Question 1

Can children participate?

Accepted Answer

Yes but under 18's must be registered by their parent or guardian. Under 16's should be accompanied by an Adult on the walk who is acceptable to their Parents or guardians.

Question 2

Can I create and enter a team?

Accepted Answer

Yes -  see the taking Part Tab and the Step by Step Instructions

Question 3

Why is there a registration fee?

Accepted Answer

The registration fees only cover the cost of the event  i.e. bus hire, ambulance hire, advertising, web system costs, etc. All volunteers are unpaid.

Question 4

Is it possible to just turn up on the day and register?

Accepted Answer

We would prefer not. Organising and ensuring the security of a large number of walkers makes this impractical. If extreme circumstances prevent registration on line, we will accept walkers on the day but they are expected to make a minimum donation of £50.

Question 5

Is there a discount for families or those walking as a group?

Accepted Answer

Sorry No - the registration fee covers transport and insurance costs, but there is an Early Bird discounted registration fee.

Question 6

Do I have to walk the Marathon 25.5 miles?

Accepted Answer

No there are five distances to choose from - see "About the Event" on the web site for details, you choose which distance you want to walk when you register.

Question 7

Is it possible to bring a child in a pushchair?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but remember there are stiles to be negotiated and you should ensure you have sufficient support to get over these, also, some stretches will be muddy and uneven.

Question 8

Can wheelchairs be taken on the walk?

Accepted Answer

Regretably the route is not suitable for wheelchair use, in places encroaching vegetation makes the path narrow and only suitable for single file walking, in addition there are stiles; kissing gates; and narrow boardwalks over boggy ground.

Question 9

Can we take a dog on the walk?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but they must be kept on a short lead as the route will take you through livestock in some places. Dogs will be allowed on buses provided they are well behaved and kept off the seats.

Question 10

Do I have to raise sponsorship for a Charity or Charitable Organisation?

Accepted Answer

The objective of the walk is to help charities raise funds while you enjoy the walk. Its a condition of the walk that you raise sponsorship. We recommend a minimum of £50.

Question 11

I am an adult walking with a child under 16 or a vulnerable adult. I am not raising sponsorship myself. Do I need to register for the Walk if the person I accompany does so.

Accepted Answer

Yes - otherwise you will not be included in the transport planning so will not have a place reserved on the bus which may be full. Registration fees cover transport costs, insurance and paramedic cover amongst other organisational costs.

Question 12

What happens if COVID impacts the event or walkers?

Accepted Answer

In the event that due to a COVID government related ruling the walk must be cancelled, or a walker must isolate due to a positive diagnosis, then the affected participants registration fees will be donated to their charity.

Question 13

In previous years walks there were 700 walkers, does that make the event crowded?"

Accepted Answer

No because there are 5 distances to choose from, walkers are spread out, but you are likely to be walking in "company" which is fun!

Question 14

How do I register?

Accepted Answer

Review Taking Part Tab to prepare and then read the Register Tab. Finally click the 'Register Now' button to transfer to the ACTIVE online registration system.    Also please read the Step By Step Guide before registering.

Question 15

Can I create and enter a team?

Accepted Answer

Yes -  see the Taking Part Tab and the Step by Step Guide

Question 16

Can I join an existing team when registering?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you will be given the option during the registration process. See theStep By Step Guide

Question 17

Problems in entering data into Active Registration forms

Accepted Answer

If your problem is understanding what is needed in each of the fields then please see the Step By Step Guide   A small number of users have experienced editing problems when entering data into Active forms. If you do have this problem, we suggest the following steps:   Cookies must be enabled in your browser Delete your Browser History - this link will tell you how. Delete your Autocomplete entries - this link will tell you how. Do not use your browser back button whilst filling in the Active Networks form (use the form controls) If you still have problems then please email the registrar and we will try to help.

Question 18

What is 'Signing Terms & Conditions Waiver Link' on confirmation email for?

Accepted Answer

All walkers must agree the Active Networks and Walk the Test Way terms and conditions.   If you registered online yourself you will have signed the two waivers - Active Networks and The Walk the Test Way Terms and Conditions.   If you were registered by another person, they cannot sign the wavers on your behalf and you must do this yourself by clicking the link on your confirmation email.   If you are the parent /guardian who registered an under 18, you will have signed the waiver when you registered them for the walk.

Question 19

Whats 'Claiming Your Registration' link of the confirmation email for?

Accepted Answer

If you were registered by another walker/leader and, you want to edit the details of your own registration e.g. changing distance, then you need to click the link on your confirmation email to register yourself with Active Networks so you can then log in and make the changes.

Question 20

How do I log back into ActiveNetworks to edit my registration?

Accepted Answer

The easiest way to log back in is to click the blue MY EVENTS button on your confirmation email and it will take you into your account without needing a password.   If however you do not have the email then:   If you were registered by another walker/leader and, you want to edit the details of your own registration e.g. changing distance, then you first need to claim your registration. Just click the link on your confirmation email to register with ActiveNetworks so you can then log in and make the changes.   If you have already claimed your registration and have an account then simply click the Active.com link and log-in to your account. Click Sign In in the upper right-hand corner once signed in then Hover over your name in the upper right-hand corner to access the drop down menu - including 'My Events'.

Question 21

I have forgotten by ACTIVE Account password

Accepted Answer

To recover a password click this link https://passport.active.com/forgot and enter the email address you registered with and it will send you an an email to reset your password.

Question 22

Since registering I have changed my mind where I wish to start from - is this possible?

Accepted Answer

Probably, but transport for some distances gets full up. Check with the Registrar by email.

Question 23

One of our team has dropped out but we have a replacement - is that OK?

Accepted Answer

Yes – you can log into their Active Networks account and change the details.    Alternatively, you can email the registrar with ther name and contact details of the substitute walker plus the name of the person who has dropped out.

Question 24

Can I change the charity I am walking for?

Accepted Answer

Yes – you or your group leader can log into their Active Networks account and change the details. Alternatively email the registrar.

Question 25

If I an unable to attend the walk after paying my registration fee is it refundable?

Accepted Answer

No. Registration fees cover the fixed costs of the walk which cannot be reduced if walkers drop out after registration or the walk is cancelled due to weather, etc..   However, if government guidance on COVID changes and we have to cancel the walk, we will  pay the registration fees to your chosen charity.

Question 26

What happens if COVID impacts the event or walkers?

Accepted Answer

In the event that due to a COVID government related ruling the walk must be cancelled, or a walker must isolate due to a positive diagnosis, then affected participants will have  their registration fees donated to their charity.

Question 27

Can we take a dog on the walk?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but they must be kept on a short lead as the route will take you through livestock in some places. Dogs will be allowed on buses provided they are well behaved and kept off the seats.

Question 28

Is it possible to bring a child in a pushchair?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but remember there are stiles to be negotiated and you should ensure you have sufficient support to get over these, also, some stretches will be muddy and uneven.

Question 29

Can you guarantee there will be no livestock on the walk route?

Accepted Answer

No, since the Test Way passes through farm fields.

Question 30

Will there be free chocolate and water as in previous years?

Accepted Answer

Hopefully - it depends on the generosity of our supporters!

Question 31

How do I get to the start point of my chosen walk?

Accepted Answer

Coach transport is provided for each walk distance after check-in at the Romsey Crosfield Hall  Romsey.

Question 32

Is it possible to start the Walk at my chosen start point without checking in at Romsey and being bussed to the start point?

Accepted Answer

No - you must check in at the Crosfield Hall, Romsey for insurance purposes.

Question 33

Is it possible to just turn up on the day and register?

Accepted Answer

We would prefer not. Organising and ensuring the security of over 700 walkers makes this impractical. If extreme circumstances prevent registration on line, we will accept walkers on the day but they are expected to make a minimum donation of £50.

Question 34

As a group will we all be on the same coach?

Accepted Answer

We will do our best, but its not guaranteed.

Question 35

Is a more detailed map of the walk route available?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the Ordnance Survey Explorer Map sheet number 131 for Romsey, Andover and the Test Valley covers the entire route on a double sided map at a scale of 2.5 inches to the mile (1:25000).

Question 36

Is the route signed and marshalled

Accepted Answer

There are signs and marshals along the entire length of the walk.

Question 37

How do you know everyone is accounted for at the end of the walk?

Accepted Answer

Each walker is issued with white and yellow tags at the check in, the yellow tag is handed to the transport marshal, and the white tag is attached to your clothing with the tie provided, and is removed at the finish so we know everyone who started is accounted for.

Question 38

Will I get a medal when I have completed my walk?

Accepted Answer

Yes - when you arrive at Romsey Memorial Park.

Question 39

How do we get back to Romsey Town Centre and car parks when we finish the walk?

Accepted Answer

Leave the Memorial Park through the main gates, turn right over the bridge, follow the road up to and through the arch at the top, in to the town Market Place. From there directions to the various car parks will be best found using the car parking map. Go to maps>

Question 40

Is there a minimum sponsorship I should raise?

Accepted Answer

No but the suggested target is £50.

Question 41

Does the charity I walk for have to be local?

Accepted Answer

No - you can nominate any charity or charitable organisation you choose.

Question 42

Are we allowed to walk for a charity or charitable organisation that is not registered?

Accepted Answer

Yes - when registering just enter the name of the charity and their registration number if known. If in doubt email the registrar to check if this an acceptable organisation..

Question 43

Do I have to use JustGiving for my sponsorship?

Accepted Answer

We strongly recommend that participants raise using JustGiving as experience shows they raise far more money than sponsorship sheets. See  sponsorship page for instructions on how to do this.   However, we do also provide Sponsorship Sheets downloads if you prefer to use these - see sponsorship page

Question 44

If I set up a JustGiving page, will my charity receive their share of the sponsorship?"

Accepted Answer

Yes - we consolidate payments from all walkers both from JustGiving or other methods and send the total sponsorship raised after deducting the agreed 20% for Rotary charity work when JustGiving has been selected or 25% for other methods.

Question 45

Where can I get instructions on using JustGiving?

Accepted Answer

Click this link to sponsorship page

Question 46

Can I change from using JustGiving to collecting the money myself?

Accepted Answer

Yes - but please notify the Treasurer by email from contact form.

Question 47

Where should I send the Sponsorship Sheets & Money ond Donations be sent?

Accepted Answer

Please pay sponsorship funds by cheque payable to Rotary Club of Romsey Test Trust Fund, to The Treasurer, Walk the Test Way, c/o Royal British Legion, Love Lane, Romsey, SO51 8DE0, or BACS to Co-Operative Bank plc, Sort code 08-92-99 account 65802667 - AND PLEASE NOT TO YOUR CHARITY! Please also send you original sponsorship sheet to the treasurer. Finally it would be helpful if you email the treasurer about the payment.

Question 48

Why does sponsorship have to go to Rotary Club of Romsey Test?

Accepted Answer

So that we can amalgamate all sources for the same charity, claim and add Gift Aid and send to the charity quickly.

Question 49

Why is there a deduction from the sponsorship I have raised?

Accepted Answer

The volunteers of the Rotary Club of Romsey Test run and marshal the event to enable walkers to raise funds for their chosen charities and to allow our Rotary Club to raise funds for our own Rotary charitable activities. NB: The registration fee only covers the cost of running the event.   We distribute to your chosen charities after deducting an amount for our own Rotary charitable activities. ​ In the case of funds collected with sponsorship sheets we deduct 25%. ​ However, if you use JustGiving we only deduct 20% leaving 80% for your charity.

Question 50

How long will it be before the charity receives their sponsorship money?

Accepted Answer

We are dependant on walkers sending in their sponsorship but plan to complete this by January, but send out interim payments in December.

Question 51

How much sponsorship was raised for the 202 1 walk?

Accepted Answer

The total raised in 2019 was £43,000.00

Question 52

I will not be able to raise sponsorship - can I walk and make a donation instead?

Accepted Answer

Yes - but we would expect you to pay the registration fee and make at least the minimum donation of £50.

Question 53

If I have more than one sponsorship sheet can I send in one cheque to cover them all?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Please enclose a copy of the sponsorship sheets for the Treasurer to reclaim the Gift Aid.

Frequently Asked Questions