Frequently asked questions

The Pink Ribbon Walk is a fundraising event for Action Breast Cancer, a programme of the Irish Cancer Society. In 2011, the Kells Walk will take place on 3rd September. The Walk route is circular and approximately 10 kilometres long.

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-Who can take part in the Pink Ribbon Walk?

The Pink Ribbon Walk is open to those of all abilities. And it's not just for the girls - men are welcome to take part! The minimum age to take part is 16 years, and those under the age of 18 must be accompanied at all times by a responsible adult. We request that there is at least one adult present for every two under-age walkers.

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-How fit do I have to be?

It doesn't matter if you are an experienced walker or have never done anything like this before as long as you put in the training. The Walk is designed to be challenging but achievable. There is plenty of time to train and we offer training advice to participants. The Walk is not meant to be competitive: it's all about having fun and experiencing a sense of camaraderie, whilst raising money for charity.

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-How much does it cost to take part in the Walk?

The entry fee to take part in the Pink Ribbon Walk is €20 per participant. This non-refundable entry fee covers the administration and various costs (health and safety, insurance, printing, etc.) involved in organising the Walk. For this entry fee, you will receive:

a Sponsorship form
an artist-designed Pink Ribbon Walk t-shirt to wear on the day
refreshments
toilet facilities on the route.
a Pink Ribbon Walk medal on completion of the Walk
a barbeque at the finish.

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-Can I still enter?

You can register online or download a registration form and return it to the Chamber of Commerce office in Carrick St with your €20 registration fee. Registrations will close on Friday, 2 September and NO registrations will be accepted on the day of the Walk.

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-How much sponsorship do I have to raise?

Each participant is asked to aim for €100 in sponsorship money (in addition to the €20 entry fee) which must be received by the Pink Ribbon Walk by Monday, 19 September.

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-Where do I get my t-shirt and race number?

You have two options:

Collect your t-shirt and race number on the Check-In night at the Headfort Arms Hotel in Kells between 6pm and 8pm on Friday, 2 September (the evening before the Walk)

Collect your t-shirt and race number on the day of the Walk at Drewstown House. If you are choosing this option, please get there early to give yourself enough time.

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-How do I hand in my sponsorship money?

You can hand in your sponsorship money at:

the Check-In night (Friday, 2 September from 6pm to 8pm) at the Headfort Arms Hotel in Kells
the registration desk at Drewstown House on the day of the Walk (3 September)
the Customer Service Desk of the Bank of Ireland, Kells
the Kells & District Chamber of Commerce office in Carrick St, Kells

Cheques and postal orders should be made payable to Kells Pink Ribbon Walk.

Please make sure your sponsorship card (with your sponsorship total written on the front) and sponsorship money are in a sealed envelope with your name, race number (the red number on the front of your sponsorship card) and sponsorship total printed on the front.

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-Can I get advice on how to raise funds?

Take a look at our fundraising information and tips for help and ideas about how to raise funds for the Walk.

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-Can you help publicise the event?

We will have flyers, posters and extra entry forms available to anyone who is willing to help us spread the word about the Walk. Also, please contact us if you would be willing to share your personal story or reason for getting involved or anything which will help us publicise the event in the media. Phone us on 087 984 4724 or email us for further information.

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-How do I get to Drewstown House?

We will be operating a Park & Ride service in Kells, with free shuttle buses to/from the venue. Buses will leave Kells between 12.30pm and 1.30pm and will return after the Walk.

We suggest Walkers use the Kells Town Council car park, behind the Town Hall.

Drewstown House will be well signposted from Kells (simply follow the pink arrows for the N52 to Mullingar). Please allow extra time for your journey as the roads on the approach to the venue may become congested.

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-Will car parking be available?

Drewstown House will have only a limited number of parking spaces available so we strongly encourage Walkers to avail of the free shuttle buses from Kells, car pool, or get a gang of friends to travel by mini-bus or taxi.

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-What time does the walk start?

The Kells Run will be starting at 2.45pm. The Walk will be starting at 3pm. The venue will be open to the public from 1pm. We ask that you arrive in plenty of time and that you are on site at least an hour before your event begins - that's 1.45pm for runners and 2pm for walkers. We have plenty of pre-Event entertainment in store.

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-What should I wear?

Weather-appropriate clothes and sturdy walking boots are advised. And THINK PINK - wear your Kells Pink Ribbon t-shirt and accessorise accordingly! Remember, there'll be a prize for the best-dressed Walker and Team!

We'll also be on hand with solutions for all weather eventualities - from sunscreen to pink rain ponchos!

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-What is the route like?

The Kells Walk takes place among stunning scenery, beside Drewstown House, a beautiful Georgian house and its walled gardens. As the walk is in the countryside, you will encounter all sorts of terrain: fields, country and private lanes, grassy meadows, uneven bog lanes, undulating forest trails, footpaths and lakeside walks. There will be some sections of the walk that will require you to walk in single file, so please be considerate of your fellow walkers. There will be at least one stile.

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-Where does the Walk finish?

The Kells Pink Ribbon Walks takes a looped route, so you will start and finish at Drewstown House.

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-Will there be any toilet facilities available?

Toilets will be provided at the start/finish areas and at rest stops at regular intervals along the route.

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-Will there be any food or refreshments provided?

Water will be provided for all participants at regular intervals along the route. However, we recommend that you carry some water and a snack with you in a backpack.

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-Will litter bins be provided?

We will have plenty of litter bins and skips on site. Please remember to leave nothing behind but your footprints!

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-Is there somewhere nearby where I can stay?

Any participants who wish to stay locally the night before or the night of the walk can find accommodation information to suit every taste and budget.

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-What will happen when I finish?

All participants will receive a well-deserved medal when they cross the finish line. In addition, there will be a BBQ provided for all participants.

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-What support will I be given on the route?

You will be well supported and guided throughout the Walk and there will always be someone friendly to talk and walk with.

Pink Ribbon Walk signs will be clearly placed all the way along the route. At regular intervals along the route, there will be stewards to help guide and encourage you on your way. Please do listen to any advice or guidance they may offer you, as they are there to ensure you enjoy your day.

To help identify participants, we ask that everyone wears their free Ribbon Walk t-shirt.

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-Is the Walk accessible for wheelchair users?

Unfortunately, the Walk is not accessible for wheelchair users.

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-Can I bring a pushchair?

As there are some less accessible sections, we cannot allow children or pushchairs on the route.

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-Can I bring my dog?

The Kells Pink Ribbon Walk is not suitable for dogs.

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-If I can't take part in the event, is there another way that I can help instead?

We are always looking for volunteers to help make this fundraising event a success. We will need lots of people on the day to come and help with a variety of roles. For more information, please contact us!

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