Challenge for Life has four options for you to choose from: a 20k Walk that will take you through some of Winnipeg's most beautiful and historic neighbourhoods, a 5k Walk at Assiniboine Park or a 200-minute workout extravaganza all taking place on June 1! You may prefer the virtual component where you can choose your own challenge to reach 20k or 200 minutes of fitness. We recommend doing this between May 25-June 1. Then, if possible, join fellow participants at Assiniboine Park on Saturday, June 1 for the celebrations.

The Challenge helps you reduce your risk of cancer by getting active, and helps increase awareness for all cancers while raising significant funds to support CancerCare Manitoba's work on behalf of Manitobans and their families living with cancer.

To achieve these objectives, participants commit to a personal health and fitness goal and a minimum $250 fundraising goal.

Make it a walk or the whole family! Participants 5 years old and younger are free and not required to meet the fundraising minimum.

Choose one of the following registration methods:

• REGISTER ONLINE. You may register as an individual or as part of a team.
• Register by phone at 204-927-LIFE (5433).

Yes. There is a $25 non-refundable registration fee.

Children 5 years and younger are free.

Your registration fee is used to support the cost of your registration package including a Challenge for Life t-shirt, personal webpage support and to help cover the operational costs of the event. Once you have registered, you will receive access to a personal web page to tell your story, the ability to monitor and manage your fundraising activities and access to the online Participant Centre that includes tips and tools to get you started.

No. In accordance with Canada Revenue Agency Guidelines, registration fees are not eligible for tax receipts.

Challenge for Life is much more than a fundraiser. Participants who register commit to a personal health and fitness goal and a fundraising goal. YOU commit to:

• Raise a minimum of $250 for CancerCare Manitoba Foundation prior to event day
• Agree to be proactive in reducing your own risk of cancer by making practical changes in your everyday life like getting active to Protect Your Tomorrows.

Register as a participant in the 20k or 5k Walk, in the 200-minute workout or as a Virtual participant.

If you are completing one of the in-person Challenges on event day (June 1), join us for the Opening Ceremonies at 8:15 A.M. and kick-off your walk or workout with your fellow challengers.

If you are completing the Virtual component your own way, we encourage you to join us for either the Opening Ceremonies or to walk Victory Road and ring the bells at the finish line.

Participants of all ages are welcome to participate. Participants who will be under the age of 18 on the day of the event must provide a waiver signed by their parent or legal guardian at the time of registration. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult who is a registered participant in the Challenge and a waiver must be signed by parent or legal guardian.

Each registered participant must achieve the $250 fundraising minimum. Children 5 years and younger are not required to meet this fundraising minimum.

Yes, Strollers and wagons are allowed on the routes. Please be courteous to your fellow participants.

Please note: for the safety of all participants, dogs, bikes, rollerblades, skateboards and umbrellas are not permitted and there is no running allowed by participants on the Challenge routes.

Please bring your registration package. Wear comfortable shoes, clothes you are comfortable walking in, and a big smile!

The registration package contains your mandatory identification and participation bib. Your wristband identifies you throughout the event giving you access to the breakfast and lunch tent, and snacks throughout the day. Your wristband number is linked to your emergency contact.

Packages can be picked up in advance from our office, located at 825 Sherbrook Street (entrance on Bannatyne), or on event day at Assiniboine Park. Please try to pick up your package ahead of time to avoid line-ups on event day.

Proper equipment can make all the difference to your experience as this is a rain or shine event! We have put together a list of recommended items. Most importantly, check the weather and dress appropriately.

Other items you'll need:

• Clothing - Select snug-fitting (but not tight) clothing. Clothes that are too tight or too loose can create friction and chafing. Avoid untested or unwashed new clothing. Also remember a hat and sunscreen, and to bring a sweater and/or windbreaker in case of cool temperatures.
• Socks - Avoid cotton as it causes blisters. Choose socks made from synthetic, soft wet-wick fabric. Some people choose to wear two layers of socks (or a sock that is made with double layers) to aid in blister prevention. Carry a spare pair of socks and change during your walk if your feet become sweaty or wet.
• Shoes - Break in your shoes! Your shoes must fit properly to avoid blisters. Too snug or too loose is always a problem. Ensure there is a half-inch space between your longest toe and the end of your shoe. Be sure you have enough room to wiggle your toes inside the toe box, and your heel does not slip when you walk. Choose shoes that breathe well and inspect the inside of your shoes for seams or worn areas which might produce extra friction.
• Water bottle - Water stations will be available prior to the event at Assiniboine Park, as well as at each check stop to keep you hydrated. Make sure to bring your own water bottle so you can re-hydrate throughout your walk!
• Waist pack or drawstring bag - Wearing something to carry your water bottle and personal items like money and keys will make your walk more enjoyable.
• Other Bring anything else you think you might need…a camera, sunscreen, lip balm, extra socks, pain reliever and anti-blister aids can also be carried on you. Try not to bring too much though to keep your walk light!

Yes! We’d love to see you at Assiniboine Park to partake in either the opening ceremonies, or to walk Victory Road and ring the bells at the finish line in Assiniboine Park on June 1. Please join us! You completed your Challenge and you earned it!

If you want to take part in the 5k walk in person on event day as a part of your virtual Challenge please register as a 5k in-person participant. You are still welcome to complete the remainder of your Challenge virtually however you like.

We encourage you to update your personal page in your participant centre or in our CFL app to indicate the various fun ways you are intending to complete your challenge.

Yes! Anyone of any physical ability can participate in the Challenge for Life. Please keep in mind that if at any point you feel you need a ride to a check stop, or to the finish line, extend your arm with a "THUMBS DOWN" motion. This will alert one of the sweep vehicles to stop and assist you.

Yes. All individual participants must raise a minimum of $250 prior to June 1. Call us at 204-927-LIFE (5433) or visit the Fundraising Tools page for ideas on how to get started.

Children 5 years and younger are not required to meet this fundraising minimum.

The Challenge for Life raises serious dollars for a serious cause. A fundraising minimum is a fundraising goal that participants agree to raise by event day. Two in five of us will be diagnosed with cancer in our lifetime. This daunting forecast reinforces the importance of the funds raised every year at Challenge for Life.

When you register, you are agreeing to reach your fundraising goal by receiving donations. There are plenty of creative ways you can accomplish this! Visit the Fundraising Tools page or call us at 204-927-LIFE (5433) for resources and ideas.

If you are unable to reach the $250 fundraising minimum, you can agree to allow us to charge a credit card during the signup process for the remainder of the fundraising minimum. Or, if you are part of a team, as long as the entire team raises an average of $250 per person, you can still participate! That’s why it’s a great idea to recruit friends, family, neighbours and colleagues to form a team! “None of us is as strong as all of us!”

No. Your registration fee pays for the support you receive prior to and during the event.

We are committed to keeping the cost of running an event of this magnitude to a minimum and our sponsors, volunteers and partners contribute significantly to help offset those costs. We strive to have all event operating costs covered by sponsorship and registration fees, which helps ensure as much of the fundraising dollars as possible go to CancerCare Manitoba.

Raising $250 may seem like a big task at first. Some participants who thought they would never get there have become our top fundraisers! Once you’ve registered, you will create a Personal Page where you can tell your story and encourage donations from friends and family.

Whether you are collecting donations from your contact network or holding your own fundraising event, we are here to help! Our Fundraising Tips & Resources page has great ideas to get you started, or you can call us at 204-927-LIFE (5433). We'll do all we can to help you succeed!

The sooner you register the better! Donations are accepted up to and past event day. If possible please make every effort to turn in your donations by Friday, May 24, to allow for processing, and so you are credited with all donations for the reveal on June 1.

Please try to submit all funds online if possible or phone us to make other arrangements at 204-927-LIFE (5433).

To avoid potential lineups on event day, please try to turn in any donations and pick up your registration package in advance at the Challenge for Life office, Monday to Friday, located at 825 Sherbrook Street. Entrance to the Challenge office is located on the corner of Sherbrook Street and Bannatyne Avenue across from the Health Sciences Centre. Parking is available at the loading zone by the entrance. Enter under the blue canopy on Bannatyne Avenue and follow the signs through the sliding doors on your left.

If you live a far distance from Winnipeg and are taking the Virtual Challenge, we will mail your registration package to you.

There is a suggested fundraising deadline in order to get as close to the grand total of funds raised as possible in order to share this number with you on event day!

If you are unable to make June 1 fit your schedule, we encourage you to participate Virtually from May 25-June 1 or choose other dates that work best for you.

Your fundraising efforts will benefit all Manitobans through the outstanding work done at CancerCare Manitoba. We know your donors will appreciate supporting CancerCare Manitoba through Challenge for Life.

Find out if your employer participates in a matching gift program by asking your personnel or human resources department. It is worth finding out, even if you have already made your donation, as many companies will match your gift if you submit your request within a reasonable time after the donation. Some employers will also match employee fundraising efforts.

Often, companies will also match gifts from retired employees, spouses, and members of the board. You can also suggest this to your donors to see if their employers would match their gifts too! If a company does not currently have a matching gift program, you or your donors can take this opportunity to suggest that they consider starting one!

Six check stops with washrooms, snacks, water, and medical if needed, are located along the 20k route, one is located on the 5k route with one more in the Park to support Work It. Lunch is included and provided for you once you cross the finish line.

Certified medical attendants are waiting at each check stop to help with things like blisters, pain relief and minor first aid.

Volunteers in multi-passenger vans patrol the 20k route alongside walkers. They are a phone call or quick thumbs-down hand signal away if you need transport to the next check stop or back to the Park due to fatigue, or any other reason. A utility vehicle will patrol the 5k route.

This support team ride bicycles and follow the last walkers out from the start line to offer support if needed. Tailing the walkers all the way to the finish line so everyone crosses safely.

Participant safety is our priority. We enlist help from volunteer motorcyclists who monitor the 20k route and help provide directions and signals at busy intersections.

A corporate team is a group of individuals from a Manitoba business or organization. A community team is a group of individuals who choose to enter together as a team.

A minimum of two people and as many as you wish!

Everyone who registers for the Challenge as part of a team is encouraged to raise a minimum of $250 individually. However, if you personally fall short of $250, you may participate in the challenge provided that:

• your team average is at least $250 per member, and
• your team agrees that all may participate

For example: There are three members on your team. Two raise $300 each, the third raises $200. Your total raised is $750, which is an average of $250 each, so if the team agrees, all three may participate.

Children 5 years and younger are free and not required to meet this fundraising minimum.

If your team does not meet the team average of $250 per member, then as a team, you must decide which members will participate on event day (for example: a team of five raises a cumulative total of $900. The team chooses three members to participate.)

Yes, as a member of a team, you may decide to participate in a virtual activity rather than walk the 20k or 5k as a team, or vice versa. However, this is not possible for Work It.

Donating online is easy and secure. Click the DONATE button at the top of the Challenge for Life website. Enter the name of the participant in the search area you wish to support and follow the prompts. You may also choose to search for a team or donate to the Challenge for Life event directly. Online donors will receive an immediate confirmation of their donation, followed by a tax receipt via email.

We make every effort to protect your personal information. The software we use for registrations and donations on the website uses industry-standard SSL encryption techniques to make sure your credit card information, passwords and personal information travel securely over the Internet. Our software provider has also installed an encryption engine on our database server so your data is securely stored. Credit card information is never stored in our database or our software provider's database.

Download a printable donation form or call our office at 204-927-LIFE (5433) and we will send one to you. Mail the form in with your donation cheque to 1160-675 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB. R3E 0V9

Cash donations can be made in person Monday to Friday at the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation Events office (8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) located at 825 Sherbrook Street. Office entrance is located on Bannatyne Avenue under the blue canopy. Parking is available at the loading zone by the entrance.

Donations made online will show up immediately on a participant's web page. For donations made by cash or cheque, please allow up to two weeks for processing.

Receipts will be automatically mailed for donations of $15 or more.

Please allow two to three weeks after your donation has been received in our office to receive your tax receipt. Receipts for online donations will be sent by email. Tax receipts for mail or walk-in donations will be sent by Canada Post.

A matching donation is when a person or business pledges to match the amount you have donated, or fundraised, thereby doubling the amount of the donation.

Matching gift programs are often offered by employers to the current and retired employees, spouses, and members of the board. We encourage you to find out if your employer offers matching gifts for employee donations and/or fundraising efforts!

Yes! We want you to feel great and celebrate your successes on event day, or throughout the week as a Virtual participant. Being a Challenger is an achievement we want you to safely enjoy!

To begin, get yourself a good pair of shoes and start walking and stretching!

"Move" is one of the key steps to reducing your risk of cancer and group fitness is proven to be one the easiest and most productive ways to exercise. Being active is important to staying healthy and helping to maintain a healthy body weight. Regular exercise can reduce your risk of colon cancer and may also reduce your risk of breast cancer. It can also reduce stress, increase energy levels and improve your outlook on life.

Take a walk once a day or choose the stairs instead of the elevator if you are able. Spend less time in front of the television or computer. Play actively with your kids or pets.

We've got your back! If at any point you feel you need a ride to a check stop, or to the finish line, extend your arm with a "THUMBS DOWN" motion. This will alert one of the sweep vehicles to stop and assist you.

Our training walks are a good way to get to know your fellow participants and get some training walks in. Coaches are available to offer stretching and training tips.

Volunteer opportunities are available. Please contact the Challenge for Life Volunteer Coordinator at 204-927-5430 to find out more about being a part of the Challenge for Life.

The Participant Centre is part of the website that is only available to you after you register. You will have a username and password to log in. Once you log in, you'll have access to excellent tools to set up and edit your Personal Page, send emails to potential supporters and access fundraising tips and tools.

Log in to your Participation Centre on the Challenge for Life website by clicking “Login” on top right-hand corner of the Challenge for Life home page. Enter your username and password. Click here to learn what else you can do from your Participant Centre.

You can also access your Participant Centre on your smart phone through the Challenge for Life mobile app! Click here to learn more and download the app.

Your Personal Page is your opportunity to tell your story to the world. Friends and family can visit and easily donate to you online or print out a donation form. Anyone who looks up your name on the Challenge for Life site will be directed to your Personal Page.

Your Personal Page is automatically created when you register. You can then personalize your page by adding photos, writing messages about what inspired you to take the Challenge, and creating a personal url to share the page with your family and friends. Log in now to get started!

You can simply call 204-927-LIFE (5433) and our friendly staff will get you started and give you ongoing support.

Either way, when they type in your name, they will be directed to your Personal Page. You also have the ability to send emails from your Participant Centre that will give donors access to a link that takes them directly to your personal page.

To personalize your webpage, you can upload a photo from your computer to your online Participant Centre, or from your phone using the Challenge for Life app. Read Using Your Participant Centre details here.

If you are having difficulties please call 204-927-LIFE (5433).

Hover your mouse over the ‘Login’ button on the top right corner of the Challenge for Life page. You will see a prompt that asks ‘Forgot your password?’ click it. This will take you to a password recovery screen. You may also recover your user name here.

At the top of this page, log in using your username and password.

Once you are logged in, at the top of your page click on a topic called “Update Profile.” This takes you to your profile information. You will be able to change your contact information, email address, username and password. At the bottom of that page, click ‘save’. You can now continue using the site.

If you are having difficulties, please call 204-927-LIFE (5433).

Updating your personal page with specific information for why you #TaketheChallenge is so important in encouraging support. Update the text with your personal reason and share how you plan to complete your Challenge.

You can also use this as a manual tracker to keep your supporters up to date with your progress. For example, you can add the activities you complete along with dates and distances/minutes to show how far you've made it.

To update your page, log in and select the "Personal Page" tab in your Participant Centre. If you are a team captain also be sure to go and update the "Team Page" tab. Here you can edit the text in the "body" section, create a personal URL with your name by clicking "URL Settings" and add a photo. This page can be updated as many times as you like.

The short answer, yes! Not only are you making a difference in the lives of Manitobans living with cancer, you are making a difference in your own life by participating in the Challenge and getting active!

To find out more about the impact your donations are making, click here.

Proceeds from the event stay right here in Manitoba to support prevention, early detection, state of the art treatment, world class research and patient care at CancerCare Manitoba. Find out more here and here.

We are committed to keeping the cost of running an event of this magnitude to a minimum and our sponsors, volunteers and partners contribute significantly to help offset those costs. We will continue striving to have all costs covered by sponsorship, so all funds raised can go directly to CancerCare Manitoba.