What is Challenge Walk MS?

Capital Challenge Walk MS is an endurance challenge hosted by the National MS Society. The event will raise funds to end multiple sclerosis (MS), increase public awareness of the disease, and promote health and fitness. The Challenge Walk is expected to host several hundred walkers and volunteers and raise hundreds of thousands of dollars to support local chapter programs and services, as well as national research initiatives. We'll be there with you every step of the way during this life-changing journey.

To whom do I make checks payable?

Please make all checks payable to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

What do I do with cash and checks I receive as donations?

Donations can be mailed to the National MS Society, National Capital Chapter at 1800 M Street, NW Suite 750 South in Washington, DC 20036. The donations mailed into our office will be entered into your online account. Please include your name and the event in the memo field and on the deposit slip included with the donations. All walkers must turn in at least $1,500 in donations by Saturday, September 20th, 2014 in order to walk. If you have not turned in the minimum pledge by the start of the event, the National MS Society will discuss payment options, including charging the balance onto a credit card, with you.

How old do I have to be to participate?

The minimum age to participate is 12.  Any participant between the ages of 12 and 18 MUST have a parent or guardian present at all times throughout the weekend (including in SAG vehicles).  No one under the age of 12 is allowed to participate.  Additionally, any participant who is under the age of 18 MUST have a signed and notarized waiver.  Anyone 18 and over may participate. 

Where do I make accommodations for the weekend?

All participants spend the night together in a designated overnight site, usually a school gymnasium.  We highly encourage participants to pack accordingly and bring sleeping bag, pillows, air mattresses, and anything else you might need.  Your luggage will be picked up and transported to the overnight from the starting point, so you do not need to worry about getting it to the overnight yourself!   For more information please visit our accommodations page or contact CapitalChallengeWalkMS@nmss.org or 202-296-5363, option 2 for details.

How much does it cost to register for Challenge Walk MS?

For teams, there are two options.  The team captain may choose to have each member register individually and submit his or her own registration fee.  Or, the team captain can register the team and pay a team registration fee, which covers registration for the entire team.  Registration rates and links to register can be found on our Capital Challenge Walk MS Homepage.  

Participants may register for $25/person or $100/team through 2/1/2014.
From 2/1/2014 to 5/1/2014, participants may register for $40/person or $150/team.
Beginning 9/21/2014 registration fees increase to $55/person or $200/team.

What kind of support does the National MS Society offer to Challenge Walk MS?

We are here to support you every step of the way. This includes pre-event things such as building a team and helping you with fundraising and training. During the event, there will be rest stops every few miles.  These will have restrooms, water, and snacks.  Additionally, there will be SAG (support and gear) vehicles along the route.  They can assist any walkers who need assistance along the route or who need to take a break from the walk.

What if I can't collect my pledges?

When you participate in Challenge Walk MS, you are making a commitment to fulfill the $1,500 pledge minimum. We count on each and every dollar to support MS research and to provide and services for people living with MS. If you are finding it difficult to collect your pledges, please call us. We can provide you with some fundraising ideas. Participants unable to meet the minimum pledge requirement will not be allowed to participate in the activities of the Capital Challenge Walk.

Where will my donation go?

The donations from Challenge Walk MS drive cutting-edge MS research and support vital programs and services for people living with MS.

Where is the Capital Challenge Walk MS?

The Capital Challenge Walk MS will take place in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. For safety and security reasons, we will not release the route until the day of the event. The starting point will be announced closer to the event as the location is confirmed and the walk will finish at the U.S. Capitol. We encourage friends and family to gather at the start and at the U.S. Capitol to cheer walkers on as they cross the finish line. Please note that event details are subject to change for 2014.

What happens if it rains?

Keep your fingers crossed! We hope that it will not rain during the Challenge Walk MS, but we will walk rain or shine so please pack accordingly.  In the event of lightning or other dangerous conditions, we will delay the event until conditions improve.

Is my registration fee refundable?

Please contact the National Capital Chapter for more information at CapitalChallengeWalkMS@nmss.org or 202-296-5363, option 2.

Can I bring a friend with me who didn't register prior to the event?

Absolutely!  We welcome all individuals who want to participate. Your friend will need to go to the registration check-in table on Saturday, September 20, 2014. Your friend will need to pay a full registration fee of $55 as well as turn in the $1,500 pledge minimum. We encourage everyone to pre-register. If you register at the event, you MUST submit your $1,500 fundraising minimum at registration, in addition to your registration fee. However, if you register any time after September 1, you will not be eligible for awards.

Can I start or join a team?  What is a team?  Tell me more about being on a team.

An official team is a group of four or more fundraising participants (walkers, Super Crew members, or virtual participants) who each commit to raising the $1,500 fundraising minimum.   After your four core team members register, Crew members and volunteers can join too!  Only official teams are eligible for Team Awards and the Elite Feet Team Club.  We also provide support for teams and team captains to help with fundraising ideas, recruitment, and building team spirit. This information and more can be found on the Teams page. 

Is there a minimum number of people for a team?

In order to be in eligible for awards, a team must have a minimum of four members.

Is there a fundraising minimum?  If we form a team, do we EACH have to raise $1,500?

Yes. Every participant, even those who are part of a team, has to raise $1,500 in order to take part in Capital Challenge Walk MS.  See the Teams page for more information about requirements for teams.

Is there an awards deadline?

Yes. In order to be considered for awards, we must receive your checks by September 15.

Will there be food provided?

Yes. We will provide food and beverages at all rest stops along the route, as well as lunch and dinner on Saturday and breakfast and lunch on Sunday. Any allergies or dietary requirements should be indicated on your registration form.

What if I have a food allergy?

Any allergies or other dietary requirements should be indicated on your registration form. 

Where can I park?

Please check back closer to the event, as more information will become available.

What if I didn't make my fundraising minimum?

All participants must meet the $1,500 fundraising minimum in order to participate in Challenge Walk MS. If you do not meet the minimum, you cannot walk but you are welcome to volunteer. 

What is a top fundraiser?

While we recognize all Capital Challenge Walk MS fundraising participants as top fundraisers, there are a few ways to get special recognition. See the Teams page for more details.

Can I bring my pet?

We do not allow pets—with the exception of assistance pets—to participate in the Capital Challenge Walk MS. 

How do I get a t-shirt?

Every Capital Challenge Walk MS participant will receive a day-two t-shirt and recognition item at the closing ceremony. We encourage teams to show their team spirit and camaraderie by making their own team gear for day one.

What if I need medication during the event?

All of our rest stops will have First Aid stations, and there will also be volunteer medics along the route.  If you need medicine carried, refrigerated, or handled, please indicate that on the registration form. 

Is the route accessible?

Yes!  The route is fully accessible.  If you need assistance, please alert us ahead of time by indicating that on your registration form. 

Can I bring my friends and family?

We highly encourage friends and family to come on Saturday morning to the beginning of the walk to cheer participants on as they kick-off the weekend, and to join us again on Sunday afternoon at the closing ceremony at the U.S. Capitol to cheer participants on as they cross the finish line.

If they would like to be a part of the weekend, they are more than welcome to volunteer or work as part of our crew.  However, we cannot accommodate family and friends who are not crewing or volunteering at the event.

What is the difference between a volunteer, a Crew member and a Super Crew member?

A volunteer is someone who is able to come for a few hours on a single day, or a few hours each on both days, but cannot be at the event all weekend.  There is no registration fee for volunteers.

A Crew member is someone who is at the event all weekend, from start to finish.  

Super Crew members pay the crew member registration fee and commit to raise the $1,500 fundraising minimum, just like the walkers, and volunteer for the weekend.

Check out the Volunteer page for more details!