General
What is the Parkinson’s NSW Unity Walk?
The Unity Walk helps Parkinson’s NSW to raise awareness and money to fund essential research and support services for people living with Parkinson’s, their families and carers.
Join us to provide Help for Today and Hope for Tomorrow
- In Australia, someone is diagnosed with Parkinson’s every hour of every day
- Over 80,000 Australians live with Parkinson’s disease, which is the second most common degenerative neurological condition
- There is no known cause or cure
When will it be held?
Sunday 25th August, 2013
Where will it be held?
Sydney Olympic Park. Registrations are at Cathy Freeman Park (formerly The Overflow). Registration area is on Olympic Boulevarde (note that Olympic Boulevarde will be closed on the day so please park elsewhere in the Park).
What events will be held on the day?
The 6th Anniversary Unity Walk (4km) as well as an 8km run and a 4km run.
How can I register for the Unity Run?
Click here for all the information about the 3rd annual Unity Run and to Register.
I am participating to honour someone I know with Parkinson’s. How can I acknowledge them?
Download an Honour Card from the website. You can even add their photo if you wish. Honour cards will also be available on the day.
Can I use my Companion Card to bring someone to assist me?
Absolutely! We would love to have both of you along on the day. Enter your Companion Card number when you register online and a FREE entry will be generated.
Can you tell me more about Parkinson’s disease?
- In Australia, someone is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease every hour of every day
- Parkinson’s is one of the most common brain conditions in Australia
- It is more common among people aged over 60 years, but can affect adults of any age
- It does not cause death and many people live a long and productive life after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s
- It affects both men and women, from all cultures and lifestyles
- Click here for lots more information
I don’t want to run or walk but how can I volunteer to help?
Our volunteers play a significant role in the success of the Run. We are on the lookout for friendly, energetic and committed people of all ages! Assistance is required in the following areas: registrations, marshalling, merchandise, set-up and close-down. Register your interest by downloading an application and sending the completed form to Unity Walk and Run Volunteer Co-ordinator, Karina, at pnsw@parkinsonsnsw.org.au or call 02 8875 8900.
Entry Information
How do I enter?
Entries are accepted online or via hard copy. However, we prefer online entries to cut down on our administration costs.
How much does it cost to enter?
Adults $30
Child (6-15 yrs) $20
Child (0-5 yrs) FREE
Family discounts also apply:
One adult and 2 children $65
Two adults and 2 children $95
This is an early bird rate until 12am 19th August. Costs increase after that.
How will I know that my entry has been accepted?
- If you have entered online, you will receive an e-ticket. If you do not receive this e-ticket, you are not entered.
- If you enter via a hard copy registration form, you will receive an e-ticket in the mail. If you do not receive this e-ticket, you are not entered.
- In both instances, let us know.
Can I transfer my entry or get a refund for my entry fee?
No transfers or refunds are allowed.
Can I walk in the running events?
Running only is permissible for the 8km event. You can walk the 4km event but why not enter the 4km Unity Walk, later in the day, instead?! Go to www.unityrun.com.au to find out all about it.
Can I bring my dog to the event?
Pooches are welcome for the 4km Walk and 4km Run event (there is a small fee) but dogs are not permitted on course for the 8km run.
Are there prizes?
This is not a competitive walk but rather a fun day out for all the family. However, the overall male and female winners of the 8km Run event will win an incredible holiday in Hawaii! There will also be prizes in all age categories in the Unity Runs.
Event Day
What time do I need to arrive?
7.00am 8km Run Registration starts
8.30am 8km Run Starts
8.30am 4km Run Registration starts
9.30am Walk Registration commences
10.00am 4km Run starts
10.00am 8km Run Presentation
10.45am 4km Run Presentation
11.00am Walk Warm Up
11.30am Walk Starts
12.30pm Walk Finish
12.30pm ENTERTAINMENT, FOOD AND FUN FOR ALL!
Where do I park?
There are a number of public car parking spaces at Sydney Olympic Park. P1 is the parking station closest to the Registration area at Cathy Freeman Park (formerly The Overflow). For more information visit www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au.
What public transport is available?
There are regular train and bus services to and from Sydney Olympic Park. Go to www.131500.com.au to see timetables.
The NSW Government will be offering FREE travel for participants travelling to and from the event on CityRail and CountryLink services and on Sydney metropolitan and outer metropolitan bus services. THIS OFFER IS ONLY AVAILABLE TO PARTICIPANTS WHO REGISTER ONLINE.
In order to access free public transport you must present your official 2013 Parkinson's NSW Unity Walk and Run E-ticket as proof of participation. This E-ticket is issued when you register online.
Participants travelling on CountryLink services whose journey may require travel on the day before or the day after the event, may still do so FREE OF CHARGE if they clearly identify to the ticket seller that they are participating in the event. IF YOU INTEND TO TRAVEL THIS WAY, PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE ON (02) 8875 8900 FOR INSTRUCTIONS.
Where do I get a drink?
There will be refreshments and food for sale on the day as well as water on the course.
Where do I go if I need to go to the toilet?
There are public toilets at the start line but no toilets on course.
Can I ride my bike/skateboard/roller blades, push a pram during the race?
You are welcome to bring any or all of the above for the 4km walk and 4km run. The 8km event is strictly foot traffic only or, for the safety of everyone, start from the back of the pack if you are in a wheelchair.
Are pets allowed on the course?
See above. You can even register your furry friend to walk for just $10 and receive a FREE bandana for them to wear! Please ensure that your pet is on a leash and remember to bring a doggy bag for any cleanups.
What happens if I need medical attention on the day?
Medical aid will be available on course as well as at the registration area.
Will the roads around the course be closed to traffic?
To ensure the safety and wellbeing of our competitors, roads around the run course will be closed. Please be sure to follow course marshalls’ instructions to ensure you stay on the route.
Will there be time limits for the events?
Yes as we have 3 events during the day. The 8km Run, the 4km Run as well as the Unity Walk so the track will need to be clear for the next event to start.
Will the race be cancelled if the weather is bad?
We hope not to have inclement weather but should we deem the weather too dangerous, the event will be cancelled. Notification will be on www.unitywalk.com.au and www.unityrun.com.au 2 hours before the start time. Otherwise the race will go ahead. A bit of rain will not prevent the event going ahead.
Website
I’ve got a problem with registering online.
Click here to let us know your problem.
Where can I view my online registration?
View your online registration here.
I have a question that hasn’t been answered in this FAQ.
Email us and we will get back to you as quickly as we can.