FAQ’s – The Giant Walk

Who is the Giant Walk?

The Giant Walk is an offshoot of the non-profit Regenesis Events CIC, which was established to organise Holocaust Educational Treks. We call this the Giant Walk because not only is it a big walk, but we also start beside the Giant Childe of Hale statue pictured in some of our galleries.

Our leaders are outdoor instructors with the Mountain Training Association or have trained with various Search and Rescue teams. Our philosophy is a gentle one though and we are all inclusive, using the power of the outdoors to face challenges head on, hence completing a walking marathon is empowering and you will deserve your medal whether walking as an individual or in a team. This is also the flattest and one of the most picturesque routes we could find in the north west.

The Hale to Hale route was originally designed to be a training route for novices to prepare them for longer treks but has now taken on a life of its own. To join us on the route all we ask is that you raise funds for a UK Registered Charity or consider a donation when you buy your ticket at checkout.

What is the Stockton Half?

The Stockton Half is an entry level half-marathon suitable for teenagers or novice walkers. It starts at our lunch rest stop which is in Stockton Heath. Because this event is designed for teenagers to enter, there has to be a small charge so that we can maintain suitable ratios of paediatric first aiders walking with the groups.

Is there transport to the starting point?

You can make your way to the starting point in Hale (on Merseyside) yourself, but if you would like a place on a coach from Hale (Cheshire) please book yourself a VIP ticket (an extra charge will be made for this) but you will have access to your seat and storage all day. People that do not buy a seat can still use the stowage on the bus.

How do I make sure I walk with friends?

The best way to ensure you walk with your friends is to enter as a group – a team of 4 is an option at checkout. Your group name or lead will be asked for as part of the questionnaire after you sign up. This also contains important medical declarations so that we hold relevant information and contact details and we can be well prepared.

Where can I meet my family or friends at the end?

The walk ends at the clock tower in Hale. We will also be passing venues such as schools and sports clubs in the Hale area where you can meet your family and finish together.

You will receive a finishers medal, and other goodies from our sponsors, and there will be food and drink options nearby.

How fit do I have to be?

This is an endurance walk, and you must have prepared for it. We ask that you have a good basic fitness and have undertaken some training in the run up to the event. A good rule of thumb is that you should have completed at least one 20km training walk in the shoes you plan to wear on the day.

To train effectively, try and carry some extra weight in a rucksack and build in some longer walks nearer the date. We will send out more tips in the week before.

Remember this: if you can walk for an hour, you can walk for two. If you can walk for two, you can walk a half marathon. And if you can walk a half marathon, then have a go at this! Last year everybody finished safely

Can I be a mentor?

You must have sufficient walking experience or qualifications to be a mentor. Please email the organisers if you want to be part of the team of volunteers on the day. You will also be given a discount code for you to share with friends.

Is it a race?

We discourage treating this event as a race, but you are welcome to time yourself. Groups will be formed with similarly able walkers, and you can switch groups at check points if needed. There is no chip timing.

We group similarly able walkers together, but you must stay with one of our leaders. If you want to walk ahead, that is fine, but you will have to sign yourself out of the event.

What happens if I am too slow?

There are check points at the rest stops along the route, where the vehicles will be waiting. If any walker is struggling to meet time checks, you may be asked to either leapfrog forwards to the next point on the bus, or remain in the vehicle. These check points aim to ensure a maximum 10 hour completion time, and give our team a chance to discuss your day with you.

Please can I see your T&C's, Risk Assessment or Insurance?

These are available upon request. Please email info@giantwalk.org

What is your cancellation policy?

We have a no quibble cancellation policy up to 7 days before the event, and your entry fee will be returned in full minus any platform or card fees deducted. Once inside the 7 day period, no refunds are available but you can transfer into a future event.

Boots or trainers?

Definatly not gym trainers, but then heavy walking boots are not necessarily required as all the terrain is level and on footpaths. A good running trainer or trail shoe or lightweight walking boots are ideal. Tips will be circulated based on the weather forecast in the days before

Do I have to raise funds for a charity?

No, but, this is a fundraising event, so if you just want to pay for a ticket and not fundraise, then noting we are a not for profit, and we are fundraising for medical and event support equipment including a lightweight defrib, perhaps you would consider an optional donation to that?

Can I bring my dog?

No, but you dog will enjoy training with you in preparing for the event on shorter distances. You can’t explain to a dog what a marathon is, but a youngish fit dog might be happy to do the Stockton Half with you or your family. Make sure they have access to water and treats

What if I need the loo?

WC’s along the route will be marked out in the event guide, and group mentors will know where they are. There are also plenty of “sheltered” areas you may take a moment. Or our VIP vehicle support will have a WC on board.

How will I navigate the route?

A GPX (satnav) file will be available in advance which we will share with you. Group mentors and leaders will have this available on their devices, and although the route is pretty straightforward, key signposts will be on site at junctions. All mentors will have GPS and radio support from Event Control and there will be chalk markings from our bike support which stays ahead of the group.

Can I bring my children?

Do you offer private walks?

Yes we do. If you are a charity or a corporate and would like to use this route and/or our team, please get in touch and we would be happy to put an event on for you.