Sunrise Walk FAQs

Who can take part in the National Star Sunrise 13k Walk?
The main route is a 13km circular walk and has sections with varying levels of difficulty. The walk will be suitable for anyone with reasonable fitness so we are not being prescriptive about age, however it may well be too challenging for younger children if they are not experienced walkers. Under 16’s need to be accompanied by an adult who is also taking part in the Sunrise Walk.

Unfortunately, due to the undulating nature of the 13K route, slopes, kissing gates and stiles, it is not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs. The route will cover gravel and muddy paths, open countryside and some relatively steep descents and ascents. There are also some short sections on country lanes and the route will involve crossing roads. We will have marshals and signage along the route to guide you.

Who can take part in the National Star 3K walk?
This is a shorter 3km more accessible route. This route follows part of the Leckhampton Hill Mobility Scooter Route. Participants will need to sign in at Sunrise HQ at National Star, Ullenwood and collect their bib number. Then make their own way to the Leckhampton Hill car park. From here you will be able to greet the sunrise. You can take on one loop or more as you wish.

This route is a mix of compacted gravel, mowed grass and follows public footpaths. Conditions under foot can be muddy and will be dictated by the weather conditions on the day and in the run up to Sunrise Walk which National Star has no control over. There are pedestrian gates and inclines along the route. Most powered wheelchairs / sturdy mobility scooters should be able to travel over the route. If you are unsure, please contact the fundraising team before booking your entry to Sunrise Walk and look at our accessibility statement which is available on the website as well. Once you have completed your loop(s) please return to HQ for your breakfast bap. Volunteer marshals will be able to direct you and the route will be sign posted.

If you have a carer / personal assistant who will be supporting you on the day please let us know when you register to take part. If they wish to have a breakfast bap upon their return we would appreciate a voluntary donation of £3 to cover the cost.

It will be your responsibility to ensure that if you are using a powered wheelchair that it is sturdy enough for the terrain and has enough power to compete the distance you intend to do.

If minimum participant numbers are not met by Friday 21 March for the 3K route National Star reserves the right to cancel this aspect of the event.

What time does the walks start and finish?
Registration at Sunrise HQ (National Star, Ullenwood) will be from 5am till 5.30am, with the walk beginning at 5.40am prompt. The walk is not a race and can be walked at leisure.

We anticipate that those taking on the 13k route will finish between 2.5 hrs – 4.5hrs and the route will close after 4.5 hours. The 3k route will close after the last participant returns to Sunrise HQ or 4hrs after the walk has begun, whichever is sooner.

Are there any age restrictions?
No but anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

What happens if I am unable to complete the walk?
We will have marshals along the route, as well as first aid support available, in case you are unable to complete the walk for any reason. They will be able to assist you and direct you to the nearest pick up point. We will have a refreshment station (pit stop) before the half way point on the route where you can rest, have a snack and have access to a portaloo. We advise participants to have a fully charged mobile phone in case they need assistance at anytime.

What should I wear?
Suitable footwear for walking in the countryside is crucial and your responsibility. We would suggest walking boots, trail shoes or trainers with a firm grip. Please ensure you dress for the weather in April for that time of the morning. You will want to feel warm and comfortable during your walk so layers are advised. Please feel to bring along refreshments to enjoy along the route, hot drinks and water will be available at the start, at the pit stop and once you are at back Sunrise HQ. We strongly advise that you to bring a handheld or head torch, as the first part of the walk will be in darkness.

Where can I park my car?
Parking is available at National Star’s site at Ullenwood in the designated car parks from 5am. For those taking on the 3k walk, once they have signed in at Sunrise Walk HQ will be directed to park at Leckhampton Hill public car park (there is no charge) once those taking the 13k distance have set off.

Address: National Star, Ullenwood, Cheltenham, GL53 9QU.

Can I bring my dog?
You are welcome to bring your well behaved dog. However, please ensure you take the necessary precautions to keep them safe and under control. Part of the route does go through fields where livestock may be so, please follow the countryside code and keep dogs on their lead where required. Please also be aware that some stiles do not have a ‘dog gate’ so dogs may need to be lifted over or able to jump the stile. Part of the route is along public roads. You will also need to clear up their waste. There are no dog waste bins on the route or at Ullenwood.

Are there any toilets on the route?
We will have a small number of portaloos at the pit stop point of the walk. Toilets will also be available at Sunrise Walk HQ.

Can I get a map of the route before the day?
The route map will be available on the website. Copies can be picked up from the registration point. The route will be signposted with marshals at key points along the route to guide you.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The event will still go ahead unless there is an extreme weather event predicted but please be prepared for all weather conditions. Should National Star need to postpone this event we will contact you by the email you gave us when you registered, post on National Star website (https://www.nationalstar.org/events/sunrise-walk/) and the charities social media channels (don’t forget to follow National Star.)

How much does it cost to register?

• Early Bird entry is £15 per adult and £7.50 per child.
• Standard entry is £20 per adult (16 years old and over) and £10 per child.
• On the day, prices are £35 per adult and £15 per child.

In addition, we are asking each walker to aim to raise a minimum of £50.

When does registration close?
Online registration closes on Wednesday 2 April 2025. However, you can still sign up on the day.

What will I receive when I have registered?
You will receive a welcome email with all the information you need, including a sponsorship form and guidance to set up an online sponsorship page to help support you to raise the suggested minimum £50 sponsorship.

When you arrive on the day to sign in you will receive your walker number (please complete the rear side of the form with the requested information). At the pit stop point you can pick up a snack and upon your return to Ullenwood you can enjoy a delicious hot breakfast roll with a hot drink.

Fundraising and sponsorship

Where will the money I raise go?
Your registration fee helps to cover the cost of putting on and hosting Sunrise Walk. Every penny raised through your sponsorship will support young people with complex disabilities at National Star.

Can I fundraise online?
Yes, this is a fantastic way to fundraise. We recommend setting up a JustGiving page (www.justgiving.com/nationalstar) Don’t forget to share your fundraising on your own social media channels and use the hashtag #SunriseWalk.

How do I pay my sponsorship in?
There are several ways you can pay your money in. You can pay directly to National Star using our donate web page, by cheque made payable to ‘National Star’. Please use your surname & Sunrise Walk as the reference in both instances.  Please contact us if you would like to make a BACS payment. Alternatively, you can bring cash and cheques with you on the day. Please also return your sponsorship form(s) and encourage your supporters to complete the Gift Aid boxes if they are eligible taxpayers.

Our postal address for returning your sponsorship form and any cheques to is:

Fundraising, National Star, Ullenwood, Cheltenham, GL53 9QU

Can I register and not raise any sponsorship?
Raising sponsorship is not compulsory, however we do encourage our supporters to raise as much money as possible to help us to transform the lives of young people with complex disabilities.

Find out more: If your question about the Sunrise Walk hasn’t been answered or you would like more information about the event, please contact National Star’s Fundraising team by:

Emailing fundraising@nationalstar.org or calling 01242 524478 and they will be very happy to help.