Description

Step up for a 10K (or 5K) family stroll, roll or run to raise vital funds and awareness for children with disabilities in Africa.

Join us for a riverside family adventure with purpose! Celebrate the final rays of summer with the Steps for Change – Children’s Challenge, a scenic 10K (or 5K) stroll, roll or run along the Thames from Kingston Bridge to Hampton Court Palace and back. The perfect mini adventure for families and children of all ages and ability.

Every step or wheel-turn helps Able Child’s work toward a world where no child with a disability gets left behind.

Whether you’re powerwalking, running, scooting, rolling in a wheelchair, pushing a buggy, or toddling along at your own pace, this journey from the historic Kingston Bridge to the grand gates of Hampton Court Palace and back is all about the power of community. Hampton Court Palace is our half-way point, time for a coffee, snacks and refreshments. It’s also our 5K point so you can choose to end your adventure here if you prefer.

Timings and targets

Date: Sunday 20th September 2026

Registration opens: 9am

Walk starts: 9.45am

Walk ends: 11.45am

Individual fundraising target: We’d love you to raise £200 per stroller, roller or runner (£10 registration fee for all participating children and adults. Free registration for supervising adults). Make it a family thing and enjoy seeing the sponsorship building!

Discounts: Get 20% off registration fees for early-bird sign ups until end May 2026. Group discounts are also available please email danielle.taylor@ablechild.org.uk for more information on how to sign you up.

Free T-shirt:  Each entrant will get a free Able Child bright orange t-shirt to wear on the day. Why not customise it, add a cape and a few sparkles or face paint? A little bit of dressing up makes the kilometres fly by. The main thing is to be comfy and wear trainers/appropriate footwear!

Why this is the ultimate family challenge

• Flat and easy: It’s a very accessible route, flat and pathed. Perfect for wheels, scooters, buggies and toddlers and safe for the more adventurous runners. Go at your own pace, we won’t rush you!
• We are all able: It’s a beautiful way to show children that they can change the world just by showing up and moving together.
• Great for groups: Are you a school, team, club or nursery? This is the a super healthy group activity for children and adult adventurers. Group discounts available!
• Nature’s Soundtrack: Trade the city noise for the gentle lap of the Thames and the rustle of the trees along the Barge Walk—it’s sensory-friendly and incredibly peaceful.
• A family affair: All children need to be accompanied by an adult so make it a day to remember for the whole family and fundraise together too.
• The “Royal” Half-way point: There’s nothing quite like the boost of adrenaline you get when the towers of Hampton Court Palace come into view. It’s the ultimate half-way backdrop for a family and group photo and quick rest and refresh. Adults don’t you worry, there is easy access to a nice coffee shop too for a quick caffeine refuel!
• The post-challenge hero’s welcome: Once you cross the line, pick up your well-deserved eco-medal and enjoy some refreshments on us!

What to expect?

• A covered start point to set you on your way.
• Buggy and wheelchair friendly paths.
• Dance & Bubble warm up!
• Able Child stewards and route signposts.
• A cool medal and finisher’s reception to celebrate your achievement.
• Drinks & Snacks.

Fundraising support

• A dedicated super helper from Able Child to give you all the info and support you need in the run up to the day.
• Your own Steps for Change Children’s Challenge Action Pack – full of top tips, ideas and a toolkit to reach your fundraising target.

Making an impact

If you raise £200, 40 teachers across East and Southern Africa can learn how to keep all children in class safe and included and make sure no child with a disability is left behind. That’s a BIG impact!

Our journey is far from over so join our Steps for Change Children’s Challenge now to become a part of our story.