5. The night of the challenge

1. Travel
2. Timings
3. Do I have to wear a bra?
4. Clothing
5. Food and Drink
6. Toilets
7. Finishing and recovery
8. Supporters

1. Travel

   Where is the start / finish?

   Take a look at this google map.

   MoonWalk City is on the north-east side of Clapham Common, the area between Long Road (the A3) and to the west of Rookery Road.

   Travel by Public Transport

   Rail

   Clapham Common is easily accessible from all major railway stations via the Underground

   The closest stations to Clapham Common are:

   • Clapham Common Tube Northern Line 8 minute walk.
   • Clapham South Tube Northern Line 10 minute walk.
   • Clapham High Street Overground 10 minute walk.
   • Clapham Junction Overground and Train 1.5 miles.

   For train times, please visit. For other forms of transport, please visit or call customer services on 0343 222 1234. The homepage of each site will direct you to your chosen travel options.

   Please check before you travel, here. 

   By Bus

   The nearest stops are Rookery Road, stops N and Y. Buses that run on this route are: 

   N - 35, 37, 137 and 345 and N137

   Y - 35, 37, 345

   Other routes with stops on roads surrounding Clapham Common are 50, 88, 155, 322, 355, 417, 690 and 249.

   Please check where the stops are in relation to MoonWalk City (in the north-east corner of the Common) as some are further away than others, but no longer than about 15 mins walk away. Routes are available  here

   Links

   Plan your journey - try here 

   ULEZ Charge if driving to Clapham Common

   Drivers need to be aware that from 25 October 2021, the Mayor of London’s ULEZ is expanding to bring some eastern parts of Clapham into the scheme, including Clapham North, Clapham High Street, Clapham Common, Lavender Hill and Abbeville Village. This means that vehicles will need to meet the required emissions standards when driving within and into the expanded zone, or pay a daily charge.

   It operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including weekends (except Christmas day), with a £12.50 daily charge for vehicles that do not meet the required emissions standards.

   You can see a map of exactly where the new expanded ULEZ covers and whether your vehicle meets the standards here.

   Four out of five cars already meet these standards, but owners of the remaining older cars, motorcycles, lighter vans and minibuses have been advised to take action and check the new rules.

   TfL say the ULEZ is expanding to improve air quality and toxic air pollution in London.

   Signs are up to show when drivers are entering the expanded zone from outside.

   Congestion charge

   Please note: Congestion charge 12.00 – 18.00 Saturday / Sunday - check here to see if you need to pay a congestion fee.

   Travel by Car

   Again, please note that there will be NO car parking at the event venue.

   Street parking is extremely limited and certainly there is none in the park. This link will show you the nearest car parks, plus you can JustPark.com here too.

   Travel by Coach

   Again, please note that there will be NO coach parking at the event venue.

   There is NO congestion charge

   Street parking is extremely limited and certainly there is none in the park. This link will show you the nearest parks

   Dropping off and picking up

   There will be a designated area set up for dropping off and picking up on Rookery Road.

   Transport in the early morning

   If you are taking part in the challenge and expect to finish in the early hours of the morning either because you are walking the half marathon or are a very speedy Full MoonWalker, then read on. Some public transport does not run through the night. Indeed all mainline stations may not have trains until later in the morning, so we advise that you check your travel options before the event.

   Night Tube

   The Night Tube is currently running on the Central and Victoria Lines. If you are planning on using the Victoria or Central Lines on Saturday between 19:00-06:00 the next morning, please check before your travel here.

   Bus

   There are night buses nearby, N35 and N137 stop at Rookery Road stops, with N155 running along Clapham Common South Side Road.
   Please use this link for details of routes and stops served.

   Taxi

   An official taxi rank will also be operating on Rookery Road.

2. Timings

   Arrival Times: 

   Times for 2025 are still to be confirmed, but below was from 2024 to give you an idea:

   The Event will open at 20.00 to give those wanting to eat, a chance to get in earlier… Pink and Blue Walker Numbers are to arrive between 20.30 – 21.15 and Yellow and Purple are to arrive between 21.15 - 21.50.

   Please be aware the Entrance Gate will close at 22.15.

3. Do I have to wear a bra?

   Wearing a bra to take on a challenge has always been the Walk the Walk trademark and one of the wonderful reasons we have managed to raise so much awareness and money for our vital causes. We know just how much courage it takes, but it is also fantastic FUN! Within minutes of arriving at The MoonWalk, you will feel the spirit, energy and company of thousands of like-minded walkers at this Carnival of colours, feathers, fringing and fabulousness… and if you do still feel a little self-conscious, then read on!

   But what about my wobbly bits!

   Walk the Walk embraces all bits and we love you for having the courage to get out there make a noise, raise awareness and pound those pavements. One thing you can guarantee at any MoonWalk is that every age, height, shape and weight will be there… In fact, you are so unique you will be the only one that looks exactly like you!

   If that doesn’t convince you, there are many ways of decorating your bra if it will give you a little more confidence on the night, carefully positioned voile and fringing can go a long way!

   Why not read more about our decorating tips here

    

4. Clothing

   So that we all look the part in this amazing thousands-strong team and so you are as comfortable as possible we suggest that you wear / bring the following:

   1. The Bra - You've done the training, you're feeling fit... now it's time to show off your bra. Now it doesn't mean wearing your bra over your T-shirt... not a good look and very uncomfortable, it means wearing your bra in all its splendid glory and that goes for the boys too! 
   2. Walk the Walk T-shirt - Use this to travel to and from the event (unless you really want to come on the bus in your bra!).
   3. Sweat top - Zip front and long sleeves if possible so that you can wear it tied around your waist ready to put on or simply slip over your shoulders if you get cold.
   4. Event hi-vis Cap - For your own safety your hat has reflective strips, plus if your head is warm the rest of you will so keep your hat on! 
   5. Black leggings / shorts - Track pants, jeans etc are not suitable as the seams will rub.
   6. Training shoes - Please use the ones that you have been training in, now is not the time to wear new shoes.
   7. The Weather Protector - is in the clear plastic bag and is fantastic for keeping the elements off whilst allowing you to wear that bra with pride. It does keep you very warm. Don't take it out of the bag until you need it! If you forget to bring yours on the night or want to have more then we will be asking for a minimum £2 donation per item.
   8. The Space Blanket - Is a foil item and should be worn after you cross the finish line. It's also a great reflector and should be tied over your Bumbag as you walk. If you forget to bring yours on the night or want to have more then we will be asking for a minimum £2 donation per item.
   9. Walker Number - showing your name and number. Please do not laminate your Number or put it in a plastic pocket, it is waterproof. Your Bag Tag is attached to the top of your Number, complete and attach to the bag you are stowing in the Bag Tent! Entrance and Finish Line tickets are attached to the bottom of your Number - do NOT remove these

   Drinks are not needed as there will be plenty of water throughout the event.

   Bumbag and essentials to carry with you: (don't use a backpack as they will rub!)

   • Lip salve, Vaseline (small pot)
   • Toilet paper or tissues!
   • Weather Protector and Space Blanket
   • Some emergency cash just in case
   • Phone / Camera
   • Safety pins(to attach your walker number)
   • Small torch if you feel you need it
   • Sunscreen (if the sun comes up you could get burnt without it...)
   • And nibbles if you need to eat on the way round

   If it's cold on the night

   Don't hide your bra if you can possibly help it! You will get warm once you get walking so prepare for that beforehand - you don't want to stop to take layers off! Once you are at the start line do the following

   • Wear your decorated bra
   • Put your see-through Weather Protector over the top - seriously they are very very effective and so simple
   • Put your Bumbag around your waist over the top of the Weather Protector to keep it down and out of the way
   • Wrap your sweat top around your waist so it's there if you need it
   • Keep your hat on... and if really cold put the hood of the Weather Protector underneath your cap... or buy one of our bobble hats
   • Wear gloves
   • Once you get going you can simply pull your Weather Protector out from under your Bumbag and through it up around your neck so it's like a cape behind you. That way you can get it on easily if you get cold

   Trust us - this is the best way of looking good and keeping warm!

   Weather Protectors and Space Blankets

   The Weather Protector is in the clear plastic bag and is fantastic for keeping the elements off whilst allowing you to wear that bra with pride. It does keep you very warm. Don't take it out of the bag until you need it!

   The Space Blanket is the foil item and should be worn after you cross the finish line. It's also a great reflector and should be tied over your Bumbag as you walk.

   In previous years we have handed these out on the night but sadly many people took more than they needed or discarded the ones they were given. This cost the charity a lot of money.

   We now send these out in your Event Packs. If you forget to bring yours on the night or want to have more, you will find them at the various stalls in the main tent for a minimum donation of £2.00 per item.

   Is there anywhere I can leave my bag?

   Yes. There is a bag tent, manned by Volunteers throughout the event. 
   
   Things to have in the bag that you hand in at the bag tent

   • You may like to bring a blow-up cushion or foam to sit on during the earlier part of the evening - please be sure to take this with you when you go home!
   • Marker pen, after you've written your name on your front and back so that everybody knows who to shout for!
   • Change of clothes for when you complete the challenge especially if rain or a cold night is forecast.
   • Something nice to nibble on or your favourite hot drink for when you return (though there will be some catering sites as well)
   • Spare toilet paper just in case - you may want to take this with you on the route!

5. Food and Drink

   Food!

   This year we are very excited to be expanding our Food Village where you will be able to buy a variety of delicious foods and hot drinks from the moment you arrive, all the way through the night until your return through the Finish Line.

   More information can be found here.

   Water

   There are water sites within MoonWalk City and at regular points along the route. We advise every Walker to carry a bottle of water and sip it slowly throughout the night rather than gulping it down in one go! Gulping large amounts of water will only make you want to stop for the loo!

6. Toilets

   We work to a very strict Health and Safety plan on all aspects of the event. We take the number of toilets we should have for an event on this size and then we increase the number massively - we are aware that most of the walkers are ladies and consequently take a little longer in the loo. However, there is not one each - so queuing is inevitable! There are 100's on the site but as the night progresses you will end up queuing! Look around the site - often people will all queue in the same spot when actually there are less busy toilets elsewhere!

   Some thoughts:

   • on your long training walk, how many times did you stop to go to the loo?
   • nerves play a massive part
   • as does drinking too much water
   • as does the cold
   • as does watching everyone else going to the loo!

   On the route itself, you will find toilets approximately every 3 to 4 miles 

   How to help you manage toilet stops:

   1. Do not gulp large quantities of water - sip little and often
   2. Agree with your walking pals when you will stop. Ask them to wait, otherwise, in the few minutes it takes you to use the loo, your pals will be a few hundred yards away and you will have to run to catch up
   3. Do not queue if you have to - if at all possible take a short walk to the next ones. 
   4. Please do not urinate or anything else in the street, just remember that Walk the Walk have to clear up after you and that means everything!
   5. The spacing on the route is planned that way - not everywhere will allow toilets to be placed

   If you have to queue... let's try to remember why you are taking part and that the MoonWalk is not a race!

7. Finishing and recovery

   The Finish Line

   Hooray, you made it! As you reach the Finish Line you will see a band of eager marshals all waiting to welcome you home! Here are a couple of things to remember. There is quite a bit of information in your booklet but here are a few key things

   • Timing clocks: there are timing clocks - we use them to count down each challenge and they are there for your own use. The MoonWalk is NOT a race there are no prizes for coming first - everyone has their reason for taking part and your own personal satisfaction for crossing the line is what matters. We also recognise that some walkers do train very hard and do want to obtain a "time" - the clocks are therefore for your own use, not ours.
   • Music: many who cross the line wonder why there is no loud music playing. Simply put we are not allowed to - even though you have been up all night, Clapham Common is in a residential area and many will still be sleeping! Instead, enjoy the clapping and shouts from the huge number of volunteers handing out medals and the supporters who are waiting for you. Revel in your own achievement - enjoy the moment
   • Leaving MoonWalk City: you've crossed the line, picked up your medal and collected your bag now you would like to go home... please head for the EXIT! Sometimes tired walkers see the Finish Line as the easiest exit to head for... loved ones are there and it may seem like a long way to walk to the Exit. But please keep the Finish area for those crossing the line only and let them enjoy their "moment of glory" and help our volunteers keep everyone flowing through... just think there may be thousands of walkers behind you.

   I've Finished the Half Marathon - is there any shelter?

   Yes, please use the pink tent after you have crossed the Finish Line.

   Recovery

   You completed the challenge - well done! For all the tips you need on how to take care of yourself after the challenge read the Important Information that was included in your update emails.

   We have masseuses at the start of the night but not at the end. The contraindications with massage straight after a marathon are well known. 

8. Supporters

   5 easy steps to make sure that you and your supporters get to see each other and have a great night!

   1. ONLY PARTICIPANTS with walker numbers can enter MoonWalk City. Arrange for your supporters to head for the suggested viewing spots on the route map.
   2. Please ask family and friends not to stand on the same side of the road as the walkers as this causes congestion and is unfair to all those taking part.
   3. Supporters wanting to wait at the finish line can be admitted into the park on foot only.
   4. There is NO exit for Walkers out of the Finish Line. When you are completing your challenge, please do NOT ask friends and family to come through the Finish Line with you.  Arrange to meet them outside MoonWalk City at the Exit.
   5. Please do not ask supporters to join you on the walk, previously this resulted in many more people being on the pavement than was expected. We have been informed by the police that if this happens again the event could be stopped which would be very sad for everybody.

   My family or supporters are travelling a long way - is there anything for them to do?

   Yes! Why not get them to become one of our treasured Volunteers? With several shifts available we can put them to work whilst you walk and then you can all meet up together at the end. Lots of people become Volunteers this way.

   Where can my friends and family watch?

   See the Route Map included in your update email.

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