REGISTRATION
What is Boots on the Ground, a Walk for PTSD?
Boots on the Ground is a brand-new event from Combat Stress, taking place on Saturday 27 June 2026, on PTSD Awareness Day.
Starting and finishing at RAF Brize Norton, this 20-mile circular hike takes you through the stunning Cotswolds, past rolling hills and picturesque English villages.
How much does it cost to take part?
What is included in my registration fee?
- Free Team Combat Stress T-Shirt
- Two pit stops on route with plenty of snacks, refreshments and toilets as well as water refill stations and medical support
- Hot meal at the finish in the event village
- Clearly marked route with lead and back walkers
- Professional photos
- Training and fundraising support
- Glass of fizz and Boots on the Ground medal at the finish line
- Access to our Combat Stress community on Facebook and Strava
When does registration close?
Registration for Boots on the Ground closes on Friday 12 June at 16:30.
Can I register on the day?
Unfortunately, we cannot accept any registration on the day for Boots on the Ground. As part of the route passes through RAF Brize Norton, we have to provide a full list of all participants prior to event day to enable us to gain access to the hangar.
Who can take part?
Unfortunately, no one under the age of 14 can take part in the event.
When will I receive my T-shirt, walking number and event pack?
Your T-shirt, walking number and final event information will be sent the week commencing 15 June.
Please ensure that if your address details change from the point of registration, you log into your account and update with your correct postal address.
I've registered for Boots on the Ground for PTSD Awareness but can no longer take part. What do I do?
Please email challenges@combatstress.org.uk or call 01372 587 140. Please note, registration fees are non-refundable.
TEAM
Can I take part as a team?
Yes, but you will need to make sure that every team member is registered. Either one person can register the entire team, or each team member can register themselves individually.
How do I create a team?
You will need to nominate a team captain who can set the team up during registration. Once the team is set up, the captain can share the team link so that everyone can join or the individuals can select the team during registration and join that way.
Can we set a team target rather than individual targets?
Absolutely! On creation of your team, a team fundraising page will be automatically set up allowing you to share one central page to your friends, family and colleagues. Alternatively, if you choose to raise money on your individual page, all funds will automatically be added to your team page.
fundraising
Why is there a minimum fundraising pledge of £250?
We ask for a £250 minimum sponsorship from each participant to cover the cost of the event. The registration fee doesn’t cover all the costs of putting on a fully supported event of this scale, so we have set a minimum sponsorship pledge.
This ensures the cost of the event is covered, and the majority of money raised is spent on ensuring that we are able to continue to provide our life-changing mental health treatment.
When do I need to raise my pledge by?
Ideally, we would like you to have completed your fundraising 4 weeks post event, so by the end of July. However, your fundraising page will stay open until the end of the year.
If you have any questions or concerns about fundraising, please contact us on challenges@combatstress.org.uk or give us a call on 01372 587 140.
How do I transfer money I have raised offline?
If you have any offline donations, you can pay the money into your account and then there are a number of ways you can pay your money to us:
- Send a cheque made payable to “Combat Stress” to March in March, Combat Stress, Tyrwhitt House, Oaklawn Road, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 0BX. Please don’t send cash through the post.
- To make a Bank Transfer straight into Combat Stress’ account or pay by phone please contact us on 01372 587 140 or email challenges@combatstress.org.uk
Our account details:
Account number: 00100013
Sort code: 60-00-01
Reference: Your name/MiM
Once you have done this, please drop us an email to let us know and we can add it as an offline donation to your page.
How do I get a sponsorship form?
You can download the sponsorship form from the Resources section of the website.
Do you have any fundraising hints and tips?
Absolutely! If you haven't done so already, visit our Resources section of the website or get in touch with us direct! Please email us marchinmarch@combatstress.org.uk or give us a call on 01372 587 140.
the walk
Where does Boots on the Ground, a Walk for PTSD start and finish?
The PTSD Awareness Walk starts and finishes at Carterton Pavilion, Monahan Way, Carterton, Oxfordshire, OX18 3AN. The 20-mile circular route gives exclusive access to RAF Brize Norton before heading out into the stunning Cotswolds.
Is there parking available?
Yes, the exact location and directions will be shared shortly.
How long will it take me to complete the walk?
We anticipate that the 20-mile walk should take between 5 and 8 hours.
What time does the walk start?
| Registration opens: | 08:00 |
| Safety briefing and Welcome: | 08:45 |
| Walk starts: | 09:00 |
What will the terrain be like?
We are currently finalising the route details and will share the full route shortly. The route is designed to be challenging but achievable and the majority of the route will be through the stunning Cotswolds countryside. There is a stretch of the route which runs along the road so there will be a mix of road and trail.
Do I need to train for the walk?
We recommend training for Boots on the Ground and have prepared some training guidelines to help you prepare for the walk. The more prepared you are for the walk, the more fun you will have on the day!
Can I bring my dog?
Unfortunately, dogs are not permitted at Boots on the Ground with the exception of assistance dogs. This is due to specific landowners permissions including the required access to RAF Brize Norton which means sadly, dogs are not permitted anywhere along the route, including the start and finish location.
If you require the help from an assistance dog, please contact the team on 01372 587140 or email challenges@combatstress.org.uk so we can request the necessary permissions.
Is the route accessible for wheelchair users?
We are still finalising the route and will confirm whether the final route is suitable for wheelchair users.
Can I bring a pushchair?
No. Children under the age of 14 are not permitted to take part in the event but are more than welcome at the finish line.
Are toilet facilities available?
Yes, toilet facilities will be available at the start/finish and both break stops (roughly 6 miles apart).
Are there break stops and if so, will refreshments be available?
There are two break stops on route, both providing water refill points, tea, coffee and snacks. We recommend you bring your own lunch in your day bag. A hot meal will be provided for all participants at the finish line.
NO plastic water bottles will be provided so you MUST bring your own water bottle which can be refilled at the start/finish and at both break stops.
What should I bring with me?
We will provide a full kit list including everything you will need to bring with you on the day.
Please note, it is ESSENTIAL that you bring Photo ID with you on the day to access the hangar at RAF Brize Norton.
What support is available on the route?
There will be marshals on course at key points along the route including major road crossings. There will also be a front and back walker, and the route will be clearly marked.
Can my friends and family support me on the day?
Your friends and family are welcome to cheer you over the finish line at the event village. Unfortunately, they will not be able to accompany or meet you at any of the break stops.
Can I run?
No, Boots on the Ground is a non-competitive walk. All arrangements have been made based on walking pace.
other
I can’t take part but would like to volunteer. How do I go about it?
Volunteers are key to the success of our events! We have a range of roles available for Boots on the Ground.
Please contact the Volunteer team by calling 01372 587140 or email volunteer@combatstress.org.uk.
Terms and Conditions
Terms and conditions of entry, can be found here.
