Frequently asked questions

To purchase tickets for the event sign up here

When you register, your fundraising page will be automatically set up for you.

You can only purchase a ticket for yourself. Anyone else who would like to join you needs to purchase their own ticket.

The challenge is on Sunday 13 September 2026.

You will have the option to choose a start time from the below during registration:

6:30am
6:50am
7:10am
7:30am

If you'll be walking at a slower pace, please select an earlier start time and if you'll be walking at a faster pace, select a later start time.

This is a 26.2‑mile (42km), marathon‑distance trek across the South Downs, ending at The Royal Marsden's site in Sutton. Expect rolling hills with some steep ascents/descents, mixed grass/gravel paths, occasional tarmac sections and a few road crossings. 

Yes, tickets are £25 per person.

Most walkers complete 26.2 miles in 8-12 hours, depending on fitness, weather and terrain. We’ll publish a route cut‑off and checkpoint closure schedule in advance so you can plan breaks.

No, there is no competitive aspect to this trek. The aim is simply to walk 26.2 miles to raise money for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. 

There is, however, a cut of time of 8pm to ensure that all participants have crossed the finish line and can celebrate together.

Yes, there will be a route map provided on the day as well as plenty of signposting and volunteers to help you find your way. 

We aim to make The Big Marsden Trek as inclusive as possible and will do our best to support participants with health conditions or disabilities. However, please note that our routes are not wheelchair accessible. 

If you have any questions about accessibility or specific needs that could help make the trek more comfortable for you, we encourage you to get in touch with us at fundraising.events@rmh.nhs.uk 

The minimum age limit for The Big Marsden Trek is 18.
All participants must be at least 18 on event day, and must be able to complete the 26.2 mile trek.

Your fundraising page target is automatically set to £350 and so we ask that you do your best to reach this target or just raise as much as you possibly can. We are really grateful for all your efforts and support.

Yes, this event is a fundraising challenge, and every penny raised will support our cause. The suggested fundraising target is £350 per person, but this is just a guide – every contribution, big or small, makes a real difference.

• Share your Fundraising page loud and proud, you’re doing something amazing so make sure to let everyone know.
• Tell your story, let friends and family know why you’re supporting our cause and why their support would mean the world to you.

You can pay in your offline donations in a few ways. Please make cheques out to 'The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity' and send to the below address with a note of your full name and a reference to 'Big Marsden Trek'. 

The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity 
Fulham Road 
London 
SW3 6JJ 

Or if you would like to find out about other ways to pay your sponsorship in, such as bank transfer, please contact us at fundraising.events@rmh.nhs.uk

Your fundraising page will remain open for donations until 13 October.

A downloadable sponsorship form is available here

During the registration process you will be asked if you would like to ‘join’ or ‘create’ a team. Simply select ‘join’ and a search bar will appear where you can search for the team you would like to join.  
 
Once a team has been created, you can also join at any time after registration by logging in, searching for your team page and clicking ‘Join Us’. Make sure the team captain has chosen to make the team ‘Public’  in the team page settings to allow others to join, and this button will appear on the page!

During the registration process you will be asked if you would like to ‘create’ a team.  

Then you can choose your team name and fundraising target, and decide whether you would like others to be able to join your team - you can do this by making the team 'public' or 'private'.

You can also create a team after registration by  logging in and clicking the ‘Create a Team’ button on your dashboard.  

Your ticket includes:

• The Big Marsden Trek Top 
• Snacks 
• Refreshments 
• Support along the route
• A medal 
• Pizza at the finish!

If you have a change in circumstances you are more than welcome to cancel your place. To process a cancellation please get in touch with fundraising.events@rmh.nhs.uk 

Yes, you can change your trekking top! Although we are unable to offer exchanges via post, you are more than welcome to pop into The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity's office in Sutton to pick up a different size. Alternatively, there will be a chance to exchange on the day, although this is subject to availability. 

We’ll be sending these out on a weekly basis from June onwards. If you haven’t received yours by 1 September, please get in touch with us.

Good preparation is key to getting the most out of the trek. To help with your preparation, we will send you a training guide and we'll be sharing lots of useful tips & tricks for the day!

This is a difficult trek so trainng is essential. Please make sure you are prepared and fit enough to complete the 26.2 miles before the day.

There is no specified equipment that you have to bring, except the top and walker number we send  after you sign up. 

We do, however, recommend bringing the following:

• Walking boots
• Padded walking socks
• Walking trousers or leggings
• Wicking base
• Waterproof jacket
• Waterproof trousers
• Hat and gloves
• Cap and sunglasses
• 20-30 litre backpack 
• Walking poles
• Small first-aid kit
• Headtorch
• Water bottle
• Food and snacks
• Suncream
• Electrolytes