How to organise an ALS Walk from start to finish

Start by fixing the date, route and starting location, then work outward to permits, registrations and volunteer roles. A reliable ALS Walk plan also includes a rest stop, clear route marking and a practical registration desk. Recheck the route before the event, prepare participant materials in advance and assign one person to monitor weather and safety. On the day itself, allow enough time to open the venue, set up tables, signs and tents, and prepare coffee, tea and the rest area before walkers arrive.

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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

1
Record date and route
2 people
2
Check permits
2 people
3
Reserve starting location
4
Mark out the walking route
3 people
5
Reserve rest stop
6
Send invitations
2 people
7
Process registrations
2 people
8
Collect dietary requirements
9
Assign volunteers
2 people
10
Confirm start and end times
11
Share the route digitally
12
Print participant list
13
Re-inspect route
2 people
14
Do the shopping
2 people
15
Assemble starter packs
3 people
16
Check materials
2 people
17
Sort route signs
2 people
18
Check the weather forecast

Event

19
Open venue
2 people
20
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
21
Build party tents
4 people
22
Set up registration desk
2 people
23
Prepare coffee and tea
2 people
24
Set up a rest area
3 people
25
Put up route signs
4 people
26
Conduct a safety check
2 people
27
Receive participants
4 people
28
Hand out race numbers
3 people
29
Give the opening speech
30
Guide walkers
6 people
31
Staff the rest area
3 people
32
Refill drinks
2 people
33
Serve snacks
2 people
34
Register arrival
2 people
35
Provide donation information
2 people
36
Handle the closing
2 people

Aftercare

37
Collect route signs
4 people
38
Take down materials
4 people
39
Wash dishes
2 people
40
Collect waste
3 people
41
Clean the venue
3 people
42
Return materials
2 people
43
Store leftover stock
2 people
44
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 permits before sending invitations. Re-inspect the full route close to the event, because construction, blocked paths or changed access can affect signs and rest-stop timing.
Set a firm registration deadline and record dietary requirements at least several days before the walk. Print the participant list and prepare bib numbers or wristbands before the registration desk opens.
Assign volunteers to specific jobs rather than simply asking for general help. Cover registration, route guidance, the rest area, setup and first aid, and give route volunteers visible vests and a way to communicate.
Plan the starting area backwards from the start time. Allow at least 60 minutes for tables, chairs, tents, signs, route arrows, registration materials, coffee and tea to be ready before participants arrive.
Check power and weather arrangements no later than the day before. Test kettles, the portable sound system and lighting, and keep first aid kits, ice packs, flashlights and waste bins easy to reach.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise an ALS Walk?: Start planning at least 8 to 12 weeks before the walk. Use the first weeks for the date, route, starting location, permits and rest stop, then open registrations and assign volunteers.
When should I check the walking route?: Check the route when you mark it out and again within 48 hours before the event. The final inspection should confirm that every sign location, crossing, rest area and access point still works.
How many volunteers do I need for an ALS Walk?: Plan at least one coordinator plus one volunteer for registration, each key route section, the rest area and first aid or safety support. For a small walk, begin with 6 to 10 volunteers and add more for a longer or busier route.
How early should setup start on the day of the walk?: Start setup at least 90 minutes before participants are due to arrive. This gives you time to open the venue, build tents, arrange tables and chairs, set up registration, prepare drinks and place route signs.

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