About the walk
Frequently asked questions
General
When is The Midnight Walk?
Saturday 7 July 2012.
How can I register to take part in The Midnight Walk?
You can apply online or you can print off a registration form and send it to us at St Peter’s Hospice, 58 Royal Crescent, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 4JP. Alternatively go to your nearest St Peter’s Hospice shop and collect a registration form.
For more information about registering online click here...>
What is the minimum age?
Entrants must be 16 years of age or over on the night of the event. An adult guardian must accompany each entrant aged 16 – 17 years on The Midnight Walk. The guardian must sign the application form in the space provided and separately enter in The Midnight Walk. The applications must be submitted together. The full entry fee is applicable.
Where does the walk start and end?
At Bristol City Football ground - Ashton Gate Stadium, Bristol, BS3 2EJ.
Can we park in the football ground?
Yes, there will be limited parking available so we advise that participants share cars where possible. Marshals at the entrance of the Football ground will direct cars to a parking space.
Is there anywhere I can put my personal belongings?
Unfortunately there won’t be a cloakroom available at the ground so please remember that any bags or belongings you bring with you will need to be carried on the walk.
What time does it all start?
Registration starts at 9.00pm and there will be some entertainment to keep you occupied until you set off! We’ll also have a fun warm up just before 10:30pm to get everyone ready to step out for St Peter’s Hospice.
How many people can I bring along?
You can come as an individual, as a pair or set up a team as large as you want. Basically the more the merrier, plus this means your team will really stand out from the crowd.
Can I bring pets?
Unfortunately we cannot accommodate pets or animals on the walk except for Guide Dogs.
Can I bring alcohol?
Alcohol is not to be consumed at the event start or during The Midnight Walk due to health and safety restrictions. Anyone who is considered ‘under the influence’ will not be permitted to take part.
Will I be safe?
Your safety is very important to us. The route will be well marshalled and there will be lead walkers and back markers who will be in constant contact with the event organisers. In addition, the emergency services will be notified about the walk and First Aiders will be in attendance during the whole of the event.
When is the closing date for entries?
Friday 29 June 2012.
When will I get my t-shirt?
Nearer the time we will send out another pack with “On the night information” and a t-shirt.
I don’t know what size t-shirt to choose?
Small (35’’-37’’), Medium (38’’-40’’), Large (41’’-43’’) XL (44’’-46’’) and XXL (47’’-49’’)
About the route
How long is the route?
This year we have two routes - 5 miles or 10 miles.
Where does the route go?
The walk starts and finishes from Bristol City Football ground in Ashton Gate. The route will take you along Hotwells Road, up into the Clifton area (including going past Bristol Zoo and Clifton College) and will then go along the harbourside before returning to Ashton Gate.
How long will it take?
The 5 mile route will take approximately one to three hours, and the 10 mile route will take approximately two to four hours for a fit walker. But there is no rush and we encourage walkers to go at their own pace. There will be lead walkers as well as marshals following along at the back to ensure the last walkers return safely.
Will there be any 'hill' walking?
Yes, only up one hill (Bridge Valley Road) and down one hill (Constitution Hill) but the route is mostly flat.
Can I walk on my own?
Although you can enter The Midnight Walk alone, we recommend that you encourage some friends or family members to take part with you or you can always meet people on the night to walk with.
Will I get lost?
No, we have got lead walkers that will show you the way!
Can I run?
The Midnight Walk is not a race; therefore running is not an option.
On the night
Can I register on the night?
No, there will be no registration on the evening. If a friend of family member would like to be involved they can do so as a volunteer. In this case please email their details to midnightwalk@stpetershospice.org
Is training necessary?
It is advisable that you prepare yourself for the walk, especially if you are not used to walking long distances. Some people find brisk 15-30min walks during the weeks leading up to the event help limber up the joints. Click here to view the Hints and tips page.
What shall I wear?
We recommend that you wear comfortable clothing, bring waterproofs (you just never know!) and well fitting and well worn in footwear. Most importantly please make sure you wear your Midnight Walk t-shirt as your top layer! Wearing your t-shirt also allows our marshals to recognise you and provide appropriate support if needed.
Is fancy dress allowed?
Yes, please feel free to dress up and be creative. This will really make you and your family/friends and work mates stand out! Plus this will really add to the fun of the night! One thing we ask for is if you could please wear your t-shirt as your top layer.
Will there be any water available?
There will be water at the mid point and refreshments at the finish line, but we suggest you bring water with you on the night.
Will there be toilets?
Yes, there will be toilets at the start in Bristol City Football Ground, The Downs, by the Floating Harbour and finish point.
Is a torch necessary?
Yes, most of the route will be lit, although there are some areas that are darker therefore please make sure to bring a hand or head torch with you on the night.
What happens if I can’t complete the walk?
Lifts will also be available throughout the night to collect anyone at any point during the route. However, all walkers must return to Ashton Gate Stadium and hand in their chip, regardless of whether they complete the course.
Fundraising
Is there a minimum amount you need to raise?
We have not set a minimum sponsorship amount that you need to raise, but we would encourage everybody to raise as much as possible, because every penny counts. Your entry fee will help us cover the cost of organising the event, so it is vitally important that you raise sponsorship money on top of your entry fee. You should receive your sponsorship forms and fundraising tips in the welcome pack to help you boost your sponsor money.
Can I Gift Aid my donation?
You can ask each person who sponsors you to gift aid their donation by ticking the gift aid box on the sponsorship form. Only personal donations are eligible for gift aid. Please make sure your sponsors fill in their complete home address and postcode, otherwise we are unable to claim Gift Aid.
Can I hand in my sponsor money in on the night?
Unfortunately we will not have the facilities to take money on the night so please do not bring your sponsor money with you. We ask that you return your sponsor money to The Fundraising team, St Peter’s Hospice, 58 Royal York Crescent, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 4JP with your sponsorship forms.
Volunteering
Walking is not for me but can I help in any other way?
Yes! You can help by volunteering on the night to help us with registration, parking, marshalling and many other important roles.