⚠️Heat Advisory Statement from SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity – Important Participant Information⚠️
We are aware that an amber heat health alert has been issued for the event period. The safety and wellbeing of our participants is our highest priority, and we are actively monitoring the situation.
We plan to proceed with the event while putting the following measures and guidance in place:
What we have in place
Two designated rest stops along the route with water, electrolytes, snacks, suncream and basic support. Additional refill points are marked along the route- Encouragement for all participants to:
- Wear hats throughout the event
- Arrive with a full water bottle and carry refillable bottles
- Apply suncream before arriving and ensure reapplication throughout the event
- Access to additional free water refill points via the Refill London app
Android: Refill Return – Apps on Google Play
Apple: Refill Return App - App Store
- Clearly identified drop-off points along the route with access to public transport to the finish line and main stations
- Event team support where possible along the route
- A buddy system for those taking part alone
- The option to move to earlier AM start waves, so you can take part during cooler parts of the day. Start waves will now close at 12:00pm, with no participants setting off after this time
If you feel unable to complete the challenge
Your wellbeing comes first. If you decide not to continue at any stage, we encourage you to use one of the available drop-off points.
You are still very welcome to join us at the finish line, where we would love to celebrate your efforts and thank you properly.
Drop-off points
Q: If I can’t complete the challenge, how do I get to the finish?
A: Your safety and wellbeing are our priority. If at any point you decide to stop, there are several convenient points along the route where you can travel to the finish area at Battersea Park.
Recommended routes to the finish:
- Waterloo (best overall option)
From Waterloo Station, you can take a direct train to Queenstown Road, which is just a short walk from the finish. - Vauxhall (ideal in the later stages)
From Vauxhall Station, take a direct train to Queenstown Road. - Blackfriars or London Bridge (mid-route options)
From either station, take a train to Clapham Junction, then continue one stop to Battersea Park or take a short onward journey. - Chelsea Bridge area (near the end of the route)
You are within walking distance of Battersea Park Station and the finish.
We recommend using train services rather than buses, as they will be quicker and more comfortable in warm weather.
If you do need to stop, please remember that you are still very welcome at the finish line — we would love to see you there and thank you for your efforts.
Staying safe in the heat
We strongly advise participants to:
- Stay hydrated at all times
- Take regular breaks in shaded areas
- Wear sunscreen, hats, and light clothing
- Avoid pushing beyond your limits
Signs of heat exhaustion / heat stroke
Please stop immediately and seek help if you experience:
- Dizziness or confusion
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Excessive sweating or, conversely, very hot/dry skin
- Rapid heartbeat
Heat exhaustion and heatstroke - NHS
Dogs
Due to the heat, we strongly advise that dogs are not brought along to the event. Virtual participants should take extra precautions if exercising with pets.
Keeping Your Dog Safe in Summer - RSPCA - rspca.org.uk
Live updates
We are continuing to monitor the situation closely.
If anything changes, updates will be posted here - please check this page regularly in the lead up to the event.
General
Where is the start line?
Trinity Square Gardens, 38 Trinity Square, London, EC3N 4DJ
Find on Google Maps here.
Where is the finish line?
Battersea Park, Albert Bridge Road, London, SW11 4NJ
Find on Google Maps here.
Is there a bag drop at the start line?
When do I need to arrive at the event?
What if I get lost along the route?
When will I receive my participant information and t-shirt?
What security measures do you have in place at the event?
I would like to volunteer at 13 Bridges, how do I find out more?
Can I take part in a wheel chair?
Are dogs welcome at the event?
Will toilets be available on route?
Will water be available on route?
Will First Aid be available on route?
Who do I contact in an emergency?
Fundraising
How do I set up an online fundraising page?
When you sign up to the 13 Bridges Challenge, your fundraising page will be set up automatically. You can then edit it from your dashboard.
How do I edit my fundraising page?
Under the ‘My Page’ section, you will have options to add a profile pic, update your blog and personalise your story.
Do I need to raise a minimum amount of sponsorship?
We ask that all participants raise £50.
How can I pay in offline donations?
There are a couple of ways you can do this - you could pay the money into your personal account and then donate it directly onto your fundraising page, or you can contact teamssafa@ssafa.org.uk and we can send you a paying in slip so you can pay it directly into our account.
Have you any tips or advice on fundraising?
Yes we do! When you register for the event, please look for the "Resources" page on your online fundraising dashboard. There you can download a SSAFA Guide to Fundraising. You will also be able to contact a member of the team should you have any additional questions.
Where can I get a paper sponsorship form?
You will be able to download sponsorship forms from the "Resources" section of your fundraiser dashboard.
Is there a fundraising deadline?
We ask that all your funds are paid in by one month after the event.
The Virtual 13 Bridges Challenge
How do I track my miles?
You can link your Strava account to your page and it will show your distance on your page.
Strava is a free app that you can install on your phone (via the Apple Store or the Google Play Store) or onto your computer via the Strava website)
How will I receive my medal?
All Virtual 13 Bridges Challenge participants will be sent their medals after the event.
Registration
Is there a minimum age for taking part?
No, however all children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
How do I let you know I need to update my details?
Can someone register on the day of the event?
Can I get a refund for my registration fee?
Unfortunately registration fees are non-refundable.
Team FAQs
How do I join/create a team?
You will be asked if you would like to create a team during the sign up process.
If a team has already been created, you can search for and join it at this point as well.
