The Chase Walk

Frequently Asked Questions

This FAQ will address the things we are asked by newcomers and old hands alike. If there is something you would like explained (eg "Do I need a spare bulb for my 10 LED torch?") then drop us an email at entries@chasewalk.org and we write an answer for everyone to see!

Do I need a spare bulb for my 10 LED torch? No, although with LED head torches now available for low cost and weighing only a few grams, why not carry an entire spare torch!
What is the requirement for hi-viz items and why do we need it? 'Hi-visibility waistcoats with reflective banding which must be visible front and rear. These must be worn during the hours of darkness, when walking along any roads that do not have a recognised footpath or when instructed to do so by an event marshal.
A minimum of 1 additional hi-visibility waistcoat with reflective banding which is to be placed around the rucksack of the teams back marker.'
Last year some entrants stretched the boundaries of what was and wasn’t acceptable. We have therefore redefined the rules that relate to this extremely important safety aspect (see above). For safety purposes their will be times during the event where you will be required to wear (not carry) a hi-visibility waistcoat. This waistcoat must also have reflective material for use at night time.
Not only does this provide a safety feature when walking near moving traffic but it also assists safety teams to find you at night in the event you get lost or have an emergency. You cannot have too much hi-viz/reflective or other safety indicators (maybe the back light off a bicycle fitted to the rear marker rucksack in addition to the waistcoat). But please do take this aspect seriously.
This is an example of the kind of waistcoat that is acceptable.
Do we have to enter online? We hope that everyone will be able to use the online facility - it should make it easier for you to manage your teams, and allows our admin team to see the current situation wherever they are.
You only need one userid to manage any number of teams, and once your payment is received you will be able to register your teams online too.
We will not be taking payments online. Once you register a team you will receive instructions by email of the amount due and where to send a cheque.
If you really cannot do an online entry, please contact us for alternative arrangements.
Why are you asking for mobile phone numbers for all walkers? For a few years now we have been asking for the mobile number of a team member so that we can contact the team if the need arises. This has only been used a couple of times, but has been very valuable on these occasions.
We feel it is a fact of life today that nearly all walkers will be carrying a phone, and if we only have one number per team and the owner of that phone retires then we no longer have a valid contact number. Also mobile coverage does vary across the Chase and one network may function where others do not.
We recognise some people may not wish to give out their personal number, or indeed may prefer to leave technology at home while walking, but it may help us to ensure your safety if we have a contact.
We are not members of the Scout Association. Can we take part? If you are members of an organisation that provides insurance cover for participants in outdoor activities, you might be eligable to take part in the Chasewalk.
Please contact us to discuss details.
What is the process for entering a team using the new online method? Step 1: Create a user account at http://chasewalk.org. Your email address will be your userid, chose your own password. Sign in to the site.
Step 2: Add as many teams as you need to, in either or both of Scout and Main events, using the "Entry Management" options. For each team you will receive an email with payment details and instructions.
Step 3: Send your payment by mail (one cheque or several, we don't mind!). We are not a big enough event to justify setting up online payments, and anyway many payments are from Group accounts which do not have this ability.
Step 4: When we receive your payment, you will receive a confirmation email. The button to link to team registration (in your Entry Management page) will be enabled.
Step 5: Register the details of your team members online.
Step 6: Select the button to create a PDF Registration Form, print this and complete the remaining details, and most importantly get it signed by your DC or representative.
Step 7: If you need to add team members, add breakfasts, alter snack choice you can edit your team. If you need to make additional payment you will receive an email detailing this, and team registration will be disabled until we receive payment. If required print another form, but you must get it signed!
Step 8: Bring the completed, signed registration form with you to the event. Teams cannot start unless we have the signed form!
Can I add additional walkers or breakfasts to my entry? At any time you can edit your entries from your "Entry Management" page.
You can increase team members up to max of 7, you can increase the number of breakfasts, or alter the mix of vegetarian and standard breakfasts.
You can order more breakfasts than team members if required for supporters.
It is not possible to reduce numbers once you have saved the page.
If extra fees are due, you will receive an email detailing this.
Access to the team registration page will be removed until the additional fees are received.
If you make a mistake when editing and need to reduce numbers, send us a nice email and we will see if we can help.

Do I need a spare bulb for my 10 LED torch?		No, although with LED head torches now available for low cost and weighing only a few grams, why not carry an entire spare torch!
What is the requirement for hi-viz items and why do we need it?		'Hi-visibility waistcoats with reflective banding which must be visible front and rear. These must be worn during the hours of darkness, when walking along any roads that do not have a recognised footpath or when instructed to do so by an event marshal. A minimum of 1 additional hi-visibility waistcoat with reflective banding which is to be placed around the rucksack of the teams back marker.' Last year some entrants stretched the boundaries of what was and wasn’t acceptable. We have therefore redefined the rules that relate to this extremely important safety aspect (see above). For safety purposes their will be times during the event where you will be required to wear (not carry) a hi-visibility waistcoat. This waistcoat must also have reflective material for use at night time. Not only does this provide a safety feature when walking near moving traffic but it also assists safety teams to find you at night in the event you get lost or have an emergency. You cannot have too much hi-viz/reflective or other safety indicators (maybe the back light off a bicycle fitted to the rear marker rucksack in addition to the waistcoat). But please do take this aspect seriously. This is an example of the kind of waistcoat that is acceptable.
Do we have to enter online?		We hope that everyone will be able to use the online facility - it should make it easier for you to manage your teams, and allows our admin team to see the current situation wherever they are. You only need one userid to manage any number of teams, and once your payment is received you will be able to register your teams online too. We will not be taking payments online. Once you register a team you will receive instructions by email of the amount due and where to send a cheque. If you really cannot do an online entry, please contact us for alternative arrangements.
Why are you asking for mobile phone numbers for all walkers?		For a few years now we have been asking for the mobile number of a team member so that we can contact the team if the need arises. This has only been used a couple of times, but has been very valuable on these occasions. We feel it is a fact of life today that nearly all walkers will be carrying a phone, and if we only have one number per team and the owner of that phone retires then we no longer have a valid contact number. Also mobile coverage does vary across the Chase and one network may function where others do not. We recognise some people may not wish to give out their personal number, or indeed may prefer to leave technology at home while walking, but it may help us to ensure your safety if we have a contact.
We are not members of the Scout Association. Can we take part?		If you are members of an organisation that provides insurance cover for participants in outdoor activities, you might be eligable to take part in the Chasewalk. Please contact us to discuss details.
What is the process for entering a team using the new online method?		Step 1: Create a user account at http://chasewalk.org. Your email address will be your userid, chose your own password. Sign in to the site. Step 2: Add as many teams as you need to, in either or both of Scout and Main events, using the "Entry Management" options. For each team you will receive an email with payment details and instructions. Step 3: Send your payment by mail (one cheque or several, we don't mind!). We are not a big enough event to justify setting up online payments, and anyway many payments are from Group accounts which do not have this ability. Step 4: When we receive your payment, you will receive a confirmation email. The button to link to team registration (in your Entry Management page) will be enabled. Step 5: Register the details of your team members online. Step 6: Select the button to create a PDF Registration Form, print this and complete the remaining details, and most importantly get it signed by your DC or representative. Step 7: If you need to add team members, add breakfasts, alter snack choice you can edit your team. If you need to make additional payment you will receive an email detailing this, and team registration will be disabled until we receive payment. If required print another form, but you must get it signed! Step 8: Bring the completed, signed registration form with you to the event. Teams cannot start unless we have the signed form!
Can I add additional walkers or breakfasts to my entry?		At any time you can edit your entries from your "Entry Management" page. You can increase team members up to max of 7, you can increase the number of breakfasts, or alter the mix of vegetarian and standard breakfasts. You can order more breakfasts than team members if required for supporters. It is not possible to reduce numbers once you have saved the page. If extra fees are due, you will receive an email detailing this. Access to the team registration page will be removed until the additional fees are received. If you make a mistake when editing and need to reduce numbers, send us a nice email and we will see if we can help.