take part in the event can I help instead?
We are always looking for volunteers
to help make The Kerry Way Cancer Research Walk a success. We could not put on
the events without their support.
We are looking for people on the day
to come and help with a variety of roles. For more information please contact
us at info@kerrywaycancerwalk.ie
or on 021 490 1437.
Photographs from previous events
If you would like to see some of our photos from 2009, click here to see the photos taken on the day.
Any more questions? Get in touch...
If you have any further questions then
you can get in touch with us by emailing info@kerrwaycancerwalk.ie or
calling 021 490 1437.
For further information about the walk or any details of how your fundraising is helping us to improve the lives of all patients , please contact us at:
KERRY WAY CANCER RESEARCH WALK
Cork Cancer Research Centre
Development Office
Drury’s Avenue
Midleton
Co. Cork
Tel: 021 463 6612
Email: info@kerrywaycancerwalk.ie
Cork Cancer Research Centre is a registered charity. Registered charity no: CHY 11831.