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?
You will also be sent an event control phone number in your welcome pack that you can use if you are really stuck.
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?
Yes, dogs are very welcome to take part in the 13 Bridges Challenge and many participants enjoy bringing their four-legged companions along for the walk.
However, the health and wellbeing of both participants and their dogs is our top priority. Guidance on dogs attending the event may change closer to the event date depending on weather conditions, including high temperatures or official heat warnings. If conditions are considered unsafe for dogs, we may advise participants not to bring them or introduce additional measures to help keep them safe.
We recommend checking the event website and pre-event communications for the latest guidance before travelling. If your dog does join you on the day, please ensure they are kept on a lead, have access to plenty of water, and are comfortable walking the distance and terrain involved.
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?
Event day
What happens if it rains or there is severe weather?
The event will go ahead in most weather conditions. However, participant safety is our priority. In the event of severe weather, extreme heat, or any other circumstances that could affect safety, we may make changes to the event, amend start times, alter the route, or cancel if necessary. Any updates will be communicated by email and published on the event website.
How long does the challenge take to complete?
Most participants complete the 10-mile route in approximately 3 to 5 hours, depending on their walking pace and the number of stops taken along the way.
What should I bring with me on the day?
- Your Race number
- A fully charged mobile phone
- A refillable water bottle
- Any personal medication you may need
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Comfortable walking shoes or trainers
- A portable phone charger (optional)
- Sunscreen and a hat in warm weather
- A lightweight waterproof jacket if rain is forecast
What should I wear?
Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for walking and appropriate for the weather forecast. Well-fitting trainers or walking shoes are strongly recommended. You'll also receive an event t-shirt to wear on the day
Can I leave the route and rejoin later?
Yes. As this is an open route through central London, participants may take breaks and rejoin the challenge later. Please ensure you follow the official route when you restart and remain mindful of any event cut-off times.
Will there be food available at the finish line?
Yes! When you cross the finish line at Battersea Park, you'll be welcomed into our finish area where you can celebrate your achievement with fellow participants and enjoy the event atmosphere.
There are also plenty of food and drink options onsite for those looking for something more substantial after completing the challenge. Whether you're after a well-earned snack, a beer, or a full meal, you'll have plenty of choice to help you refuel and celebrate your accomplishment. We also recommend bringing any specific snacks you may want during the challenge itself.
What happens if my welcome pack doesn't arrive before event day?
Don't worry. If your welcome pack, t-shirt, or event number hasn't arrived before the challenge, simply visit the Help Desk at the start line on the day of the event.
We'll have spare t-shirts, event numbers, and participant packs available, and our team will be happy to help get you ready for the challenge so you can start your walk without any issues.
travel and logistics
What are the nearest stations to the start and finish?
Start Line
- Tower Hill Underground Station
- Fenchurch Street Station
Finish Line
- Battersea Park Station
- Queenstown Road Station
Is parking available at the start or finish?
There is no dedicated event parking available. We strongly encourage participants to travel by public transport wherever possible.
Can I travel back to the start after finishing?
Yes. Battersea Park and Queenstown Road stations provide convenient rail connections into central London. Journey times back to Tower Hill and Fenchurch Street are typically around 30 to 45 minutes using London Underground and National Rail services.
registration
Can I transfer my place to someone else?
Yes. You can transfer your place to another participant through your event dashboard up until 1 June.
After 1 June, participant packs, t-shirts, and event numbers will have been dispatched, so transfers can no longer be completed through the dashboard. If you need to transfer your place after this date, please contact the Events Team at teamssafa@ssafa.org.uk, and we will do our best to help.
Can I change my start time after registering?
We will do our best to accommodate requests to change your start time where capacity allows. However, we cannot guarantee that changes will be possible, as some start waves may sell out in advance.
If you need to amend your booking, please contact the Events Team as early as possible and we will do our best to help. If you are walking with friends, family, or colleagues, we recommend booking the same start-time slot when registering to avoid disappointment.
What happens if I can no longer take part?
Please contact the Events Team. Depending on the circumstances and timing, we may be able to transfer you to the Virtual 13 Bridges Challenge or discuss alternative options.
Please contact teamssafa@ssafa.org.uk
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 & corporate
How many people do I need for a corporate team?
There is no minimum team size. Whether you bring a team of 2 or 200 colleagues, we'd be delighted to welcome your organisation.
Can we register and pay as a group?
Yes. Companies and teams can register multiple participants together. If you are a company simply select the 'Join with my Workplace' Button. Please contact the Events Team if you would like support with a group booking.
Can we receive an invoice for our registration fees?
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide invoices for registration fees. All registrations must be completed and paid for through the online registration system at the time of booking.
If you require proof of payment, please keep a copy of your booking confirmation email and payment receipt for your records.
Can we have our company logo on team materials or fundraising pages?
Corporate teams can personalise their team fundraising pages and include company branding where appropriate.
Is there a corporate fundraising target?
There is no minimum corporate fundraising target. It would simply be however many people are in your team x £50! However, we encourage all teams to raise as much as possible to support SSAFA and the Armed Forces family.
Can colleagues start in the same wave?
Yes. To ensure your group starts together, all team members should select the same start-time slot when registering. If assistance is needed, please contact the Events Team.
Do you offer sponsorship or partnership opportunities for organisations?
Yes. We are always keen to hear from organisations interested in supporting the event through sponsorship, volunteering, fundraising, or broader partnerships. Please get in touch to discuss opportunities. Teamssafa@ssafa.org.uk
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.Â
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.Â
Is there a fundraising deadline?
We ask that all your funds are paid in by one month after the event.
Can my employer match my fundraising?
Many organisations offer matched giving schemes and may match some or all of the funds you raise. Check with your employer to see whether they offer this benefit.
Can donations be Gift Aided?
Yes. Eligible UK taxpayers can choose to Gift Aid their donations, increasing their value at no extra cost to the donor.
Can I fundraise as part of a team?
Absolutely. Friends, families, community groups, and corporate teams can fundraise together through a shared team fundraising page.
Will I receive a fundraising certificate or acknowledgement?
All participants will receive recognition for their contribution, and we'll share updates on the incredible impact your fundraising has made for the Armed Forces community.
After the event all participants will recieve a fundraising certificate and medal.Â
Are there fundraising prizes or incentives?
Yes! We love celebrating the incredible efforts of our fundraisers, and there will be a range of fundraising prizes and incentives up for grabs throughout the campaign.
From rewards for hitting fundraising milestones to prizes for some of our top fundraisers, there are plenty of opportunities to be recognised for the difference you're making. We'll also be sharing fundraising challenges, competitions, and special giveaways along the way to help keep you motivated.
Keep an eye on your emails and participant dashboard for the latest prize announcements, fundraising leaderboards, and ways to win while supporting SSAFA's Armed Forces family.
accessibility & inclusivity
Is the route suitable for mobility scooters?
Yes. The 13 Bridges Challenge has an accessible route designed for participants using mobility scooters and other mobility aids.
If you register for the event, you will be sent details of the accessible route before event day, along with any additional information you may need to help plan your challenge. If you have specific accessibility requirements, our Events Team will be happy to assist and answer any questions ahead of the event.
Are there accessible toilets on the route?
Yes. Accessible toilet facilities are available at key locations along the route, including the start and finish areas.
Is there support available for participants with visual or hearing impairments?
We are committed to making the event as accessible as possible. Please contact the Events Team before the event to discuss any support requirements so we can work with you to make suitable arrangements.
The Virtual 13 Bridges Challenge
What is the Virtual 13 Bridges Challenge?
The Virtual 13 Bridges Challenge allows you to take part from anywhere in the UK or overseas. Choose your own route, distance, date, and location while supporting SSAFA.
Do I have to walk 10 miles?
No. The virtual challenge is designed to be flexible, allowing participants to choose a distance that suits their abilities and circumstances.
When do I need to complete my virtual challenge?
You can complete your challenge at a time that suits you during Armed Forces week
How do I track my miles?
Tracking your miles is easy. Once you've set up your fundraising page, you can connect your Fitbit or Garmin account to automatically track your progress and sync your activity to your page.
Simply log in to your fundraising dashboard and follow the prompts to connect your preferred fitness tracker. Your mileage will then be updated automatically as you complete your challenge.
If you don't use Fitbit or Garmin, you can also track your distance using a fitness app or device of your choice and update your supporters on your fundraising page with your progress.
Will I still receive a medal and t-shirt?
Yes, virtual participants are eligible to receive the same event rewards as in-person participants. Your t-shirt will be sent out before the event and you will recieve your medal 1 month afterÂ
Can I complete the challenge with friends or family?
Absolutely. The virtual challenge can be completed individually or alongside friends, family members, colleagues, or supporters.
