Frequently Asked Questions
We are looking forward to seeing everyone at Seal Point Park, San Mateo on Saturday, October 14th!
Where is NAMIWalks?
Seal Point Park
1901 J Hart Clinton Drive (aka 3rd Ave), San Mateo, CA
Quick access to helpful documents: Route Map & Parking Map
IMPORTANT TRAFFIC NOTICE
Hwy 101 will have a closure on October 14th Northbound between Whipple Ave & Holly St. There will be big traffic delays so plan accordingly and consider taking alternate routes. For more details visit here.
Day of Schedule
9:00am: Registration, community resource fair, kid’s zone
9:50am: Warm Up
10:00am: Opening Ceremony Starts
10:00am: Welcome
10:10am: Story of Hope
10:20am: Poem/Moment of Silence
10:25am: Team Captains Recognition
10:35am: Countdown to Start Walk 10, 9, 8, 7... !
10:35am: Walk and Wellness Programming Begins
11:30pm: Food, music, community resource fair, kid’s zone
12:30pm: Wrap Up
Registration
I registered online, do I need to check-in at the walk?
Yes! All participants must check-in on Walk Day. Visit the “Pre-Registered” booth to check-in, get your food tickets, and pick up your t-shirt if you raised $100.
Do I need to register to walk?
Yes! Everyone walking must register (but don't worry, its free!).
What if I didn’t register ahead of time?
Visit the “Registration” booth on Walk Day to sign up. Registration forms will be available and our volunteers will help get you registered quickly so you can enjoy the event!
I'm a Team Captain, can I check in my entire team?
No, each participant needs to check themselves in.
When do I register?
Registration at the Walk is from 9 am to 9:50 am.
Parking: Parking Map
Is parking free?
Yes!
Where do I park?
There is parking when you enter Seal Point Park and turn left. That parking lot fills up quickly and then there’s other parking along J Hart Clinton Dr.
Please note that when you park on J Hart Clinton Dr. you will have to walk a farther distance to get to the park. We HIGHLY encourage you to carpool.
Is there a place to drop off people?
Yes! When you turn into Seal Point Park there is a roundabout and volunteers will be there to direct you to where you can drop people off.
What’s my best chance at getting a closer parking spot?
Come early! And carpool!
What should I bring?
We recommend you bring a hat, sunscreen, reusable water bottle (filling stations will be available), NAMIWalks t-shirts, walking clothes, comfortable shoes, a team sign or poster stating why you walk for mental health (completely optional), and most importantly bring excitement for our second San Mateo County in-person NAMIWalks!
Are there places to sit down?
Yes, there will be a limited number of chairs to sit. You are welcome bring your own chair or blanket to sit on. There is no shade, picnic areas or benches.
The Walk: Route Map
How far is the walk?
5k or 1k
I'm not sure that I/someone I am with can walk a 1k or 5k, but we still want to come. What can we do during the walk?
We've got you covered! During the walk there will also be Wellness Programming for those who choose not to walk.
Can I run instead of walk?
We are a non-competitive 5k or 1k walk, so the majority of people will be walkers. If you really want to run though- go for it! If you are running, please run off to the side and be considerate of our Walkers!
Is there anything else I should know about the walk route?
Seal Point Park will still be open to the public so there will be a lot of NAMIWalks participants on the route in addition to people from the general public. Please be respectful to other walkers, bikers, and runners on the paths.
Kid’s Zone
Are there kids activities?
Yes! There will be face painting, sensory play, building blocks and more!
Are strollers allowed?
Yes! Strollers and wagons are allowed. We are family-friendly and hope to see lots of families on October 14th!
Dogs
Are dogs allowed?
Yes! Dogs are allowed on a leash.
Is there a place where my dog can play?
Yes! There's a dog park along the walking route for your pups to run free. Please refer to the Route Map.
Fun Stuff
What types of activities are available at the Walk?
We'll have community resource booths, a kid’s zone, free breakfast burritos and snacks, water stations, music, wellness programming, a stretch lab for free stretches, & more!
Should I bring food?
That's up to you! We'll have breakfast burritos with both vegetarian and meat options, snack bars, and water.
Where can I get water?
We will have water bottle refill stations in the main event area and 2 along the walk route (refer to the Route Map). NAMIWalks San Mateo County is committed to reducing plastic waste. Instead of providing plastic bottled water, please bring a reusable water bottle for the water refill station.
Who can answer my questions on event day?
If you have any questions at the Walk, please find a volunteer in a green lanyard or staff member in a blue lanyard.
What COVID-19 precautions are there?
If you are not feeling well, have been exposed to COVID-19, or have a positive COVID-19 test, please stay home and walk with us virtually. We will have hand sanitizer available at the Walk and masks are optional.
What happens if it rains?
Don't worry! The Walk will still happen rain or shine. Please plan and adjust according to the weather.
Are there restrooms at the park?
Yes! There are restrooms located at both ends of the parking lot and along the route. Check out the route map to see where: Route Map
Donations
Can I donate offline or send in my check/cash donations prior to the Walk?
YES! We accept checks mailed to 1730 South Amphlett Blvd. Ste. 308, San Mateo, CA 94402 - please 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 San Mateo County!
How can I donate on Walk Day?
On Walk day, you can make a donation at our registration tent. You can also visit www.namiwalks.org/sanmateo to make a donation right from your mobile device! We accept cash, check, and credit cards at the Walk. Please make checks payable to: NAMIWalks San Mateo County. (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.
Where do I pick up my NAMIWalks t-shirt?
There will be an option to pick up your t-shirt pre-Walk Day. Please keep an eye on your email for more details about when and where. If you do not pick it up pre-Walk Day, you will get it from the “Pre-Registration” booth. Remember t- shirt sizes are first come, first severed!
I have 3 people who donated $100 each to me (or my team) - do they get shirts?
No. Shirts are only for participants who raise or donate at least $100 TO THEIR OWN NAME. They have donate $100 to themselves.
Our team has 5 people and we raised a combined $500, do we get 5 shirts?
No. Shirts are for participants who raise or donate at least $100 to their own name. If they are a team member on your team, the money they raise to their name will contribute to your team total as well.
I have more questions, who can I reach out to?
For any more thoughts or questions, please contact our 2023 NAMIWalks Manager, Olivia: 650-667-1275 or olivia@namisanmateo.org
We would love to hear from you and hope to meet you in-person at our Walk!