FAQ

Where does the money go?

AIDS Fund conducts a variety of programs throughout the year to increase public awareness about the impact of HIV on our communities. AIDS Fund also provides emergency financial assistance to people living with HIV disease and organizations providing HIV services in the Greater Philadelphia region. Many of our friends, family, and neighbors are in desperate need of critical life services, while they are struggling to live with HIV/AIDS. With your help, AIDS Fund can bridge the gap between existing resources and the reality of today's unmet needs.

Do I need to raise money to participate?

AIDS Walk Philly is the region’s largest HIV/AIDS fundraiser, and we encourage all of our participants to try and raise at least $50, which earns you a t-shirt!  However, anyone is welcome to participate, and fundraising is not mandatory.  (Please note that all runners must raise at least $50.  For more information on the run, visit aidsrunphilly.org).

Where do I register?

You can register online or by phone (215-731-WALK).

If I walked/ran/volunteered in the past, do I need to register again this year?

Yes.  Everyone participating in this year's Walk or Run needs to register, even if you have participated in the past.  If you already have an account, sign in with the email address you used to create your account in the past.  If you don't remember your password, don't worry!  Our system will email you a new one. 

How do I know if my registration went through?

After you've registered, you should receive a confirmation email.  You will also be able to login and view your Action Center, where you can edit your profile and look at your donations.

How do I join a team?

Check out our Teams page for all the information you need on joining a team, being a team captain, or creating a new team!

How do I volunteer?

Register online as a Walk Volunteer (if you have not participated before, you will need to create an account), or call our office at 215-731-WALK and ask to speak to a volunteer coordinator; they will sign you up for a volunteer position for the Walk.  You may also email our volunteer coordinator at volunteer@aidswalkphilly.org.

If I volunteer, can I be on a team?

Yes!  Teams can be made of any combination of walkers, runners and volunteers.  Just make sure you include your team number when you register.

If I volunteer, can I still do the Walk?

Many of our volunteers request early jobs and participate in the Walk afterwards.  Let our Volunteer Coordinator know that you would like to both volunteer and do the Walk.

Do I need to include my online donations on a Sponsor Form?

All your online donations are automatically added to your profile and count towards your fundraising award.  You do not need to record them on a Sponsor Form.  We’ll have a record of this at the Donation Tent on the day of the Walk.

What is the Action Center?

Once you are registered for this year's Walk/Run, you will have access to your Action Center.  To get there, click on "Login" on the AIDS Walk Philly homepage. Here, you can see your donations and manage your profile.  This is where you can change your picture on your personal fundraising page, write your personal appeal, and update your Fundraising Goal.

Why do I need to set a fundraising goal?

Setting a goal and making a donation will encourage people to donate to your page.  Remember to reset your goal once you've reached it!

What is Early Check-In?

Early Check-In is a great opportunity to turn in donations and avoid the lines on the day of the event.  Stop by our office to drop off any donations and pick up your button and fundraising awards.

When/where does Early Check-In take place?

Thursday, October 18 10:00AM-8:00PM
Friday, October 14 19:00AM-8:00PM
Saturday, October 20 10:00AM-4:00PM

AIDS Fund
1315 Spruce St. 4th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19107

Can my Team Captain turn in my donation for me at Early Check-In?

Yes! Just make sure you have filled out your own Sponsor Form, and if you raised $50, that your Team Captain knows your t-shirt size!

Where/When do the Walk & Run begin?

The Walk and Run begin at Eakins Oval (in front of the Philadelphia Art Museum).  Turn in your sponsor sheets/donations beginning at 6:30AM for runners and 7:30 AM for walkers. The 5K Run begins at 7:30 AM and the Walk begins at 9AM.

Do I need to visit the donation tent?

If you are turning in money or have raised enough money to earn a fundraising award ($50+), visit the donation tent!  The volunteers there will have a record of your online fundraising, so you do not need to include any online donations on your sponsor form.

What should I wear?

Depending on the weather, it may be slightly chilly in the early morning.  After you begin walking you will probably begin to get warm, though, so dress in layers.  Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes in good condition.  Sandals or flip-flops are not recommended.

What happens if it rains?

We’ll be walking and running rain or shine.  We hope you’ll still join us, even if it rains!  No matter what the weather, please make sure you come and turn in your donations at the Donation Tent.

Where can I park?

Thousands of people will be participating in AIDS Walk Philly and MLK Drive will be closed.    The Parkway will also be closed around Eakins Oval, so please consider using public transportation or allow yourself plenty of time to find parking in the surrounding neighborhoods.  Available parking will be extremely limited in the area.

For SEPTA Train & Bus information, call (215) 580-7800 or visit www.septa.org.

If you are bringing your group in a bus, parking will be available for buses only along the Ben Franklin Parkway.  Buses must enter at 22nd Street.  AIDS Fund can always use extra buses to act as “Poop Out” Buses to pick up tired walkers along the route.  If you’re interested in volunteering your bus and driver, please contact us at 215-731-WALK.

How long is the walk?

The Walk is 5 kilometers.  Most people take 1-2 hours to walk the route.

What if I can’t finish the Walk?

Once MLK has cleared of most of the Walkers, a bus will pick up any Walkers who aren't able to complete the 5K.

Where can I find my team?

Set a predetermined meeting place and time, such as a recognizable landmark.  Make sure you know your Team Captain's phone number!

Where do we get our Team Picture?

When your team members have arrived, Team Captains should take their Photo Pass to the designated photo area to have a photographer take your picture.

Where do I get a T-Shirt?

All walkers who raise the minimum $50 in donations will receive a commemorative AIDS Walk Philly T-Shirt.  Pick this up at the Donation Tent after you drop off your donations.

Are there bathrooms?

Portable restrooms and complimentary water will be provided at various locations along the Walk route.

What if I have donations after the Walk?

Mail in or drop off donations after the Walk to AIDS Fund , 1315 Spruce Street – 4th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19107.  Make sure you include a sponsor form!

Is there a bag check?

At this time, we are unable to offer a bag check.

Can I pick up my number early?

Runners who register by Sunday, October 9th can pick up their bibs and t-shirts at Early Check-In. Runners registered after October 9th will can pick up their bibs and t-shirts the morning of the run.

Where are results posted?

Results will be posted here the day after the 5K.