Carlsbad to san diego: September 5-7, 2014
Southern California 2014
FINAL EVENT DETAILS
(AKA: Read this so you know what’s going on!)
myMSchallenge.com
Challenge Walk MS is planned & executed by National Multiple Sclerosis Society Pacific South Coast Chapter and Southern California & Nevada Chapter Challenge Headquarters 12121 Scripps Summit Drive, Suite 190 San Diego, CA 92131 (800) 486-6762
STAFF CONTACTS:
Challenge Walk Director Jennifer West – (760) 448-8435 Fundraising Coaches Jacey Binder – (559) 439-2154 Jennifer Gaylord - (760) 448-8413 Debra Gruen – (310) 479-4456 Angelina Sperry – (760) 448-8430 Christine Trezise - (760) 448-8415 Rooming Coordinator Cindy Forutanpour - (760) 448-8426 cynthia.forutanpour@nmss.org
WELCOME TO CHALLENGE WALK MS! CONGRATULATIONS!
You are about to embark on an incredible journey. You will soon experience the magic of this event: you will laugh, cry, form and strengthen friendships and create special memories. Together, we will raise nearly $850,000 to fund vital programs and services for people affected by MS, and to fund research that will move us toward a world free of MS. We look forward to sharing this experience with you and hope this event guide will help you prepare for Challenge Walk MS. Thank you for doing something about MS NOW.
EVENT information THURSDAY MEET ‘N GREET & CHECK-IN*
Please join us at the San Diego Marriott Del Mar for hotel and event check-in, 4:00-8:00PM. Even if you are not staying at the Marriott on Thursday, we encourage you to pick-up your event check-in packet. Join us pool side for the Meet ‘n Greet where you will have the opportunity to catch up with old friends and meet new ones too! Sweets and treats will be served poolside from 5-7pm! Donations will be accepted at check-in.
FRIDAY CHECK-IN*
Carlsbad Flower Fields 5704 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad, CA 92008 If you did not check in on Thursday, arrive early to the Carlsbad Flower Fields to receive your event packet, 7:00-7:30AM at the event check-in tent. Then drop off your luggage and SWAG Bag at the luggage truck to be transported to the SD Marriott Del Mar– where it will be waiting for you after your day one walk. SWAG bags will be delivered to lunch stops. *If you do not pick up your event packet on Thursday at the SD Marriott Del Mar, you
HOST HOTEL San Diego Marriott Del Mar 11966 El Camino Real San Diego, CA 92030 MUST arrive early at the Flower Fields. Your event packet contains your Walker lanyard (required to walk). For any questions or concerns regarding your hotel reservation, contact Cindy at (760) 448-8426 or cindy.forutanpour@nmss.org.
PARTICIPANT PARKING
Free weekend parking will be available at the Carlsbad Flower Fields at no charge. There is selfparking at the SD Marriott Del Mar for $10 per day. You are responsible for all parking charges incurred at the SD Marriott Del Mar. We will offer a free Friday morning shuttle from the SD Marriott Del Mar to the start line.
around the hotel & MORE DETAILS BLISTER BUSTERS
Visit our awesome nurses at the hotel to fix your blisters! We have a great staff of nurses who are here to help you with your medical needs all weekend. Even if you don’t have a medical need they really are a fun bunch…you will want to meet them. Oh yeah, they have give-a-ways too.
MEDICATIONS
If your daytime medication requires refrigeration, please make arrangements with the nurses at check-in (Thursday night or Friday morning). There is a refrigerator in your room.
LUGGAGE & SWAG BAGS
Each participant will receive a SWAG bag filled with goodies at event check-in. Enjoy the goodies, then pack the bag with extra shoes, dry socks or whatever you may need during your walk (special food needs). Each day, drop-off your swag bag at the luggage /swag bag truck and we will transport it to the lunch stop for you. Make sure you attach a luggage tag to your bag. We’ll return it to you each evening.
MASSAGES
Go get yourself a massage, relax and enjoy! You totally deserve it! After your massage, you will be ready for another 20 miles!
THINGS TO DO AT THE HOTEL
Go hang out in the lounge with all your buddies and get some great snacks and drinks. Not in the mood for hanging out in the lounge? Go pool side or hit up the spa. Have a need for a cocktail? Not a problem, go visit the hotel bar located right by the pool! Have a great time; you deserve it!
WHAT ABOUT MY FAMILY?
We understand that taking on this personal challenge is an important event in your life – and you want to share it with your loved ones. For your safety and the safety of your loved ones, we ask that they do not walk with you on the Walk route. Invite your supporters to the finish line celebration at Embarcadero Park South downtown. Parking is $10 in the ACE Hilton Bay Front Lot. They will cheer you on as you cross the finish line! Enjoy lunch and music. Guests should arrive by 11:30AM.
WEEKEND THEME: Hooked on Finding a Cure
ARRRRRRRRGH you ready for some pirate fun? We won’t make you walk the plank, but we will award a prize to the best pirate-themed costume each day. Find your inner Jack Sparrow, dust off that eye patch from last Halloween, and get ready to show us just how hooked you are on finding a cure for MS. Land lubbers need not apply.
FINISH LINE SHUTTLE If you did not indicate that you needed a shuttle from Embarcadero Park South to the Carlsbad Flower Fields or San Deigo Marriott Del Mar on your confirmation packet, please call Cindy at (760) 448-8437 prior to the event. Shuttles will begin departing at 1:30 PM. Finish line shuttles are $15.
GETTING HERE Our Host hotel is the San Diego Marriott Del Mar 11966 El Camino Real San Diego, CA 92030 By Train: The closest Amtrack stop to the host hotel is Solana Beach, CA (SOL) The closest stop to the finish line is San Diego, CA - Old Town (OLT) Taxi Service: Orange Cab (619) 223 - 5555 Taxi Rob (619) 318 - 8935 AK Cab (619) 306 - 9761
MOST INSPIRATIONAL WALKER & CREW MEMBERS Every year, the Walkers choose the most inspriational walker and crew member. They select a person who inspired them most during the event weekend. The Most Inspirational Walker gets to lead the final mile finish holding the American flag, and is awarded at the pre-finish line. The Most Inspirational Crew Member is awarded at Saturday evening’s program. Look for more details in the check-in packet you will receive at the event.
TEAM information Get your team photo at the Flower Fields team photo tent on Friday morning. Check out the team tents at the START line for teams that raise $75,000 or more and give them a rockin’ high five. Also, be on the lookout for these team competitions:
OTHER TEAM PERKS: •
Banquet Dinner recognition when your team raises $10,000 or more!
•
Reserved tables at the Banquet Dinners when your team raises $50,000 or more.
•
Personalized team route marker.
•
Private team tent at the pre-finish line if your team raises $50,000 or more by the fundraising deadline. Your team will gather in Embarcadero Park North until all Walkers have finished, at which point all Challenge Walkers will march together to Embarcadero Park South for a triumphant finish! You will love having a special team tent to hang out with your team members while you wait for the big finish.
•
Raise $75,000 and get a team tent at the start line!
•
Team T-shirt Contest: Get your sassiest team member to strut their stuff on the catwalk at Friday night’s dinner. Let’s face it….the T-shirt design is only a part of crowning the winner!
•
The Spirit Stick: You’re spirited and you know it…this highly coveted stick of spirit will be awarded daily to the team showing the most spunk, spirit, pluck and vigor!
route information REST-STOPS
Rest-stops will be located every 1.5 to 3 miles along the route, and will have water, sports drink, fruit, power bars, and port-a-potties. Please provide the volunteers at the lunch stop with your Walker number (found on your lanyard) for your safety!
LUNCH
We are excited to have three fantastic catered lunches. Peanut butter & jelly sandwiches will also be available, in addition to the provided lunch. If you have special dietary needs, please plan ahead and pack something in your swag bag.
ROUTE MARKERS
In addition to the route slips provided at check-in to help you navigate the way, the Walk route will be clearly marked with bright orange arrows adhered to light poles and trees. Please stay on the route.
SAFETY & HYDRATION
We expect you to abide by all laws and safety rules set by event officials in order to make the Challenge an enjoyable and safe experience for all. The National MS Society officials reserve the right to remove any participant from the event. Be sure to stay hydrated, alternating water and sports drinks before, during and after walking.
SAG VEHICLES
SAG (Support & Gear) vehicles will be patrolling the route. If you are okay, please show the SAG a thumbs-up. If you want the SAG to pick you up, please show a thumbs-down. The SAG will transport you to the next rest-stop, lunch stop or back to the hotel. Minors under the age of 18 must always be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
MEDICAL
An ambulance will be present on the route throughout the weekend. In addition, EMTs will be located at all rest-stops. Our Blister Buster Nurses will be available to help with blister care at the hotel each morning and evening. Please shower before visiting the nurse station so that your bandages don’t fall off in the shower!
LANYARDS
When you check-in, you will receive a lanyard. Please wear your lanyard at all times throughout the event including on the route, at banquet dinners and for use of the lounge. You will need this to gain entry into any event activity.
before the event WHAT TO PACK
REMAINING DONATIONS
• Orange is the color of the National MS Society so wear it proudly.
Top fundraising status and prizes are awarded based upon monies turned in by Wednesday, August 20th. If you have remaining donations to turn in, please do so as soon as possible. Please send donations to the Pacific South Coast Chapter (address on inside cover). By continuing your fundraising, you could earn entry into one of our special Top Fundraiser groups, where you get added goodies during event weekend!
• Two pairs of well worn-in walking shoes
OVERACHIEVERS ($3,500+)
• Necklace Charms/Dog Tags: Sole Survivors bring past year’s tags, newbies will get yours at the event • Challenge in-training shirt • Theme related attire – bring out those pirate outfits to show your Hooked on Finding a Cure spirit!
• Any special medications or medicines
· Special surprise honoring your membership · Special recognition during the weekend ceremonies · Personalized badge with your Overachiever status · Personalized recognition marker along the Walk route
• Sports bra or athletic supporter
GOLDEN LACES ($5,000+)
• Extra dri-weave, non-cotton, clean socks • Mole skin or other blister prevention
• Comfortable, breathable walking clothes • Sun protection: hat/visor, sunglasses, lip balm, sunscreen • Swimsuit (for the pool and hot tub) • Cell phone (not for use while walking but good to have in case of emergency) • Water bottle • Flip flops/comfortable shoes for evening wear • Camera
· Two drink tickets each evening · Special recognition during the weekend ceremonies · A massage in an exclusive area for members both days · Special surprise honoring your membership · Personalized badge with your Golden Laces status · Personalized recognition marker along the Walk route
HIGH TOPS ($7,000+)
· Two drink tickets each evening · Special recognition during the weekend ceremonies - Personalized massage · Personalized badge designating your High Top status
ELITE FEET ($10,000+)
· A private room at the Marriott hotel for no added fee · Personalized massage · Two drink tickets each evening · Special surprise honoring your membership · Special recognition during the weekend ceremonies · Personalized badge designating your Elite Feet status · Recognition at the Challenge closing ceremony · Personalized recognition marker along the Walk route · A massage in an exclusive area for members both days
weekend agenda THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 Join us pool side for the Souplantation Meet ‘n’ Greet! 4:00-8:00PM
Meet ‘n’ Greet and Event Check-In, San Diego Marriott Del Mar
5:00-7:00PM
Sweets & Treats by the pool
7:00-9:00PM
Nurse’s Blister Buster Station open, 11th Floor Concierge Lounge
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 20 Miles from Carlsbad Flower Fields to San Diego Marriott Del Mar 6:30AM
Free shuttle from San Diego Marriott Del Mar to Flower Fields THIS IS THE ONLY SHUTTLE
7:00-7:30AM
Event check-in & luggage drop-off, Flower Fields
7:00-8:00AM
Team photos, Flower Fields
7:30AM Opening ceremonies, Flower Fields 8:00AM
Day One walk begins!
1:00-5:30PM
Massage open, SD Marriott Del Mar, Pool side
1:00-6:00PM
Lounge open, SD Marriott Del Mar, Great Room
1:00-7:00PM
Nurse’s Blister Buster Station open, 11th Floor Concierge Lounge
5:00PM
Route swept for remaining Walkers
6:00PM
Ballroom bars open Ballroom doors open for dinner
7-8:30PM
Dinner program: Challenge Walk Connections Rally with team t-shirt contest
8-10:00PM
Nurse’s Blister Buster Station open, 11th Floor Concierge Lounge
weekend agenda SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 20 Miles from San Diego Marriott at Del Mar to Ventura Cove 5:45-9:00AM Nurse’s Blister Buster Station open, 11th Floor Concierge Lounge 6:00-8:00AM Breakfast, swag bag drop-off/luggage drop-off, SD Marriott Del Mar 7:00-8:00AM Day Two walk begins! 8:00AM
Shuttle departs to top of Torrey Pines hill
1:00-5:00PM Massage open, SD Marriott Del Mar, Pool side Lounge open, SD Marriott Del Mar, Great Room 1:00-7:00PM Nurse’s Blister Buster Station open, 11th Floor Concierge Lounge 5:00PM
Route swept for remaining Walkers
6:00PM
Ballroom bars open & Ballroom doors open for dinner
7:00-8:30PM Dinner and candle ceremony, Keynote speaker Jessica Pelle 8:00-10:00PM Nurse’s Blister Buster Station open, 11th Floor Concierge Lounge
SATURDAY’S KEYNOTE SPEAKER: JESSICA PELLE We’re excited to welcome Jessica to share her story at Challenge Walk MS. Diagnosed in 2005 at the age of 25, Jessica was just putting her career together after graduating from CSU Chico with a BA in Media Arts. At the same time, she was a dancer on a touring Christian troupe, an award-winning choreographer and director for theatrical musicals and a private vocal coach. By age 27, she was unable to walk without assistance and had permanent loss of eyesight. Though dancing is a thing of the past, Jessica continues to teach voice lessons and has a thriving business thanks to her positive outlook and love of helping others succeed. We know you’ll find her words and her music inspiring at our Saturday evening program.
weekend agenda SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 10 Miles from Ventura Cove to Embarcadero Park South 5:45-9:00AM
Nurse’s Blister Buster Station open, 11th Floor Concierge Lounge
6:00-8:00AM
Breakfast, swag bag/luggage drop-off, San Diego Marriott Del Mar
6:00AM
Early Start Shuttle
7:00-8:00AM Shuttles to Ventura Cove to begin Day Three walk! 8:00AM
Last shuttle departs for Ventura Cove
11:15AM
Route swept for remaining Walkers
11:45AM
Victory march from Embarcadero Park North to Embarcadero Park South
12:00PM
Arrive at finish line to meet family & friends
12:00-2:00PM
Closing ceremony, Lunch & Celebration Embarcadero Park South
1:30PM
Shuttles depart to Flower Fields & San Diego Marriott Del Mar
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Thanks to these great sponsors FOR MAKING CHALLENGE WALK MS 2014 POSSIBLE!
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