What's Challenge Walk MS?

This will be the greatest walk you’ll ever take: connecting to end multiple sclerosis over 2 days, 50k (30 miles)! The walk challenges you to push past your limits both physically and philanthropically. Funds raised through Challenge Walk MS drive cutting-edge research and support vital programs and services for people living with MS. It’s not about being athletic — it’s about showing compassion. Join our commitment to raise funds and awareness about a disease that affects 2.3 million people worldwide.

Who do I make checks payable to?

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, 200 12th Ave S., Minneapolis, MN 55415. The donations mailed into our office will be entered into your online account. Please include your name and the event in the memo field or in a separate note included with the donations. All walkers must turn in at least $750 in donations by Sept. 20 in order to walk. If you have not turned in the minimum pledge by the start of the event, the Society will discuss payment options, including charging the balance onto a credit card, with you.

How old do I have to be to participate?

Walkers must be 12 years old or older by Sept. 20 in order to participate in Challenge Walk MS. Parents must still walk in the event with their child age 12 to 17 at all times. No children under the age of 12 are permitted to walk. All participants under the age of 18 must bring a notarized waiver, signed by a parent, to the event. Please call the chapter at 800-582-5296 to request a special waiver be mailed to you.

Where do I make accommodations for the weekend?

Walkers and crew will sleep indoors on the Sabes Jewish Community Center's gymnasium floor. If you have any questions regarding accomodations, please contact 800-582-5296 or specialevents@MSsociety.org.

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

We're 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, we provide accommodations, all meals, full route support and more enthusiasm than you can imagine!

What if I can't collect my pledges?

When you participate in Challenge Walk MS, you're making a commitment to fulfill the $750 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 Challenge Walk MS.

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.

What happens if it rains?

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

Is my registration fee refundable?

Please contact the Upper Midwest Chapter for more information at 800-582-5296 or specialevents@MSsociety.org.

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

Yes! Your friend will need to go to the registration check-in table to pay a full registration fee as well as turning in the $750 pledge minimum. We encourage everyone to pre-register.

What should I tell my friends and family members who want to be a part of Challenge Walk MS but don't want to walk?

They sound like the perfect candidates for Challenge Walk MS Crew! Being a Crew member is a uniquely rewarding experience. Crew members are the backbone of Challenge Walk MS. They help drive trucks, run rest stops, deliver luggage, mark the route and more. They're part of the challenge every step of the way: sleeping, eating and working with the walkers until the final step across the finish line. The registration fee for Crew varies, depending on when you register, and Crew members receive all the benefits of a walker, including meals, T-shirts and even a medal! Although Crew members are not required to raise money, we appreciate it when they do. For more information about being a Crew member, contact Will at 612-335-7992 or will.ziegenhagen@nmss.org.

Where are we walking?

You will begin your journey with 20 miles on Saturday in and around the western suburbs and finish back at Sabes Jewish Community Center. On Sunday, you will finish the 10-mile journey walking into downtown Minneapolis with a victory march across the Stone Arch Bridge. By foot you will see things you never knew existed!

How many miles do we walk each day?

We walk approximately 20 miles the first day and 10 miles the second day.

What if I get out there and can't walk the 30 miles?

Don't worry; we will not track your miles. We have chariot vans that drive the entire route to ensure your safety. If at any time you need a lift to the next rest stop, or even to the overnight location, just give the van driver a thumbs down gesture and he or she will pick you up.

Do we carry our food with us on Challenge Walk MS?

Though it would be a great work out, carrying all your gear wouldn't be very much fun.Your gear will stay in Sabes JCC gym while you walk Saturday and can stay at the JCC while you walk Sunday or be transported to the finish — whichever you choose! All you have to do is show up and walk. We do however, require that you carry water bottles and identification with you at all times while on the route. We also recommend carrying sun block, body-glide and any other toiletries you need while walking.

How many bags can we bring?

Each walker is allowed to bring three overnight bags and one “half-way” bag. The “half-way” bag is a smaller duffle bag that will be transported to the lunch stop Saturday so you can change your socks and shoes and shed or add any layers you need. We love our volunteers and want to keep them happy, so please limit each bag to 40 pounds for their safety.

What do we eat on Challenge Walk MS?

The Society provides all meals and snacks throughout your journey. We have vegetarian options at every meal. We also have fully stocked rest stops approximately every three miles along the route. These rest stops have fruit, granola bars, Gatorade, water and other snacks. If you have special dietary needs, we recommend you bring any supplemental foods you may need for the weekend.

How do I train for this event?

Check out the training guide. If you have additional questions about training, contact Allison at 612-335-7921 or allison.wagner@nmss.org.

I use a scooter or wheelchair; can I still participate in Challenge Walk MS?

Absolutely, we'd love to have you. Our route and overnight accommodations are fully accessible.

Can I bring my dog?

While we appreciate that many people enjoy walking with their pets, your dog will have to spend the weekend of Challenge Walk MS at a canine retreat. Pets cannot participate in Challenge Walk MS.

What if I forgot my Username and Password?

Remember that your username and password are case sensitive. Click here to find your password. You will receive an e-mail with your username and password. If you still have problems, please contact 800-582-5296 or specialevents@MSsociety.org.

How do I change my Username and Password?

First, log in to the site using your username and password. Once logged in, you'll see a link at the top of the page called "Update My Profile." Once in your profile, you'll be able to change your contact information, email address, username and password. All changes will be made to your account immediately. There's no need to sign in again.

What's a personal page?

A personal page is an online promotional tool for your use when asking your friends and family to join your team or sponsor you by making a donation. Once you sign up for an event online, by default, a personal page will be created for you. You have the option of personalizing this page by going to your Participant Center. You'll be able to customize images, text and the style/color layout of the page.

By default, I have a personal page; do I have to change it?

A compelling personal page attracts and engages supporters. While you can spread the word using customized email solicitations, your personal campaign page can be your own creative expression of your commitment to the cause. Customize your page by selecting the layout and style that work best for you. Utilize the elements of text, photo and status indicators to their fullest advantage.

How do I change my personal fundraising goal?

First, you will need to log in to your Challenge Walk MS Participant Center. On the home page is the location to modify your personal fundraising goal. Enter your new goal and submit the changes.

How do I change my team name, team division or team goal?

Only the team captain has the ability to change the team name or team division. The team captain will need to login to his/her Participant Center, and click the "My Team Progress" button on the top right. On the Team Progress page, team captains will have the ability to update the team name, division and goal.

How can I see who has donated to me?

Log in to the site using your Username and Password. Go to your Participant Center, and click the "Progress" tab; this will allow you to view your donor list and any amounts having been donated.

How can I see who is on my team?

Log in to the site using your Username and Password. Go to your Participant Center, and click the "Team Progress" tab; this will allow you to view your team roster and the amounts raised by each team member.

What's a team message?

Simply go to your Participant Center and click the "Email Team" button. This will allow you to make all necessary changes to your team message.

What's the difference between making my personal page private or public?

By default, a personal page is Public, meaning your name will appear in the participant search list, and anyone accessing the site will be able to support you. Setting your personal page to Private means your name will not appear in the participant search list, and only people you personally invite will be able to support you.

How do I create a shortcut URL for my personal page?

In your Participant Center, go to the Personal Page tab. Where it says "Create a Custom URL," click edit and enter a shortcut. The resulting shortcut URL will be http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/xxx, where xxx is the shortcut you choose. Click the Save button when done.