Registration

Who can take part in Cancer Research UK’s Big Hike? 

Cancer Research UK’s Big Hike is open to both men and women. Participants aged 12 to 17 (inclusive) on the day of the event must be registered in addition to, and accompanied by at all times,  another participant aged 18 or over. 

• Full marathon participants must be aged 16 and over.  

• Half marathon participants must be aged 14 and over 

• 10k participants must be aged 12 and over   

What distance options can I choose from? 

Big Hike events in 2025, we will be offering ‘full marathon’, ‘half marathon’ and ‘10k’ distances. 

All of our Big Hike events are designed to be as close as possible to full marathon (26.2 miles), half marathon (13.1 miles) and 10K distance. However sometimes due to accessibility and venue practicalities, our final routes may be slightly over or slightly under these figures. The exact mileage and incline figures for your event can be found on the relevant event web page.

What locations can I choose from?

Big Hike events in 2025 will take place in:

• The Trossachs, 17 May 2025  
• Peak District, 14 June 2025
• Jurassic Coast, 21 June 2025
• Cotswolds, 12 July 2025
• Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons), TBC

Visit your event page for more information on the location and route of each event.

Do I have to collect sponsorship money to take part? 

To support our life-saving research, we ask each Big Hike participant to try and raise at least: 

• Full marathon £300
• Half marathon £250 
• 10k £200 

for Cancer Research UK. A quick and simple way of raising your sponsorship money is to use your online fundraising page at https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/  

Is the event wheelchair accessible? 

Due to the nature of the event, and the rural locations of our hiking routes I am afraid our course are not wheelchair accessible.

Can I bring my Carer with me during the event?

Please call 0300 123 0770 to sign up as a carer, and we can talk you through the process.

When do entries close?  

We recommend that you enter as soon as possible before the event so that you can secure your place, start training and get your fundraising underway.  Unless sold out, entries will close at 5pm on the Thursday prior to the event. Unfortunately entries cannot be taken after this time, and no entries will be taken on the day of the event.  

Events may close sooner if event capacity is reached and we have sold out of places. 

 Can I enter on the day? 

No, entries cannot be accepted on the day of the event. For the safety of our participants and volunteers we must not exceed the capacity of our events. We also require time to finalise the number of giveaways and coordinate chip timing.  

Event is showing as ‘Sold Out’ online can I still register?

Unfortunately this event is at full capacity, and we are not expecting any further spaces to become available. We are not compiling a waitlist. 

Can someone else take my place if I’m unable to attend? 

No, the entry fee is non-transferable and non-refundable.  

Can I change my event location, distance or start time?  

If you do wish to switch to an alternative location or distance option, please contact us on 0300 123 1022* and we will endeavour to support your request if the deadline for entries has not been passed and there is sufficient capacity. If you wish to increase your distance and additional cost will be charged to cover the ticket price.  

Where can I view the Big Hike 2025 event rules?  

You can read the Big Hike 2025 event rules in full by clicking here.  

Before the event

When will I receive my Big Hike entry pack?  

We will begin issuing Big Hike entry packs (including your t-shirt and back sign) to registered participants by post from 1st April 2025 onwards. If you register for your event before 1st April 2025, your pack should arrive no later than 1st May 2025. If you register for your event after 1st April 2025, your pack should arrive no later than 1 month after your date of registration. However, if your Big Hike entry pack does not arrive within these timeframes, please feel free to call our team on 0300 123 1022* and we will advise you of the appropriate arrangements to either issue a replacement pack, or alternatively collect a replacement pack on the day.  

Important: if you register within 2 weeks of the event date, please be aware that your t-shirt and back sign will be available to collect from the Information Desk on the day of the event.   

Will I receive a pack if I live overseas? 

Unfortunately, if you live outside of the UK we cannot post your Big Hike pack. You can either collect your t-shirt, back sign and hiking number on the day at our event site, or you can contact us with an alternative UK address.   

What will I receive in my pack?

In your pack you will receive a letter reminding you of the details of your event and arrival time, a CRUK t-shirt which we encourage you to wear on the day of your Big Hike event, a back sign which you can attach to the back of your t-shirt to show who your Big Hike is for, a fundraising guide which includes lots of top tips to support you with your fundraising, a fundraising poster to help you reach your fundraising goal and a sponsorship form to collect your offline donations.

When will I receive my hiking number? 

Hiking numbers will be available to collect on the day of the event. For 2025, we are no longer sending these out in fundraising packs ahead of the event. Please head to the information desk on the day, where we will allocate you a chipped hiking number to attach to your t-shirt for the event. 

Where can I find a route map? 

Detailed route maps for each location can be found online via the relevant Big Hike event web pages however please note that all routes are subject to change up until the day of the event. 

On the day of the event, the route will also be signposted and marshalled throughout.   

My t-shirt doesn’t fit - can I change it? 

Unfortunately, we can’t exchange your t-shirt in advance of the day. However, if you would like to swap for a different size, then please head to the Information Desk when you arrive at the start venue and we will happily provide a replacement t-shirt on the day (subject to availability).  

Please note that stocks of our participant t-shirts are subject to availability. We will endeavour to meet every request, however in the event that the size or fit requested is not available then we will send you an alternative based on availability. If you have any queries regarding your issued t-shirt, please visit the Information Desk on event day and our team will happily assist you.  

What t-shirt sizes are available? 

We have both male and female t-shirt sizes available.  Please see the table below for our Big Hike t-shirt sizes: 

Female CRUK T-shirts

Measurement point in CM	S	M	L	XL	XXL
Chest	47	50.5	54	57	60
Bottom	52.5	56.5	60.5	64	67.5
Body length	65	67.5	70	72	74
Across shoulder	40	42	44	46.5	40

Male CRUK T-shirts

Measurement point in CM	S	M	L	XL	XXL
Chest	52.5	56	58.5	63	65
Bottom	52.5	56	58.5	63	65
Body length	73.5	76.5	79.5	82	85
Across shoulder	45	48	49.5	51	53

What pack elements are recyclable?   

You can recycle the envelope, back sign, letter, fundraising guide, fundraising poster and sponsorship form.

Where can I get training advice for taking part in Big Hike?

If you would like to do some preparation beforehand, please visit our Big Hike training support page to find your training plan,and top tips to keep your training on track. 

What should I bring?

Please refer to your event day checklist in your Big Hike fundraising pack. 

Can I take part in fancy dress?

Yes, that is absolutely fine as long as it doesn't offend or encroach upon other participants and you are able to safely complete the course in your chosen outfit.

Can I take part in Big Hike with Nordic Walking poles?

Yes participants can take part in Big Hike using nordic walking poles and we encourage participants to do so.

What happens if I don’t reach my fundraising target? 

We know that committing to raise a specific amount can seem a bit daunting which is why we’re here to help every step of the way. If you have a place with us and are struggling with your fundraising then please do get in touch. We have lots of experience with fundraising, and can give you some great advice, tips and fundraising materials to help you smash your target. You can start by checking out our fundraising support webpage and our A-Z fundraising guide.

We’d hate for you to feel as though you haven’t got the support you need. There’s lots we can do to help and please remember that we wouldn’t ever ask you to pay any shortfall of your sponsorship or stop you from taking part in your event. You can always give us a call on 0300 123 1022* or email supporter.services@cancer.org.uk for further help.

What happens if my event is cancelled? 

We hope that none of our Big Hike events are cancelled in 2025. However, if we are forced to cancel any of our events for any reason, we will let all participants know as soon as possible and you will be entitled to a full refund of your entry fee.  

Event Day

What time should I arrive?

Please arrive 45 minutes before your start time to allow plenty of time to collect your Hiking number.

What time will my Big Hike start? 

Once you have registered, we will send you a reminder of your arrival time in your welcome email. 

Will there be a warm-up before the start of my event?

Yes

How will the start work?

Upon arrival, you will be directed (or transferred) to the start area, where you will receive your safety briefing, before getting your Big Hike underway.

Please note:  

•  Please arrive 45 minutes before your start time to allow plenty of time to collect your Hiking number.  

• Participants arriving much later than their allocated arrival time must abide by the instructions and decisions of the Event Manager; for health and safety reasons it is possible that latecomers will not be permitted to take part.  

• Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee your exact start time, and there may be some waiting on the day.  

• Arrival window times may be subject to change. We will give you as much notice of this as possible, though unfortunately sometimes it may not be possible to do this until your arrival at your event.  

More information on arrival times will be provided in your participant e-mails and welcome pack.   

Are my friends and family allowed to come and support me? 

Your friends and family are welcome to accompany you at designated areas at the start/finish area, subject to any further guidelines or restrictions we are required to implement for the health and safety of all our participants and spectators.  

Due to capacity limitations, friends and family are not allowed to walk the route with participants. They can, of course, sign up for the event themselves if they would like to join you. Due to capacity limitations, we also ask that they do not meet you at the support points. 

Can I bring my dog? 

No. Unfortunately dogs are not allowed to take part in Cancer Research UK’s Big Hike, with the exception of service dogs.  

Can I run the route? 

No. Cancer Research UK’s Big Hike is a non-competitive walk, and participants are reminded that running is not allowed.  For health and safety reasons, all personnel have been instructed not to permit runners to take part in the event. If you do run on the day then you will not be considered an official participant of the event, and as such you will not be eligible to use any event resources (including but not limited to support points, suppliers, access to the start/finish venue, refreshments, route direction/support, personnel, etc.). You understand that by running you absolve us of any and all responsibility, and that you progress entirely at your own risk. 

How long will it take to complete Big Hike? 

For full marathon routes - we estimate that the fastest walkers will finish in around 7 hours, while the slowest walkers could take around 12 hours.   

For half marathon routes - we estimate that the fastest walkers will finish in around 3.5 hours, while the slowest walkers could take around 6 hours.   

For 10K routes 1.5- 3 hours 

Is there a cut off time for completing the challenge?  

We will have ‘sweep marshals’ in place behind the slowest walkers on the route, to ensure that everyone gets back to the finish area safely. However, please note that in some situations (i.e. bad light/inclement weather), our event delivery team reserve the right to enforce cut off times to protect the health and safety of participants and staff. Any cut off times will be clearly communicated to participants during the safety briefing before you begin your Big Hike and/or at the relevant support points. Where participants miss a support point cut off time, you will be provided with transport back to the start/finish venue.   

Depending on venue restrictions, we may have to start closing the finish area at 7.30pm. 

Will car parking be available on the day? 

Yes, there will be free car parking available for all Cancer Research UK’s Big Hike participants. Please look for the Cancer Research UK branded flags at the entrance to the start venues and charity representatives will be present to direct you. To minimise congestion at the venues, we encourage participants to car share wherever practical to do so.   

What about courses that are not circular, how will I get back to my car? 

The car parking for these events will be at the event village (finish venue), once parked coaches will be ready to shuttle you over to the start. That way once you have finished your Big Hike, you will be in the same location as your car to make your way home.  

What toilet facilities will be available?

Every Big Hike event will have toilet facilities at the start/finish and at each pit stop approx. 6 miles along the route.  1 toilet per 120 participants as per industry standards.  

What showers and changing facilities are available?

We are unable to provide showers or changing room facilities.

What medical cover is available?

Every Big Hike event will have medical cover on site.  The level of cover is dependent on event type, volume of participant numbers, venue stipulations and nearest medical facility. If you are in doubt please head to the enquiries marquee where volunteers can point you in the right direction of the First Aid location. 

What happens if I get injured? 

On the day you will be given an emergency number to contact should you require any assistance while out on the route. We will also have roaming medics, marshals and event staff along the route and at the support points. If you are unable to continue your Big Hike, we will provide transport from the nearest support point, back to the start/finish area.  

Will there be somewhere to leave my personal belongings whilst I do the Hike? 

No. Please ensure that any belongings, which you don’t need to take with you on the walk, are locked away securely in your car at the start venue. If this is not possible or if you haven’t travelled by car, please speak to the Cancer Research UK representative at the Information Desk on arrival and we will endeavour to assist you. Cancer Research UK shall not be liable for any damage or loss to participants property that might occur as a result of their participation.  

Are there baby changing facilities at every event?

We are unable to guarantee that there will be baby changing facilities at our Big Hike venues. We advise you to check with the venue owner to confirm. 
 

What food, refreshments and facilities will be included on the day? 

This is a fully supported event and therefore there will be a wide range of services available to participants. Water refill points and snacks (a hot drinks and biscuits) will be available when you arrive at the start area. Furthermore, water refill points, hot drinks and snacks will be provided at the various support points on the route. In addition, full marathon participants will receive lunch at the second support point, followed by a hot meal at the finish area. Half marathon and 10k participants will receive a hot meal at the finish area. Dietary requirements will be catered for on the day.   

Toilets and first aid services will be available at the start/finish area and at all support points along the route.   

All of the above is included as part of your Big Hike entry fee.  

Will water be provided?

We advise all hikers to bring a full 2 litre bottle of water to start their event. All participants will have access to re-fill their own personal water bottle at the finish. Marathon and half marathon hikers will also have water points available to them to replenish their water at the supporter points approx. every 6 miles

Will my event be chip timed? 

Yes, all Big Hike events will be chip timed, therefore your allocated hiker number will have a small chip timing device attached. This will record the time that you start your Big Hike, the times that you reach the support points, and the time that you cross the finish line.   

Your results will then be uploaded to the Cancer Research UK/chip timing company website, where you will be able to view your timings and download a completion certificate. If you would prefer that we didn’t display your finish times on the Cancer Research UK/chip timing company websites, please call us on 0300 123 1022*.  

Do I have to activate the chip myself?  

No there is no need, all you need to do is be sure to wear your chipped running number when you take part in the event and the timing mats will detect your chip as you cross the start and finish line.  

How does the chip timings work on event day?  

Timing mats will be place across the start and finish line. These mats will record your start and finish time by detecting the chips on the back of your number as you cross these mats.  

The chips are assigned to the number you are wearing and are linked to your registration data so that our timing provider can send you an SMS which will include your unique time and your results will be displayed online and is searchable by your name or running number.  

If I’ve registered and paid but my pack hasn’t come and have to collect my number on the day – will I still get a chip time?  

Yes if you have entered a chip time event you can, just be sure to come and collect a chipped number from the admin tent.  

How will Results Base use my data?

Results Base will only use our data to provide chipped times results. Your name will appear on their website so that you can search for your time by your name. Your mobile number will not be published but will be used in order to send you a personalised text detailing your chipped time. For more information on how Results Base uses participant data and their privacy policy please visit: https://resultsbase.net/privacy  

I can’t see my time or there is an issue with my time? 

Please reach out to  cruktimingquery@resultsbase.net  

After the event 

How do I return our fundraising?  

Whether you're paying in a few pounds or a few hundred pounds, it all goes towards our life-saving work to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.   

Online: Use your online fundraising page that you were emailed when you registered. We can send you your fundraising page if you need.   

By post: Once you've collected your money, please send us a cheque with your URN on the back (you can find this in your welcome letter or welcome email), payable to Cancer Research UK and include your completed money return form and your donation fundraising forms (please ask sponsors to tick the Gift Aid box and include their full name, address and postcode) to this address: Race for Life, PO Box 1579, OXFORD, OX4 9HX, Included in your pack there is an envelope that you can use to do this.   

By phone: Call us on 0300 123 0770 to make a payment by credit or debit card, you will need your URN to do this (you can find this on the back of your welcome letter or welcome email).   

You may also have a local Cancer Research UK contact who you can pay your money directly to.    

 Volunteering

Can I volunteer to support at a Big Hike event in 2025?  

Yes, we would love to have you! Our events simply couldn’t happen without the generous support of volunteers; therefore, we will be looking to fill a wide variety of roles including route marshals, support point marshals and information desk representatives. Once our Big Hike volunteer roles become available, they will be advertised on the volunteer section of the Cancer Research UK website.   

More information

Where can I go for further information?  

If you have any further questions, please contact us on 0300 123 1022* and a member of our team will be happy to help you.  
* Our lines are open Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 6.00pm (except bank holidays). Please note that calls to our hotline may be monitored or recorded to allow us to maintain our standards of customer service.