Six-Day Walk checklist: what to arrange and when

A six-day walk needs more than a route and a registration form. You need confirmed start and finish locations, measured routes, permits, rest stops, toilets, volunteers and clear participant information. Plan the main logistics several weeks ahead, then sort materials and instructions by walking day. Use the final week to check route markings, medical supplies, groceries and volunteer coverage so each morning starts without last-minute decisions.

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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

Reserve start and finish locations
2 people
Set routes per day
3 people
Check and remeasure routes
3 people
Arrange permits and notifications
2 people
Coordinate traffic measures
2 people
Determine rest stops per route
3 people
Reserve toilets for rest stops
Recruit volunteers
2 people
Send invitations
2 people
Process registrations
2 people
Collect dietary requirements
Send participant information
2 people
Assign start times and groups
2 people
Have route maps printed
Collect medical contact details
Create the volunteer schedule
2 people
Make bib numbers and stamp cards
2 people
Prepare route arrows and ribbons
3 people
Check medical supplies
2 people
Check stock and groceries
2 people
Print route instructions
Sort materials by day
3 people

Event

Set up the start and finish area
6 people
Mark out the route
6 people
Set up rest areas
6 people
Set up the registration desk
3 people
Register participants
4 people
Hand out race numbers
3 people
Brief participants
2 people
See off the hikers
3 people
Staff rest points
8 people
Hand out water and snacks
6 people
Keep track of finish times
3 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Carry out the final route check
2 people
Remove Day Route
4 people
Set out the Day 2 route
6 people
Set up Day 2 rest stops
6 people
Open the start table
3 people
Check in and start participants
4 people
Staff Day 2 rest stops
8 people
Hand out water and snacks on Day 2
6 people
Register Day 2 finish
3 people
Check the Day 2 route
2 people
Set out the Day 3 route
6 people
Set up rest stops for Day 3
6 people
Let Day 3 participants start
4 people
Staff Day 3 Rest Stops
8 people
Distribute Day 3 Care Supplies
6 people
Register Day 3 Finish
3 people
Check the Day 3 route
2 people
Set out Day 4 route
6 people
Set up rest stops for Day 4
6 people
Get the participants started on Day 4
4 people
Staff the Day 4 rest points
8 people
Distribute Day 4 supplies
6 people
Register Day 4 Finish
3 people
Check the Day 4 route
2 people
Set out the Day 5 route
6 people
Set up the Day 5 rest stops
6 people
Let Day 5 participants start
4 people
Staff the Day 5 rest stops
8 people
Distribute Day 5 refreshments
6 people
Register the Day 5 finish
3 people
Check the Day 5 route
2 people
Set out the final course
6 people
Set up the final rest stops
6 people
Let final participants start
4 people
Staff the final rest stops
8 people
Hand out final care packages
6 people
Register finishers
4 people
Handle medal ceremony
4 people
Serve closing drinks and snacks
6 people
Check the final route
2 people

Aftercare

Clear the finish area
5 people
Clear Day 2 Materials
5 people
Clear away Day 3 materials
5 people
Clear away Day 4 materials
5 people
Clear Day 5 Materials
5 people
Remove all route signs
6 people
Clear the finish area
8 people
Clean dishes and materials
4 people
Collect and remove waste
4 people
Leave venues clean
4 people
Return borrowed materials
2 people
Clear away unused stock
2 people
Register lost and found items

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 8
Registration tablesqty 4
Foldable tablesqty 12
Chairsqty 40
Waste binsqty 12
Changing room screensqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 300
Reusable platesqty 200
Cutlery setsqty 200
Coffee cupsqty 100
Water jugsqty 20

Equipment

Coolersqty 12
Kettlesqty 4
Coffee machinesqty 4
Mobile phonesqty 12
Power banksqty 12
Walkie-talkiesqty 10

Sports equipment

Route arrowsqty 180
Barrier tapeqty 20
Route signsqty 36
Stamp cardsqty 180
Bib numbersqty 180
Stampsqty 12
Medal ribbonsqty 180
Walking sticksqty 12
Collapsible cratesqty 24
Measuring wheelsqty 2
Flashlightsqty 12
Reflective vestsqty 30
Umbrellasqty 12

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 8
Paring knivesqty 8
Serving spoonsqty 12
Thermos flasksqty 20
Ice packsqty 48
Food containersqty 30
Nitrile glovesqty 400

First aid

First aid kitsqty 4
Bandagesqty 300
Blister plastersqty 250
Elastic bandagesqty 20
Blanketsqty 20
Disposable glovesqty 100
Disinfectantqty 6

Lighting

LED lanternsqty 12
Batteriesqty 48

Decorations

Buntingqty 12
Welcome signsqty 6
Stage ribbonsqty 6

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the routes for all six days before opening registration, then check and remeasure them after permits, roadworks or detours are confirmed. Print route maps and instructions only after the final distances and markings are settled.
Arrange rest stops for every route and reserve toilets early. Give each stop a clear supply plan, including water, cups, tables, waste bins and any dietary or medical considerations collected from participants.
Recruit volunteers before assigning start groups, because registration, route marking, rest areas and the finish all need cover at the same time. Create one schedule per day and share contact details before the first walk.
Send participant information at least one week before day one. Include start times and groups, route instructions, registration requirements, medical contact details and what participants should do if they arrive late.
Sort arrows, ribbons, signs, bib numbers, stamp cards, stamps, reflective vests and medical supplies into six labelled daily sets. Check each set the evening before, rather than searching for missing materials at the start the next morning.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a six-day walk?: Start planning at least 8 to 12 weeks ahead, especially if permits, traffic measures or public locations are involved. Confirm routes, rest stops, toilets and volunteer needs before registrations open.
When should I finalise the routes for a six-day walk?: Aim to finalise and remeasure all six routes 2 to 3 weeks before the event. Recheck them again during the final week for roadworks, access changes and missing or damaged signs.
How many volunteers do I need for a six-day walk?: Make a role list before recruiting: registration, route marking, rest stops, traffic points, medical support and the finish area. Build each daily schedule with named replacements, and finish it at least 7 days before day one.
When should participants receive the six-day walk information?: Send the practical participant information 7 to 10 days before the start. Include assigned start times and groups, route details, contact procedures, medical information requirements and any dietary arrangements.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.