THE EVENT
GENERAL
WHAT IS THE MS WALK RUN + ROLL?
The MS Walk Run + Roll is a fitness and fundraising event supporting MS Plus. Events are held throughout May in Canberra, Launceston, Melbourne and Sydney where participants are challenged to walk, run or roll between 4KM and 10KM to raise awareness and vital funds to support people living with multiple sclerosis.
IS THERE A BAG DROP WHERE I CAN STORE MY GEAR?
Yes, your gear can be stored at the bagdrop for a donation. Scan the Event Hub QR code to make an online bag drop donation and show our volunteers your confirmation screen or email when checking in your bag.
WHAT SHOULD I DO WHEN I ARRIVE AT THE START SITE?
Please visit the Entry Kits Marquee if you need to register for the event, change distance, or collect your event bib and our volunteers will be able to assist you. Credit card or PayPal payments are accepted for event day registrations.
Once you have registered and have your event bib, just hang out and enjoy the festivities until the warm up begins.
WHAT HAPPENS IF IT RAINS?
The MS Walk Run + Roll will go ahead rain or shine unless there is a significant danger to participants because of lightning, storms or strong winds. Participants should be prepared for all weather conditions - bring your raincoat and a smile. We will notify you by text message if we need to cancel the event.
CAN I TAKE MY DOG TO THE MS WALK RUN + ROLL?
Yes, you are welcome to bring your dog to the walk event (not run); however, you are responsible for its behaviour on the course. Please consider the enjoyment of other participants by keeping your dog on a lead at all times and cleaning up any mess it makes.
Don't forget to sign them up, for FUR-EE, and get them their very own fundraising page to challenge for ‘top dog’ on our Fur-Raiser Leaderboard.
For safety reasons, dogs are not permitted in the run.
REGISTRATIONS
DO PEOPLE WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS GET FREE ENTRY INTO THE EVENT?
Yes, people living with MS are eligible for free entry. Please call our Supporter Engagement Team on 1300 733 690 to sign up.
I WANT TO DO BOTH THE WALK AND THE RUN – IS THAT ALLOWED?
Yes - if you have registered for the Run and are feeling particularly energetic, you can join us afterward for the Walk without paying a second entry fee.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I CAN NO LONGER TAKE PART IN THE EVENT?
Call us on 1300 733 690 or email events@ms.org.au to let us know so we can update our records. Unfortunately, entry fees are not refundable or transferable if you are no longer able to participate in the MS Walk Run + Roll. In exceptional circumstances we do make exceptions for transferring registration fees. If you would like to request to transfer your registration fee to another person or another event, please email us.
DO YOU OFFER A CONCESSION DISCOUNT ON ENTRY FEES?
You may be eligible for a discount on our event Entry Fees if you hold a valid Pensioner Concession, Health Care or Companion Card.
Please contact our Supporter Engagement Team on 1300 733 690 or events@ms.org.au for more information.
EVENT BIBS
WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY EVENT BIB?
Event Bibs and Welcome Packs are mailed out to participants in April and May. The postage cut off is 2 weeks pre-event. Bib Collection is available on Event Day for participants who register in the last 14 days prior to the event or have misplaced or not received their Event Bib.
WHERE DO I COLLECT MY EVENT BIB?
Visit the Bib Collection marquee at the Event Village before you walk, run or roll to collect your Event Bib. We recommend allowing plenty of time before your event starts and have your registration email or ID ready to show volunteers to help them find your registration and provide your bib.
MELBOURNE
Bib Collection will now be available at the Melbourne Event Village on Saturday 18 May from 12pm – 3pm, as well as from 8am on Sunday.
HOW DO I ATTACH MY EVENT BIB?
Please complete your Emergency Contact Details on the back of your bib, then using the safety pins provided in your Welcome Pack or available to collect outside the Bib Collection marquee on Event Day, pin it to your top. Attach to your outer layer so our photographers can clearly see your bib.
COURSES
ARE THE COURSES WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE?
With the exception of the 9.5KM course in Launceston, all other courses have been designed to be wheelchair accessible.
ARE THERE REST SITES ALONG THE COURSE?
Yes, there will be rest sites along the course with facilities including toilets, water and first aid.
CAN I RIDE A SCOOTER OR BIKE?
We want everyone to have fun and move together at the MS Walk Run + Roll, regardless of their ability, so the “Roll” component of the event focuses primarily on participants who require the use of walkers, wheelchairs and powered scooters for their mobility.
Whilst not encouraged, we will allow children (5-10 years) to take part on a scooter, balance bike or skateboard, provided a parent or guardian is present. In an effort to reduce congestion on course, larger forms of bicycles such mountain bikes, BMX or unicycles are not advised for any age groups.
WILL THE START BE STAGGERED TO REDUCE CONGESTION ON THE COURSE?
In an effort to relieve some of the congestion on the course, we are trialling staggered starts for the 2024 MS Walk Run + Roll in Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney.
9.00AM
- 10KM RUN
- 5KM RUN
10.30AM
- 5KM/10KM ROLL (+ Family)
- 10KM WALK
- 5KM WALK
FUNDRAISING
GENERAL
IS FUNDRAISING COMPULSORY?
By fundraising a minimum of $250 for the MS Walk Run + Roll, you provide vital support and services to people living with multiple sclerosis. Every dollar you raise will go directly to ensuring the thousands of Australians with multiple sclerosis are able to receive the support and care they need to live well.
It can be as easy as asking your family and friends to support you in this challenge. Your commitment and effort will not only be a rewarding experience for you but will ultimately support people living with multiple sclerosis.
ARE DONATIONS TAX DEDUCTIBLE?
All donations $2 and over are tax deductible in Australia.
WHERE DOES MY FUNDRAISING GO?
Your fundraising goes directly to offering services and support to people living with multiple sclerosis, while the search for a cure continues. It allows us to fund programs like Plus Connect and Plus Advisor, providing those with multiple sclerosis access to a caring voice at the end of the phone line and specialist advice and guidance on how to manage their symptoms. Your support ensures no one faces their journey alone.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO GET STARTED?
Getting started can be a bit daunting but you’ll be surprised at how simple it is. Below are our top 3 tips for getting yourself moving.
- Your online fundraising page is the most simple and effective way to kick start your fundraising. By adding your personal story and an image, people are 10 times more likely to support you.
- By making a personal donation to your fundraising page, you take away that pressure of the first donation. Your donation can set the tone for your supporters. It is a fantastic way to get yourself moving towards your goal and show your commitment.
- Send an email to your networks or share your page on social media. Simply spread the message of your fundraising – you’ll be amazed at who will support you when you ask.
HOW DO I COLLECT MONEY THAT I FUNDRAISE?
The best way to get people donating, is directly through your online page. This provides them with an instant tax deductible receipt and means you can keep track of your fundraising efforts.
If you intend to host a fundraising event to collect further cash donations please see our hints and tips below.
CAN MY DONORS GET A TAX DEDUCTIBLE RECEIPT?
All donations over $2.00 are tax deductible. Anyone who donates through your online page will be instantly emailed a receipt.
WHAT IS MATCHED GIVING?
70% of companies in Australia offer ‘matching funding’ as part of their employee benefits. This means they support their employees’ charitable efforts by matching their fundraising dollar for dollar. It is a great way to double your fundraising efforts – and all you need to do is ask. Speak to your HR department and ask them for their support.
We can provide your company with any documentation they may need, including tax-deductible receipts, information about what we do and a letter of thanks and recognition.
HOW DO I BANK OFFLINE DONATIONS?
If you receive cash and cheque donations in person rather than online, we will issue you with three key documents:
- An Authority to Fundraise (required for any offline fundraising)
- A Donation Register
- Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) form to bank your funds
To request these documents, simply contact our Supporter Engagement Team.
Once you have received them, simply follow the below steps!
- Keep the donation register up to date
Firstly, say a huge thank you to your donor! Fill in the register with your donor’s name and email address, so they can receive a tax receipt for their donation. - Finished Fundraising – now Complete your EFT Form
When you have collected all offline donations, fill in the EFT Form with the total amount being deposited. The EFT form has your unique reference number for banking your donations. This reference number is important to ensure your donations can be added to your fundraising page. - Bank the money
Now you can transfer the funds to MS using the following bank details:
MS PLUS
BSB: 033-112
Account: 256562 - Send us your Donation Register and EFT form
Email the Donations Register and the EFT form to events@ms.org.au
Please note we need to receive the deposit before we can update your fundraising page.
Questions? Contact our Supporter Engagement Team on 1300 733 690 or at events@ms.org.au
HOW DO I GET STARTED WITH HOSTING A FUNDRAISING EVENT?
Good on you for taking your fundraising to the next level! First step, is to contact us. Our team will help you register your event, offer helpful advice and provide you with:
- Your Authority To Fundraise letter- this is used to demonstrate that your event has been officially approved by MS as a fundraising activity for the MS Walk Run + Roll.
- Any fundraising materials you request such as MS flyers, posters and banners
- Receipt books and donation boxes for use at events
- MS Walk Run + Roll logos and MS logos for use in promotional materials
- An MS Ambassador to speak about multiple sclerosis and how it affects their lives
- Ongoing support, advice and practical assistance
Whether it is a BBQ or a sit down dinner, we are here to help every step of the way.
FACEBOOK FUNDRAISING
WHAT IS A FACEBOOK FUNDRAISER?
A Facebook Fundraiser is a NEW fundraising feature available through your MS Walk Run + Roll Fundraiser Dashboard.
It will link a Facebook Fundraiser to your MS Walk Run + Roll Fundraising Page, allowing friends, family and colleagues to donate towards your MS Walk Run + Roll fundraising, directly from your Facebook Page.
All donations received via your Facebook Fundraiser will appear on your MS Walk Run + Roll Fundraising Page and add to your overall fundraising.
HOW DO I CREATE A FACEBOOK FUNDRAISER?
To set up your Facebook Fundraiser:
- Login to your MS Walk Run + Roll Fundraiser Dashboard
- Click on the Create A Facebook Fundraiser button
- Follow the prompts, and a Facebook Fundraiser will be set up for you and shared on your Facebook Page.
HOW DO I SHARE MY FACEBOOK FUNDRAISER WITH MY FACEBOOK FRIENDS?
As soon as your Facebook Fundraiser is created, Facebook shares it with your Facebook friends.
At the top of your Facebook Fundraiser Page (in Facebook) you will find an Invite button, which you can use to directly invite your friends to support you.
CAN I PERSONALISE MY FACEBOOK FUNDRAISER?
When you create your Facebook Fundraiser, a Facebook Fundraising Page will be created for you using information you have already included in your MS Walk Run + Roll Fundraising Page (on this site).
By editing the Facebook Fundraiser post, you will be able to update features like your fundraising goal and cover photo.
HOW LONG BEFORE DONATIONS APPEAR ON MY FUNDRAISING PAGE?
It can sometimes take a couple of hours for donation received through your Facebook Fundraiser to show up on your MS Walk Run + Roll Fundraising Page.
Check back a little later, and your donation should be there.
WHY IS MY FACEBOOK FUNDRAISER GOAL DIFFERENT?
Your fundraising goal does not sync to your Facebook Fundraising, but it is really easy to update by editing your Facebook Fundraiser.
HOW WILL DONATIONS APPEAR ON MY FUNDRAISING PAGE?
Facebook does not share any personal details with our site, so your Facebook Fundraising donations will appear as Facebook Donation on your Fundraising Page.
You will only be able to see your Facebook Fundraiser donor's names in Facebook itself.
CAN I SET UP A FACEBOOK FUNDRAISER FOR MY TEAM?
Unfortunately, a Facebook Fundraiser can only be created your individual MS Walk Run + Roll Fundraising Page.
CAN I CREATE A FACEBOOK FUNDRAISER DIRECTLY IN FACEBOOK?
If you set up a Facebook Fundraiser directly through Facebook it will not be linked to your MS Walk Run + Roll Fundraising Page.
If you have already set one up, we recommend you delete it and create a Facebook Fundraising through your Fundraiser Dashboard.
CAN YOU ADD DONATIONS FROM AN EXISTING FACEBOOK FUNDRAISER TO MY PAGE?
If you have selected Multiple Sclerosis Limited as your charity of choice, we’ll receive the funds. However, there will be a slight delay and those donations will not appear on your Fundraising Page.
If you would like to receive donations via Facebook, we recommend creating a Facebook Fundraiser through your MS Walk Run + Roll Fundraiser Dashboard.
CAN I JUST ADD A 'DONATE' BUTTON TO MY FACEBOOK POST?
When sharing a post on Facebook, you may be prompted to add a Donate button to your post. We recommend you do not select this option, as these donations will not appear on your Fundraising Page.
It is best to either create a Facebook Fundraiser through your Fundraiser Dashboard, or share a link to your MS Walk Run + Roll Fundraising Page on Facebook.
WHAT CAN I DO IF I ACCIDENTALLY DELETE MY FACEBOOK FUNDRAISER?
If you have accidentally deleted the Facebook Fundraiser you created through your Fundraiser Dashboard, you will unfortunately not be able to create a new one.
You can continue fundraising on Facebook, by sharing a link to your Fundraising Page so friends, family and colleagues can support your walk, run or roll to Fight MS.
I'VE CHANGED MY MIND. CAN I DELETE MY FACEBOOK FUNDRAISER?
To remove a Facebook Fundraiser from you Facebook page, you first need to delete the fundraiser itself, before you will be able to delete the post associated with it.
PLEASE NOTE: If you delete your Facebook Fundraiser, you will not be able to create a new one.
TEAMS
TEAM CAPTAINS
HOW DO I CREATE A TEAM?
If you are planning on taking part with a mate or ten, you can make it official by forming a team. Teams can be set up during registration, or afterwards by selecting Create A Team on your Dashboard.
CAN I CHANGE MY TEAM NAME?
After a team has been created, to change the team name, the Team Captain will need to contact our Support Engagement Team on 1300 733 690 or events@ms.org.au.
CAN I REMOVE A TEAM MEMBER FROM MY TEAM?
Sometimes participants join your team by accident or because they're looking for other people to participate with in the challenge. As the Team Captain, it is your choice whether a participant should be on your team or not.
To remove a participant from your team, please contact our Support Engagement Team on 1300 733 690 or events@ms.org.au.
To make your team Invite Only, go to Edit Team Page in your Team Dashboard and select NO for Allow Anyone To Join My Team.
I NO LONGER WANT TO BE TEAM CAPTAIN?
To change the Team Captain for your team, please contact our Support Engagement Team on 1300 733 690 or events@ms.org.au.
IS IT POSSIBLE FOR MY COMPANY TO PAY OUR REGISTRATIONS IN BULK?
Yes, if you are participating we can happily organise a Team Payment Code for you, which allows your company to pay registrations in bulk.
TEAM MEMBERS
HOW DO I JOIN A TEAM?
During registration, you will be able to search for the team you'd like to join.
Once registered, search for the team you'd like to join, and simply click on the Join Us button on the team page while logged in to your own account. This will automatically connect you to the team.
If a team is set up as invite only, you will need to contact the Team Captain and request that they send you an invite to join their team.
HOW DO I LEAVE A TEAM?
If you have joined a team by accident or simply wish to leave a team, please contact our Support Engagement Team on 1300 733 690 or events@ms.org.au.
CAN I JOIN MORE THAN ONE TEAM?
Unfortunately, each participant can only be a member of one team at any one time. To join a new team, you will need to leave the team you are currently in.
CAN I JOIN A TEAM IN A DIFFERENT CITY/EVENT?
Yes, teams can be made up of participants from the Canberra, Launceston, Melbourne and Sydney MS Walk Run + Roll.
MERCHANDISE
RUNNING APPAREL
HOW LONG WILL MY ORDER TAKE TO ARRIVE?
Running Apparel is Made to Order and takes approximately six (6) weeks to deliver. Production takes approximately four (4) weeks. We then quality check, pack and send the order to you which takes a further 7-14 days.
If you would like to wear your running apparel at the event, please place your order no later than six weeks out from the event day.
DO YOU HOLD ANY STOCK?
Running Apparel is Made To Order and no stock is held by MS Plus. When you place an order for a product from our Running apparel ranges, we order that product in the size selected, from our supplier.
CAN I EXCHANGE OR RETURN A MADE TO ORDER ITEM?
Running Apparel items are final sale. They cannot be cancelled, changed, exchanged, returned, or refunded after order has been placed.
CAN I TRACK MY ORDER?
Once your order is shipped, you will be emailed a shipping confirmation containing a tracking link for your order:
- Select View My Order from within the email
- Beneath the map, you will find a clickable Tracking Number for your order
CASUAL APPAREL
WHAT IS MANUFACTURER DIRECT APPAREL?
Manufacturer Direct apparel are products on our store, i.e. t-shirts, hoodies, polos and tote bags, that are Made To Order and shipped to you directly by our supplier.
HOW LONG WILL MY ORDER TAKE TO DELIVER?
Manufacturer Direct apparel take approximately three (3) weeks to deliver. Production takes approximately 5-7 days and shipping a further 7-14 days.
CAN I TRACK MY ORDER?
Once your order is shipped, you will be emailed a shipping confirmation containing a tracking link for your order:
- Select View My Order from within the email
- Beneath the map, you will find a clickable Tracking Number for your order
CUSTOM TEAM APPAREL
WHAT IS CUSTOM TEAM APPAREL?
Custom apparel are products from our Running Apparel range that is designed and produced with your own logos and/or artwork. Whether you are a team of 2 or 200, you too can Walk, Run or Roll to Fight MS in an MS Custom Team Kit!
HOW MUCH DO YOU CHARGE FOR SETUP AND DESIGN?
With MS Custom apparel, there are no setup or design fees (for up to 3 revisions to your artwork).
HOW MANY ARTWORK REVISIONS CAN I MAKE?
We hope to have your artwork finalised within 2-3 edits. If further revisions are required, an additional design fee may be charged.
IS THERE A MINIMUM ORDER QUANTITY?
No, there is no minimum order quantity for MS Custom apparel.
DO YOU OFFER DISCOUNTS FOR LARGE ORDERS?
If you are ordering ten (10) or more pieces of MS Custom apparel, we offer discounts starting at 10%. For orders of twenty (20) pieces, or more, please Contact Us for a quote.
HOW LONG WILL MY ORDER TAKE TO ARRIVE?
Once your artwork is approved, and your order is paid and submitted, it will take approximately six (6) weeks to deliver. Production takes approximately four (4) weeks and shipping a further 7-14 days.
CAN I EXCHANGE OR RETURN CUSTOM APPAREL?
Custom Apparel is Made To Order and final sale. They cannot be cancelled, changed, exchanged, returned or refunded after order has been placed.
CAN I TRACK MY ORDER?
Once your order is shipped, you will be emailed a shipping confirmation containing a tracking link for your order:
- Select View My Order from within the email
- Beneath the map, you will find a clickable Tracking Number for your order
VOLUNTEER
HOW DO I APPLY TO VOLUNTEER AT THE EVENT?
To volunteer at our events, you must complete a volunteer application through our website, including providing your contact details, emergency contact details and volunteer role preferences.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF VOLUNTEERING?
MS events are a lot of fun. Meet new people and enjoy a day out supporting the community! Learn a new skill or build on existing experience, while helping a worthy cause!
Volunteers help ensure the success of our events to raise money and support people living with multiple sclerosis.
WHO CAN VOLUNTEER?
"We welcome everyone to volunteer for MS events! You must be 12 years or older on the event date and volunteers under 16 years of age will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
No experience is necessary, however, many volunteer roles are customer facing. If you are outgoing and passionate we would love to have you on our volunteer team!
Some roles may also require you to use an iPad or Point of Sale system."
ARE THERE ANY REQUIREMENTS TO VOLUNTEER?
"There are a number of varied volunteer roles available. All volunteers will be supporting event participants one way or another – from selling event merchandise, to directing along the course, filling up water cups or handing out medals!
No experience is necessary - the more you volunteer, the more you learn! If you have previous event experience, a WWCC or police check please let us know when you apply to volunteer, but these are not essential."
WHAT IS EXPECTED OF VOLUNTEERS?
"Most volunteer shifts are around 4-5 hours, but can vary depending on role and location. The event is on a Sunday, and shifts start early in the morning. You will be provided with all the information you need prior to the day.
We hold an online briefing for volunteers two weeks before the event where you can learn more about the event and meet the Volunteer Manager. We also share the briefing slides with all volunteers."
WHEN DO VOLUNTEER APPLICATIONS CLOSE?
I HAVE APPLIED TO VOLUNTEER - WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?