|
Event details
Challenge Walk MS: Twin Cities, Sept. 24 to 26, 2010, is an inspirational weekend and beautiful walk through the heart of the Twin Cities.
Fundraising requirements
The 2010 fundraising minimum is $1,500 for all returning Challenge Walkers.
*New -- All first time Challenge Walkers have a fundraising minimum of only $900!
Challenge Walk MS is an event through which we are able to change lives and help thousands of people who have MS. Let your steps be heard, journey toward a world free of MS.
Details are subject to change.
Parking
Weekend parking is available at Shirley Hills Primary School (2450 Wilshire Blvd., Mound, MN 55364). Volunteers direct you to the correct lot upon arrival. Please make sure to display the weekend parking form, enclosed in the event packet mailing, on your dashboard.
Check-in and pre-check-in
At check-in, you receive your event credentials including your name badge, weekend itinerary, mileage information and luggage tags. Raise the fundraising minimum by Sept. 16 and enjoy the perk of pre-check-in at the MS Society office Thursday, Sept. 16, 12 to 7 p.m. Avoid lines on event day — start fundraising today! Regular check in is 6:30 to 7:30 a.m., Friday, Sept. 24 at Shirley Hills Primary School.
Luggage
You get three luggage tags imprinted with your walker number. Attach these tags securely to your luggage. You are responsible for loading your luggage onto a truck each day and claiming it at each overnight location. Your luggage is transported from start to overnight throughout the weekend. Please observe a 40-pound weight limit for each piece of luggage.
A fourth tag is provided for a half-way bag that will be transported on a separate truck to the half-way point each day. You can pack this bag with an extra pair of shoes and change of socks and clothes.
Walker ID and emergency/medical information
Walkers must wear the credentials received at check-in at all times during the event. Identification and any necessary medical information may be easily stored in the credential pocket.
Rest stops
Rest stops are located approximately every three miles with pit stops approximately every 1.5 miles. Rest stops are stocked with water, sports drinks, fruit and snacks. Pit stops have only water and toilets. Portable toilets are available at all stops.
Support and meals
We provide breakfast, lunch and dinner each day, water and snack stops, hot showers, nightly entertainment, route guides and markings, transportation for gear from overnight to overnight, medical support and transportation between rest stops. We also provide indoor and outdoor camping, though most folks decide to sleep inside slumber party style. Vegetarian options are available at every meal. Contact the event coordinator to make this request.
Victory march and closing ceremony
On the final day of Challenge Walk MS, we will gather at a special staging area. From there we march as a group to the closing ceremony. If you are still on the route near the time of our victory march, you will be picked up and transported to the staging area. Tell your friends, family and sponsors to gather at the finish line to witness your arrival and cheer you on.
Weekend itinerary
DAY 1: FRIDAY, SEPT. 24
Start site: Shirley Hills Primary School, 2450 Wilshire Blvd., Mound, MN 55364
6:30-7:30 a.m.
Arrive at Shirley Hills Primary School where volunteers direct you to parking and load your luggage and halfway bag. You may choose to be dropped off or park. If parking for the weekend, make sure to bring the enclosed weekend parking form to display on your dashboard. Enjoy a continental breakfast before the opening ceremony.
7:30-8 a.m.
Opening ceremony and stretch. Friday’s route is approximately 20 miles. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Lake Minnetonka and trails as you head to St. Louis Park.
Noon-5 p.m.
Walkers arrive at Sabes Jewish Community Center to check in with event staff. Luggage is unloaded in numbered rows. Facility offers private showers, locker rooms and swimming pool.
3-6 p.m.
Relax and take advantage of massages.
5-6:15 p.m.
Dinner.
6:30 p.m.
Begin gathering outside for the candlelight ceremony.
10-p.m.
Goodnight, lights out!
Friday overnight
Sabes Jewish Community Center, 4330 Cedar Lake Road S., St Louis Park, MN 55416
NEW — Hotel option
Doubletree Hotel Minneapolis Park Place, 1500 Park Place Blvd., Minneapolis, MN 55416
If you prefer the comforts of a hotel stay rather than indoor or outdoor camping provided by the MS Society, a block of rooms is available for $75 per night. Call 800-245-9190 and reference National MS Society Challenge Walk MS TC Group for the group rate. Reservations must be made by Sept. 10 to secure a room. A shuttle will transport participants to and from the hotel.
DAY 2: SATURDAY, SEPT. 25
Start site: Sabes Jewish Community Center, 4330 Cedar Lake Road S., St. Louis Park, MN 55416
5:30-6 a.m.
Lights on, rise and shine!
6-7:30 a.m.
Hot breakfast and coffee is served. Luggage and halfway bags are loaded outside of gymnasium.
6:30-7:45 a.m.
Start walking. Saturday's route is another 20 miles, providing the sights of the Twin Cities skyline and the Mississippi River.
12:30-5 p.m.
Walkers arrive at Roseville Area High School where they will receive a victory march T-shirt. Luggage is unloaded in numbered rows. Facility offers private showers and locker rooms.
3-6 p.m.
Relax and take advantage of massages.
4-5 p.m.
A group meeting will be held for people with MS and for care partners in cafeteria.
5-6:15 p.m.
Dinner.
6:30 p.m.
Join us for the infamous Challenge Walk MS Pep Rally. Compete in one or all categories. Competitions include:
- Best team T-shirt
- Best song or poem
- Best flag
- Best Solid Gold theme dresser of the day
10 p.m.
Goodnight, lights out!
Saturday overnight
Roseville Area High School, County Road B-2 West, Roseville, MN 55113
NEW — Hotel option
Radisson Hotel Roseville, 2540 N. Cleveland Ave., Roseville, MN 55113
If you prefer the comforts of a hotel stay rather than the indoor or outdoor camping provided by the MS Society, a block of rooms is available for $95 per night. Call 651-636-4567 and reference Challenge Walk for the group rate. Reservations must be made by Sept. 7 to secure a room. You may also book your reservation online at www.radisson.com/challenge. A shuttle
will transport participants to and from the hotel.
DAY 3: SUNDAY, SEPT. 26
The final steps of your journey cover approximately 10 miles. This stretch takes you through the historic “Nordeast” neighborhood of Minneapolis. We will gather at a staging area oasis and prepare for the victory march to Boom Island Park (724 Sibley St. N.E., Minneapolis, MN 55413).
5:30-6 a.m.
Lights on, rise and shine!
6-7:30 a.m.
Big breakfast and coffee are served. Luggage and halfway bags are loaded outside gymnasium.
6:30-7:45 a.m.
Start walking.
STAGING AREA OASIS AND FINISH
11:30 a.m.
Check in at the staging area oasis where light snacks and refreshments are served. Register for Challenge Walk MS: Twin Cities 2011 for only $25! Team photos.
11:45 a.m.
Victory march begins.
12:30 a.m.
Closing ceremony and finish line photos.
12:45 a.m.
Shuttle leaves for Shirley Hills Primary School for weekend parkers. | 
