Looking for some ANSWERS to your Questions?

Below are some of the Frequently Asked Questions (and Answers):

1. Can an individual or family group participate in this event?
   
   
   Yes, individuals or families are most welcome to participate. They may also go to the "Who's Walking" page to search for an event in their community.
   
   
2. Can people from outside Ontario participate?
   
   
   Interested provinces/territories would be required to fund and coordinate their own World Record Walk activities. Green Communities Canada will provide the interactive website as the focal point for the event, incorporating downloadable resources ready for use and easy customization, in addition to the tracking software for cross-Canada results.
   
   
3. Will the World Record Walk still be held in the event of inclement weather?
   
   
   Yes, the event will still be held, rain or shine, and participants should dress appropriately for the weather conditions.
   
   
4. How do we track participation?
   
   
   Each event coordinator will submit the OFFICIAL COUNT FORM and complete the SUBMISSON CHECK LIST no later than October 12, 2007. Green Communities Canada will compile a tally of the results.
   
   
5. What information does Guinness need to verify that we walked?
   
   
   Guinness World Records requires that the organizing group, (Green Communities Canada) submit the following information: head count, starting time (must be simultaneous start), witnesses to ratify numbers and distance (1 Km), the number of venues, and total number of walkers. (SEE GUINNESS RULES for more information)
   
   
6. When will we know if we broke the Guinness World Record?
   
   
   The number of participants will be posted on the web site (www.worldrecordwalk.ca) after October 12, 2007. It will take approximately six weeks for Guinness Records to verify our submission. Green Communities Canada will update the web site as soon as confirmation is received from Guinness.
   
   
7. Can we forward photos and media coverage to WRW?
   
   
   YES, selected photos and media coverage clippings are most welcome and will be posted on the LOOK WHO'S WALKING page of the website. Note that photos will not be returned by Guinness. The SUBMISSION CHECKLIST notes that at least one verification photo or media clipping be included with your submission.
   
   
8. What needs to be done AFTER the event?
   
   
   When you have completed the event, the OFFICIAL COUNT FORM must be forwarded to Green Communities Canada by October 12, 2007, along with the SUBMISSION CHECK LIST.
   
   
9. Are there Certificates available for those who participated?
   
   
   Participation Certificates will be available for download on the web site (www.worldrecordwalk.ca)
   
   
10. How can we continue to promote walking and active transportation?
    
    
    For schools, contact Active & Safe Routes to School (www.saferoutestoschool.ca) for information about school based walking programs along with curriculum linked walking activities. Walking with your children to school is a great way to spend quality time together, get some exercise, and help them arrive at school awake and alert.
    
    Write a letter to your Mayor or a city councilor asking them to sign and endorse the International Charter for Walking. (www.walk21.com)
    
    Set up a ride board to encourage carpooling to your workplace. Make a commitment and challenge your friends and co-workers to walk, bike, or take public transit to work more frequently.
    
    Set up a lunch time walking club or start a weekly Walking Wednesday program.
    
    
11. Where can I find out more about walking and active transportation?
    
    
    Check out the Links page on this site to connect with other sites about sustainable transportation, health issues, safety concerns, and to find out about other organizations running active transportation programs.
    
    
12. Will this be an annual event?
    
    
    It is the hope of Green Communities Canada that this might become an annual event, just like International Walk to School Day. Support, success and circumstances will determine if this will be possible.
    
    
13. Where can I learn more about Active & Safe Routes to School?
    
    
    Go to www.saferoutestoschool.ca or email
    
    
14. Will the list of Participant’s Names be published?
    
    
    No, the list of Participant Names will be kept strictly confidential and will not be printed or published: it is necessary solely for verification purposes. Participating Groups will be listed on the LOOK WHO’S WALKING page of the web site.
    
    
15. Can strollers, babies and/or toddlers in carriers, or people in wheelchairs be counted in our WRW event tally?
    
    
    Parents are encouraged to bring babies and toddlers to the WRW event. What a great way to introduce your child to a lifetime of active living! However, a parent plus a stroller or baby carrier count as one participant. Toddlers must complete the walk under their own power to be counted. Participants in wheelchairs that complete the walk without assistance will count as "walkers" while wheelchair participants who are pushed by an assistant will count as one participant. As this is a walking event, participants using other wheeled devices cannot be counted in the official tally.
    
    

1. Just what is liability anyway?
   
   
   Liability is legal responsibility. For someone to sue claiming that you are responsible for damages they must prove 3 things:
   - You owed a duty
   - You failed to perform the duty or did so in a negligent manner
   - They must have suffered damages
   
   
2. If our organization promotes an event for the World Record Walk Guinness Challenge, will we be responsible for liability?
   
   
   It is important to understand that if your negligent actions cause injury to anyone you can be sued for damages. It is for this reason that most organizations carry liability insurance. That situation exists today whether you are walking with your friends or colleagues in a shopping mall or walking a group of children to school. So, if you were to direct a child or adult to cross a road in front of oncoming traffic, you might be found responsible for their resultant injuries...but that responsibility does not change, whether you are involved in a WRW event or simply going for a walk on your own.
   
   
3. So our risk of being sued doesn't dramatically increase by being involved with this program?
   
   
   Absolutely not! The WRW is not a high risk initiative. As a result of planning and preparation participants will be able to enjoy the benefits of this moderate physical activity. Doing nothing has no risk...except to our wellbeing!