Preparing the teams
This section helps teams get ready in body, mind and heart. Keep the tone encouraging. Many participants will be nervous, and that is perfectly normal.
The team briefing
Hold one briefing for all captains, and ask them to share it with their teams. Ideally, a member of your programme staff leads it. It should cover:
- The cause: who the money helps and why it matters
- Refugee journeys, told with respect and without drama
- The course, the adapted routes and the rules
- How scoring, teamwork marks and awards work
- Safety, first aid and what to do if something goes wrong
End with space for questions. Nothing should be a surprise on the day.
A simple training plan
Teams train together once or twice a week and add individual walks or runs. Let each person go at their own pace. This plan builds gently over eight weeks.
| Weeks | Focus | Together |
| 1 to 2 | Build a base | Brisk 30-minute walks, with short jogs if comfortable |
| 3 to 4 | Add distance and hills | 45-minute walk or jog on uneven ground |
| 5 to 6 | Add strength and teamwork | Climbing, carrying, crawling and team-support practice |
| 7 | Dress rehearsal | A long walk or jog in full event clothing and footwear |
| 8 | Ease off | Short, light sessions and plenty of rest |
Safety note: Anyone with a medical condition, or who is unsure about their fitness, should speak to their GP before training. Build up gradually. Pain is a signal to stop, not to push through.
Practical skills
The dress rehearsal matters most. It shows what works in full outfit, long before the day.
- Practise securing the hijab so it stays put when climbing, crawling and getting wet
- Choose fitted, layered clothing and sturdy footwear with good grip
- Practise helping each other over walls, through crawls and across water
- Agree simple signals and ways to encourage one another
Spiritual preparation
This is the part that turns a hard day into a meaningful one. Each person can set their niyyah (intention) to do this for the sake of Allah and for displaced people. Encourage teams to make du’a together for those who are far from home, to give sadaqah (voluntary charity) and to remember how much they have to be thankful for.
A short team gathering, with a verse or a few minutes of reflection, is enough. Keep it gentle and optional.
Final-week checklist
Captains can share this with their team.
- Registration, consent and medical forms are complete
- Event clothing and change of clothes are packed
- Footwear is broken in and comfortable
- Towel, hot drink, snacks and water are ready
- Travel plans and arrival time are confirmed
- Giving page is shared one last time
- Everyone has eaten well and slept early
Once the team is ready, all that is left is the day itself.