Roles and Timings Volunteering at The MoonWalk
With many roles and opportunities for Volunteers available, we guarantee there is something for everyone. No matter your experience or ability, you simply need a positive and hard-working attitude to help a great cause. In return, you will meet some amazing people, help raise millions of pounds for breast and other cancers and have the most incredible time at one of London’s most famous events!
Volunteering with us at Walk The Walk offers you then chance to experience something truly unique, fun and challenging. By donating your support, skills and the best gift of all… your precious and invaluable time!
Simply request a preference of role on your Volunteer Registration Form and we will do our best to allocate you what you have asked for. Please note down any relevant skills and experience to help us choose a fantastic role that suits your talents.
When on board, the Walk the Walk Volunteers Team will call you personally to welcome you to the team. Closer to the event, you will receive your Role Briefing Notes and a Volunteer Handbook, telling you everything you need to know about the event and what you will be getting up to.
You will also be invited to attend our live Virtual Volunteer Webinar which takes place on Monday 1st September at 7pm. The session is recorded and shared with all Volunteers the following day, to rewatch at a time that’s suitable.
Need some inspiration to help you decide what role you might enjoy on the night? Well look no further! Have a read through some of our featured roles for a taste of what’s on offer. At the event, each team will have a designated Walk the Walk Staff member or Team Leader to offer guidance on the night.
If you have any questions at any time, do not hesitate to contact the Volunteers Team on [email protected] or 01483 741430… we’re here to help and would love to hear from you 😊
Have a peek, we guarantee there is a role for everyone!
Volunteer Roles
Providing both entertainment and support to hundreds of Walkers means there are lots of different things for our Volunteers to get involved with! Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about what you will get up to, the Volunteers Team will be happy to help!
Below are just a few of the fun and fabulous roles that we have:
- Route Marshal
- Cyclist
- Driver
- Coach Marshal
- Call Centre
- Baggage
- Meet & Greet
- Directional Team
- Entrance Gate / Start Line
- Finish Line
- Service Station
- Clean and Recycling
- Pop Up Shop
And more… We guarantee there is something for everyone!
Volunteer Roles in MoonWalk Arena (Site)
Directional
With people coming from all over the UK, experience the incredible buzz and atmosphere of hundreds of Walkers eagerly arriving at Holyrood Park. You will be a friendly and welcoming face, supporting Walkers as they excitedly navigate their way around MoonWalk Arena, enjoying what’s on offer and pre-event thrills, getting them into the MoonWalk spirit!
Meet & Greet
The Meet & Greet Team are often the first faces our Walkers and Volunteers see as they approach Clapham Common so big smiles and waves are a must!
Entrance Gate/Start Line
As the nerves and excitement build at the Entrance Gate/Start Line, your role is to work with Security to ensure everyone enters safely and speedily. You will help all arriving Walkers by managing the queues.
Finish Line
This role you will be welcoming back our tired but euphoric Walkers, working as a team to be as friendly and as efficient as you can be.
HOT TIP! If you’re supporting a Walker, make sure you fill in their challenge on your Volunteer Registration Form so we can plan for you to watch them cross the Finish Line.
Pop Up Shop
Our infamous Pop-Up Shop is a very popular part of the MoonWalk. From selling bra pins, hoodies and hats to water bottles… The Pop-Up Shop offers a variety of things Walk the Walk that can be bought and some obtained for a donation. With thousands of Walkers keen to buy our merchandise, this is a fun and extremely busy area.
Call Centre
Our Call Centre is the beating heart of the MoonWalk, reacting and responding to any queries that are raised throughout the event. So who better to check in and look after our fabulous Volunteers than one of their own! Located at Dynamic Earth, Volunteers in the Call Centre work with the Walk the Walk team to answer the Volunteer Hotline as well as call round to the rest of the Volunteer family to find out how they are getting on during the night!
Volunteer Hub
With more than 300 Volunteers passing through the Volunteer Hub over the course of The MoonWalk, your goal here is to get all Volunteers registered and prepared for the night ahead as efficiently as possible so they can start their role on time. There are several different roles available here. It is the perfect job for anyone who may need access to toilet facilities and a sit down!
Clean & Recycle Team
Working within MoonWalk Arena, in this role you can have a chat with Walkers and pick up some rubbish as you go! This is a great (and vital!) role if you need to have a sit down every so often.
Baggage
This area takes some serious organising! Volunteers will are responsible for registering, securing and returning baggage to Walkers at the end of their challenge. We also like our Baggage Team to be as eagle-eyed as possible and keep a lookout for anyone who may need a little help or first aid at the end of the event.
Roles out on the Route
Route Marshal and Support Hubs
We simply couldn’t have The MoonWalk without our amazing Route Marshals! The official cheer squad, lifting Walkers spirits along the way, you will join a team in a designated Zone (one mile long) to ensure Walker’s progress safely across the route and in the right direction. Hyping up our Walkers as they pass on by, answering queries, requesting first aid assistance and working with the Police and Security to manage busy junctions. This is a lively and fun role, one we know our Walkers appreciate and love to get them through the night!
Service Station Team
Walking a marathon is hungry and thirsty work! We have multiple Service Stations along the route, which are manned by our lovely Volunteers. Cheering on our Walkers and getting involved in handing out water or fruit, managing Walker queues or helping keep the area clear of rubbish, our Service Stations help keep everyone moving.
Cyclist
Are you an avid cyclist that’s happy to go that extra mile for breast and other cancers? Then look no further! Our Cyclist teams help our Route Marshals in busy areas and provide a rapid response to any non-medical issues. Our designated Front and Backmarker teams (for the Full and Half Moon challenges) are our eyes and ears out on the route, notifying the Call Centre of where Walkers are at all times. But know this! This role is not for the faint-hearted and 30+ miles will easily be covered throughout the night. All Volunteers need to supply their own bike and safety equipment.
Drivers
Do you love driving or have experience of driving through the busy streets of Edinburgh? Then look no further, this role is for you! Our driving teams (working in pairs) transfer our Route Marshals to and from their Zones, provide additional support in busy areas and return retired Walkers to the MoonWalk Arena. Following the MoonWalk route, drivers smile and wave to every Walker they see, must be aged 25 and hold a full, clean licence.
Mini Bus Marshal
Working alongside the Walk The Walk Transport Team, Coach Marshals are an integral part of The MoonWalk. Responsible for ensuring that Volunteers are not only dropped off and collected on time and the correct locations by our coaches, but keep Volunteers buzzing and raring to go and help the night pass faster!
All Roles and Timings
Saturday 6 September | Overnight Crew | Approx 8pm – Flexible
With roles based in MoonWalk Arena and out on the route, this is the perfect opportunity to cheer on all of our wonderful Walkers complete their epic challenge. If you have any friends or family part, a hug and a cheer from a friendly face goes a long way. You can even watch them cross the finish line! Our overnight roles are busy but full of fun, filled with lasting memories that you will cherish for a lifetime.
Saturday 6 September | Evening Crew | Approx 6pm – Midnight
Can’t help overnight? No problem at all! Get stuck into the excitement and support us on Saturday Evening when the MoonWalk kicks off at Holyrood Park. Welcome our Walkers and direct them around the site or you can help check in and support the Volunteer Crew within the Volunteer Hub based at Dynamic Earth.
Or perhaps you fancy being on the route? Fantastic! Head out into the City, help set up and prepare our Zones, ready for the arrival of hundred of our amazing Walkers.
Sunday 7 September | Morning Crew | Approx 5.30am – Midday
Are you an early bird who likes to wake up to a sunrise-challenge… then this is for you! Support our Walkers towards the end of their journey… the most testing and inspirational part of their challenge!
Take on the Night!
Are you an early bird who likes to wake up to a sunrise challenge? Then this shift is for you! Support our Walkers towards the end of their journey… the most testing and inspirational part of their night and get them over that Finish Line!
Team Volunteering and opportunities
Hundreds of Volunteers unite in our battle each year… why not get your team involved and experience a fun day out whilst benefiting others and helping those living with breast and other cancers. Whether you are a business, charity, community or sports group or simply a great bunch of friends, Team Volunteering is open to all!
Here at Walk the Walk we work with a range of teams and corporate and other charities to provide a variety of meaningful Volunteering opportunities for you and your team. Our Volunteers gain valuable experience and take personal satisfaction in the knowledge they are making a difference.
Volunteering with us allows you to meet like-minded people who share a common cause, learn new skills and make a real difference to both groups and individuals who are affected by cancer.
Perhaps you a business working towards your B Corp Certification, or need to find meaningful Volunteering opportunities to satisfy your Corporate Social Responsibility goals? By Volunteering for Walk the Walk we can help you to achieve whatever your plans may be.
If you are interested in learning more about the opportunities we offer or have any ideas of how you can help us, then please get in touch with [email protected] or call on 01483 741430.
Your Questions Answered!
Download: MoonWalk 2025 Terms of Volunteering
Am I registered yet?
Once you have completed your registration form we’ll send you an email welcoming you to the team. There may be several reasons that you have not received your email, including your email settings or because Walk the Walk does not have your correct email address. If you are unsure please contact the Volunteer Team at [email protected] or call on 01483 741430. Closer to the event, you will receive your Role Briefing Notes and a Volunteer Handbook, telling you everything you need to know about the event and what you will be getting up to.
You will also be invited to attend our live Virtual Volunteer Webinar which takes place on Monday 1st September at 7pm. The session is recorded and will be shared with all Volunteers the following day to rewatch at a time that’s suitable.
When will I find out what I am doing?
Your role, start time and everything you need to know about being part of The MoonWalk Scotland will be sent to you digitally a few weeks before the event. The Virtual Volunteer Webinar will cover all things MoonWalk and answer any questions you may have. This session will be recorded and made available to you the following day to watch at a time to suit you.
Can I change my role?
We always try to match people with a role which we think they will love and works for them. Each one of our roles play an important part in making the MoonWalk an unforgettable night. However, if you do find that you have been allocated something you fancy, have not been teamed up with your friends, or the timings do not work for you, then please get in touch with the Volunteer Team on [email protected] We will do our absolute best to accommodate you.
Can we Volunteer as part of a team?
Yes definitely, please don’t keep this incredible night to yourself! Encourage your friends, family and colleagues to join you – as many as possible! If you can put a team together and fancy tackling a Zone or Service Station as one group, fantastic! Speak to the Volunteer Team about how we can help your dream become a reality!
Will I be in the same team as my friends?
If you have told us the names of the people you would like to Volunteer with on your registration form, then you will automatically be placed in the same team. If you would like to add other/new Volunteers or make any changes, please email [email protected] with your request.
Am I able to turn up, or bring someone with me to Volunteer, on the night?
We strongly recommend that you register to Volunteer and that anyone who plans to come along with you also registers ahead of the event. We need to know your details in advance to allocate you the best role, as well as send out all the essential information you need prior to the event.
If you do not register, then the security team will not be able to give you access to the site… which we don’t want to happen!
If you would like to turn up on the night, it isn’t a problem, but please do email the team on [email protected] or call 01483 741430 for further information. If you call during the event, the voicemail system will give you details of the Volunteer Hotline for The MoonWalk Scotland.
Can I collect sponsorship?
Yes, we would be delighted if you collect sponsorship – volunteering is challenging, rewarding and eminently deserving of fundraising. However, we place no expectation on our Volunteers to raise sponsorship. Your commitment of time in support of vital breast cancer causes and hundreds of Walkers is invaluable to us.
Is there a poster I can download?
Yes! Download our MoonWalk Scotland 2025 Poster here…
Print off a copy and pop it up in your window, or ask to share it in your local supermarket or work place notice board, to help get the word out there!
What do I do if I can no longer Volunteer?
We understand that things happen, and life can sometimes get in the way… all we ask is that you let us know as soon as possible. If you need to cancel your Volunteering role, please email the Volunteer Team at [email protected] as soon as possible.
If you would still like to Volunteer at The MoonWalk Scotland but need to change your availability, please email or call us on 01483 741430 and ask to speak with the Volunteer Team to discuss how we can best help with this.
Still have questions?
Get in touch with our Volunteer Team by email or call on 01483 741430, they will be more than happy to hear from you!
Getting to the MoonWalk Scotland
Where is the MoonWalk Scotland
The MoonWalk Scotland is an overnight marathon, with Volunteers needed from Saturday afternoon all the way through till Sunday morning. Public transport and other services during the early hours of the morning can be working on a reduced schedule, so we encourage everyone to plan their journey in advance and always check before you travel.
Please see below for more information on the best way to travel to the MoonWalk Scotland. We will be sure to update this page if any changes or alterations are made to public transport on the day of the event.
MoonWalk Scotland is located in Dynamic Earth, Holyrood Park, Edinburgh EH8 8AS. Whilst our Start and Finish area will still be on Holyrood, our Meeting Area, Volunteer Hub, Bag Store and Recovery Space will be just a few minutes away at Dynamic Earth.
Take a look at this map.
We advise all Volunteers to travel to Dynamic Earth via public transport to avoid congestion in the area.
Travel by Public Transport
Plane
If you are flying into Edinburgh there is an express bus service from the airport to the city centre which runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Airlink 100 terminates at Waverley Bridge, near the mainline station and tickets can be bought from a desk at the bus stop or on the bus itself.
Please see www.edinburghairport.com for further information.
There is also a Tram that runs from Edinburgh Airport to St Andrews Square just outside Waverly Station. The Airport Tram stop is located right outside the main terminal next to the plaza.
Please see https://edinburghtrams.com/ for further information.
Train
The main station in Edinburgh and the most convenient one for transport connections to Dynamic Earth is Waverley Station, located in the city centre. From there it is just 0.8 miles to The MoonWalk Scotland.
Most public transport does not run through the night. Indeed all mainline stations will also not have trains until later in the morning.
Bus
Lothian Bus Number 35 runs through Edinburgh and stops at the Scottish Parliament Building on Canongate Road, which is a 6-minute walk to Dynamic Earth.
Please see https://www.lothianbuses.com/ for further information.
There are some Night Buses available which run throughout the night.
Check out the different options available… here!
Taxis
Taxis are plentiful from Waverley Station, either from the main concourse or if queues are long, there is another taxi rank on Waverley Bridge. Estimated journey time, 10 minutes depending on the volume of traffic.
If you need a taxi when you have finished Volunteering, they will also be found on Queen’s Drive.
Plan your journey – here!
Walking or Cycling to the MoonWalk
Walking
If you are feeling fit and ready to go, walking may be a good option! It will take around 15 to 20 minutes to walk from Waverley Station depending on your walking speed.
Cycling
We have bike parking available. If you would like to reserve a place, please email us by 24th August 2024.
Driving to the MoonWalk
Travel by Car or Coach
Please be aware that there will be NO car or coach parking in Holyrood Park or at Dynamic Earth at any time.
There is also no waiting, if you are traveling in a coach your driver must stay with the coach whilst everyone gets off. Your coach company or driver must make their own arrangements for parking.
If you need to park in Edinburgh, please use the NCP car parks as there is little street parking in the area. The closest NCP car park is Edinburgh Holyrood Road, EH8 9UL.
Please see https://www.ncp.co.uk/ for more information, and to book a space in advance.
What to Bring Essential Items
Now we know that spending your evening and night-time awake and out in the open air, watching the sunrise is perhaps not your usual way of spending a Saturday!
Therefore, we thought we would put together a list of What to Bring to help keep you energised, happy and smiling throughout the night…
- Thermal Layer – the MoonWalk Scotland takes place in September, where temperatures can drop down low overnight and even though you might be busy moving around, we want to make sure you stay nice and warm till the sun comes up!
- Gloves + Hat – with that in mind – we also recommend you bring some extra woollies to keep those extremities cosy!
- Change of Socks – as much as we all hope for a night of clear skies, living in Scotland means the weather is as always unpredictable. A spare pair of socks is a fantastic way to keep both you and your feet happy if the heavens open!
- Portable Phone Charger – it is important that you are able to get in touch with someone from the Call Centre at any time, which means you need to keep that phone alive throughout the event.
- Bumbag – everyone is allowed to bring one small bag to keep in the Volunteer Bag Store. However, a bumbag is a super way to keep all your essentials on you whilst moving around both the MoonWalk Arena and the Route!
- Sun Hat – perhaps the opposite of the first two items. A sun hat is a super way to keep both rain and sun off your face, so whatever the weather, this is a good item to have.
- Sunglasses – perfect for you to watch that beautiful sunrise over Edinburgh!
- Sun Cream – this may seem a bit weird, with most of you working through the night… we are not suggesting moon burn, however, that early morning sun can be really warm, and protection always comes first!
- Water Bottle – it is important to stay hydrated to keep your body fueled and nourished to keep you going through the night.
- Snacks!!!!! – now who doesn’t love a Midnight Snack… we will be providing all our Volunteers with hot soup and sandwiches, but please bring along all your favourite snacks and treats to keep your hunger at bay!!