ALS Walk checklist: what to arrange and when

An ALS Walk needs more than a marked route and a start time. You need to secure the location, check permissions, process registrations, brief volunteers and prepare signs, starter packs and rest areas before participants arrive. This checklist puts the work in a practical order, from recording the date and route to opening the venue and checking the course again. It also covers commonly missed details such as dietary requirements, printed participant lists, power supplies and weather-dependent equipment.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Record date and route
2 people
Check permits
2 people
Reserve starting location
Mark out the walking route
3 people
Reserve rest stop
Send invitations
2 people
Process registrations
2 people
Collect dietary requirements
Assign volunteers
2 people
Confirm start and end times
Share the route digitally
Print participant list
Re-inspect route
2 people
Do the shopping
2 people
Assemble starter packs
3 people
Check materials
2 people
Sort route signs
2 people
Check the weather forecast

Event

Open venue
2 people
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
Build party tents
4 people
Set up registration desk
2 people
Prepare coffee and tea
2 people
Set up a rest area
3 people
Put up route signs
4 people
Conduct a safety check
2 people
Receive participants
4 people
Hand out race numbers
3 people
Give the opening speech
Guide walkers
6 people
Staff the rest area
3 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Serve snacks
2 people
Register arrival
2 people
Provide donation information
2 people
Handle the closing
2 people

Aftercare

Collect route signs
4 people
Take down materials
4 people
Wash dishes
2 people
Collect waste
3 people
Clean the venue
3 people
Return materials
2 people
Store leftover stock
2 people
Thank participants

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 6
Folding chairsqty 30
Waste binsqty 6

Equipment

Portable sound system
Megaphonesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 3
Coolersqty 4
Kettlesqty 2

Sports equipment

Route arrowsqty 40
Conesqty 20
Bib numbersqty 100
Wristbandsqty 100
Clipboardsqty 6

Safety

Vests for volunteersqty 12
First aid kitsqty 2
Disposable ice packsqty 10
Flashlightsqty 6

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 100
Reusable platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Coffee potsqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4

Decorations

ALS bannersqty 4
Flagsqty 20
Tableclothsqty 6

Lighting

LED lampsqty 6

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 3
Spongesqty 6
Dishclothsqty 12

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Confirm the route and permissions before inviting people. Allow at least 4–6 weeks to check permits, reserve the start location and rest stop, and arrange route marking.
Close registrations early enough to print an accurate participant list and prepare bib numbers, wristbands and starter packs. A 3–5 day buffer gives you time to resolve missing details.
Assign volunteers by position, not just by total number. Cover registration, route points, the rest area and first aid, then give each person a vest, briefing and contact method.
Re-inspect the route on the day or the evening before, especially after bad weather. Check that route arrows and cones are visible, diversions are clear, and signs have not been moved.
Prepare the start and rest areas in a fixed sequence: tables and chairs first, then tents, registration materials, coffee and tea, waste bins and lighting. Test the portable sound system, extension cords and power strips before participants arrive.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise an ALS Walk?: Start planning at least 6 weeks before the walk. Use the first weeks for the date, route, permits, locations and volunteer planning, then leave the final 3–5 days for registrations, shopping and packing.
What should I prepare for ALS Walk registration?: Prepare a printed participant list, bib numbers or wristbands, clipboards and pens, plus a clear registration table. Set up the desk at least 60 minutes before the confirmed start time so late arrivals do not delay the walk.
How many volunteers do I need for an ALS Walk?: Plan at least one volunteer for registration, one for the rest area and one for each route point that needs directing. Add a lead coordinator and first-aid cover; the final number depends on the route length and number of intersections.
When should I check the weather for an ALS Walk?: Check the forecast 3 days before the event and again the evening before. On the morning itself, decide where to place party tents, coolers, LED lamps and other equipment based on wind, rain and visibility.

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