Description
This fully supported endurance walk follows a largely flat route with minimal incline and is organised across four sections.
You can choose whether you start in Merseyside or in Greater Manchester after you sign up. A Team Shuttle Bus will be buzzing between four locations all day, and you can make substitutions at half time.
You do not need to be a marathon athlete to take part. The event is paced for endurance walking, with regular stops, group support and experienced leaders throughout the day walking with your squad.
The East-West walk begins/ends at Hale Lighthouse on the Mersey Estuary passing through the village of Hale, walking past the Giant Childe of Hale statue, and the waterside Mersey Way, the Manchester Ship Canal and the sheltered Trans Pennine Trail. When you complete your medical (questionnaire!) , you will be asked which direction you are walking in.
There are planned rest, refreshment and WC stops along the route, with a lunch break at the half-time in the village of Stockton on Heath where Teams can make subs. This is also the start point for the 21 km Half Marathon which is suitable for Juniors. A Junior Team of 11 must be accompanied by two Managers.
Team Buses will accompany the event throughout the day for an additional £10 charge (including supporters who are not walking). FREE TRANSFERS are available before Transfer deadline day 1 July 2026.
Participants are encouraged to fundraise using our JustGiving platform for their club charity or foundations or any grassroots football cause.
Walkers will be supported throughout the day by experienced highly qualified instructors leaders, mentors, assistants and vehicle support so you can concentrate on your game and fundraising for your club. We are also looking for supporters to cheer on their teams, and match-day marshals to assist on the route.
Closer to the event, walkers will receive full event information including the detailed route, GPX file, training guidance and kit list.
*Free Transfer Deadline day deal! No charge for riding the team bus. £10 for transfer fee for orders placed after 1st July.
Final Squads must be selected and complete their medicals by the 12th August in order to be eligible to start.
At the final whistle you can collect your souvenir finishers badge in your club colours and join us for a post match meal and drink.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there transport to the starting point?
Yes, we have a Morning Bus and an Afternoon Bus so you can choose where to leave your car. You can make your way to the starting point in Hale (on Merseyside) yourself, but if you would like a place on the Morning Bus from Hale (Cheshire) please book yourself a VIP ticket (an extra charge will be made for this), or a return to the Start Area on Merseyside please book the Afternoon Bus.
How do I make sure I walk with friends?
Firstly, you should buy tickets for the same event day! Then the best way to ensure you walk with your friends is to enter as a group. Otherwise, please let us know who you would like to walk with and we will put you together (subject to maximum group size).
Where can I meet my family or friends at the end?
The walk ends at the clock tower in Hale and pizza/drinks will be available. 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.
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 and that you practice changing layers of clothes on the move, and train with a weighted rucksack.
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.
What happens if 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, or remain in the vehicle. These check points aim to ensure a maximum 10 hour completion time. Your welfare is being monitored both on the move and at rest stops.
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?
Fashion or gym trainers are not suitable, 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 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 are a not for profit, and is itself 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. Dogs can walk with walkers from the cheering points for a bit, but must remain with a handler, and on a lead. Pick it up!
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. There is normally a queue for the loo at the start, so could men please use the bushes behind the pub, and ladies remember you pass the bus twice in the first 40 mins and the first facilities are 6k away.
How will I navigate the route?
A GPX (satnav) file will be available in advance. Group mentors and leaders will have this available and are tracked, 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. There is also a tracking beacon on the bus (that the driver does not know about! Shhh!)
Can I bring my children?
Young walkers are encouraged but must be of secondary school age, fit, and that you remain responsible for your children as our mentors will not be in loco parentis. They are encouraged to complete the Stockton Half though. There is a cost to this that cannot be discounted because of paediatric first aid ratios.
