Raising over £20,000 each year from 200 walkers, aat events were asked to modify the existing event. With this in mind we redesigned the 3 different distance routes to maximise the use of the famous sights of Oxford town centre. The route now includes more walking along the canals and past more special points of interest and reduces the need for volunteer route marshals.
Each route was risk assessed and developed with Parkinsons to create a new and exciting experience. Fundraisers keep returning to this event because of the changing routes and new ideas.
aat: events completed the 4th year of the Parkinson’s fundraising walk in Oxford town centre.
We were asked to design 3 suitable walking routes of different distances. Each of which showed the best of Oxford and its amazing sights.
After a number of days reconnaissance and mapping, we chose three routes; 1 mile, 4 miles and 8 miles.
2019 was another successful event for the charity, who raise around £20,000 each year.
A team of two from our office set up the routes on Saturday and prepared for the event the following day. Risk assessments are completed and all the stakeholders along the route are consulted each year.
Using bicycles, in the ‘city of bikes,’ we are able to navigate around the city quickly to respond to any medical or route issues.
Around 160 walkers set out from Cherwell School at 10:00 and follow the directional signs.
The route manager is both leading the walkers at first but then starts to deconstruct the routes. Meanwhile, our Event Director controls the event communications with course volunteers, Team Medic and the aid station.
All walkers are checked back in and the backmarker/sweeper ensures that all walkers return safely.