Frequently Asked Questions
We are looking forward to seeing everyone at Bren Mar Park on Sunday, May 4th.
RAIN OR SHINE - We'll be there and hope you will, too!
If you have a question that is not answered below, please email our Walk Manager, Reagan, at walkmanager@nami-nova.org
THE BASICS
Where and when is NAMIWalks Northern Virginia?
Sunday, May 4, 2025
Bren Mar Park - 5415 Colliers Lane, Alexandria, VA 22304
9:00 am Registration/Check-in Opens
9:00-10:00 am “Around the Walk Site”--Take this time to check out the resources from our sponsors and community partners, get some coffee and snacks, and more!
10:00 am Opening Ceremony
10:30 am NAMIWalks Begins
11:15 am Closing Ceremony
What If It Rains?
MENTAL HEALTH is important RAIN OR SHINE so you can count on NAMIWalks Northern Virginia to be ON – we won’t let a little rain stop us! If we are experiencing severe weather conditions, we will email all registered participants, as well as share on our social media pages and website.
TRANSPORTATION
If I drive, where can I park?
There is very limited parking at the Walk start. We ask that the ~ 20 spots at the site be saved for those with disability parking designation and those that need it most.
Participant Parking
Bren Mar Pool - 6324 Edsall Rd, Alexandria, VA
The lot is only about 1000 feet from the Walk registration. Please try and carpool with your teams, as parking is limited.
(Our special thanks to the Bren Mar Recreation Association for graciously allowing us to use their parking lot!)
REGISTRATION
I registered online; do I need to check in at the walk?
Yes! All participants must check in on Walk Day.
I'm a Team Captain; can I check in my entire team?
No, each participant needs to check themselves in and pick up their lanyard themselves.
Do I need to register to walk?
Yes! Everyone walking must register (but don't worry, it’s free!). Registration at the Walk is from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM. We encourage you to register ONLINE now.
Registration forms will be available on Walk Day and our volunteers will help get you registered quickly so you can enjoy the event!
How long is the Walk?
Our Walk this year is very friendly, accessible, and about 1 mile. Do it once, do it 5 times running. Come dressed up with your team, show your Pride, show us your community.
Are strollers allowed?
Yes! Strollers and wagons are allowed. We are family-friendly and hope to see lots of families on May 4th!
Are dogs allowed?
Yes! Leashed, well-behaved dogs are allowed. Please remember to clean up after your pet. Although we love dogs at NAMIWalks, please note that there will be approximately 250 people in attendance at the event – if your dog is not child-friendly or is not able to handle moderate noise/crowds/other dogs, please consider whether bringing your pup to this event is the right choice. NAMI Northern Virginia and the Fairfax County Department of Parks and Recreation are not responsible for actions of animals brought to NAMIWalks.
FUN STUFF
What types of activities are available at the Walk?
We'll have community resource booths, bottled water, and food!
Should I bring food?
That's up to you! We will not be providing a ton of food, so if you think you need something, bring it!
DONATIONS
Can I donate offline or send in my check/cash donations prior to the Walk?
YES! We accept checks mailed to P.O. Box 480, Oakton, VA 22124. Please make the check payable to NAMI Northern Virginia and include the name of the Walker that the donation should be applied to.
Can I donate at the Walk?
Yes - we encourage everyone to donate at the walk! NAMIWalks is designed to be a fun and inspiring day for all, but reaching our fundraising goal is equally important, as it allows us to continue and/or expand important NAMI programs throughout Northern Virginia!
How can I donate on Walk Day?
You can donate the day of at our registration table using a QR code! You can also log into www.namiwalks.org/northernvirginia to donate right from your mobile device! We accept cash and checks at the walk.
Please make checks payable to: NAMI Northern Virginia (if you want the donations to go to an individual or team OTHER THAN YOURSELF, please include it in the subject line!)
T-SHIRTS
I raised $100 or more.... I’m getting a shirt, right?
Yes! When you check in you will receive your T-shirt! Although we do our best to have a large variety of sizes available (from Youth Small through Adult 4XL) it is impossible to predict what the needs will be on Walk Day. T-shirt sizes are available on a first come first serve basis.
I have 3 people who donated $100 each to me (or my team) - do they get shirts?
No. Shirts are only for individual fundraisers who raise at least $100.
Our team has 5 people, and we raised a combined $500, do we get 5 shirts?
No. Shirts are for individual fundraisers who raise at least $100.