Frequently Asked Questions:
NAMIWalks San Mateo County
We can't wait to see everyone at Seal Point Park, San Mateo on Saturday, October 5th!
Event Details & Helpful Links
• Location: Seal Point Park, 1901 J Hart Clinton Drive (aka 3rd Ave), San Mateo, CA
• Time: 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
• Helpful Links: Route Map & Parking Map
• Still need help getting started with NAMIWalks? Check out our Getting Started FAQ first.
Day of Schedule
• 9:00 AM: Registration, Community Resource Fair, Kid’s Zone Opens
• 9:45 AM: Team Captain Photo (Meet at Selfie Station)
• 9:50 AM: Warm-up
• 10:00 AM: Opening Ceremony
◦ Welcome
◦ Story of Hope
◦ Poem/Moment of Silence
◦ Walk Star Recognition
◦ Countdown to Start the Walk: 10, 9, 8…!
• 10:35 AM: Walk and Wellness Programming Begin
• 11:30 AM: Food, Music, Kid’s Zone, Community Resource Fair
• 1:00 PM: Wrap-up
Registration
I registered online, do I still need to check in?
Yes, all participants must check in on Walk Day. Head to the “Pre-Registered” booth to check in, collect your food tickets, and pick up your t-shirt if you’ve raised $100 or more. Team Captains will also receive a special Team Captain button!
Do I need to register to walk?
Yes, registration is required for all participants. But don't worry, it's free! You can register ahead of time at www.namiwalks.org/sanmateo.
What if I didn’t register ahead of time?
No problem! Visit the “Registration” booth on Walk Day to sign up. Our volunteers will help you get registered quickly so you can enjoy the event.
Can Team Captains check in their whole team?
No, each participant must check in individually.
When should I check in?
Check-in begins at 9:00 AM. We recommend arriving before 9:50 AM to enjoy the program and be ready for the walk start. You can still check in after this time though.
T-Shirts
How do I get a NAMIWalks t-shirt?
There are two things required to earn a NAMIWalks t-shirt:
1. You are registered as a participant (individual, team member, team captain, virtual) at www.namiwalks.org/sanmateo
2. You raise $100 under your name as a registered participant
• You can donate $100 to yourself
• You can have others donate to your fundraising page
• You can donate part of it and have others donate the other part to your fundraising page
*Check out our t-shirt guide to understand how to ensure you qualify for a t-shirt: T-Shirt Guide*
I registered and donated/raised $100+, where do I pick up my t-shirt?
You can pick up your t-shirt on Walk Day at the Pre-Registered booth or come to our pre-event day t-shirt pick up. Stay tuned for details about pre-event pick-up options. T-shirt sizes are available on a first come, first served basis so we recommend arriving early to ensure your size and availability as supplies may run out.
Are there any other fundraising incentives?
Yes! There are lots of other fun incentive prizes for raising money. Check them out here: Fundraising Recognition Program
Donations
Can I donate at the Walk?
Absolutely! 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 to expand important NAMI programs throughout San Mateo County! You can donate at the Registration tent via cash, check, or credit card. Or visit www.namiwalks.org/sanmateo to donate online.
Can I donate before the Walk?
Yes! You can donate online via www.namiwalks.org/sanmateo. We also accept cash and checks. Please make checks payable to NAMI San Mateo County and write that it’s for NAMIWalks. Also include the name of the person you want the money to go to if not yourself. Below is the address to send cash or checks to: 1730 South Amphlett Blvd. Ste. 308, San Mateo, CA 94402
The Walk
Helpful link: Route Map
How far is the walk?
The walk is 1K or 5K.
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!
Anything else to 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.
Parking
Helpful link: Parking Map
Is parking free?
Yes!
Where do I park?
There are three main parking options:
1. Seal Point Park Lots: As you enter the park, you'll find parking lots on both the left and right sides. These tend to fill up quickly, so please watch for “Full” or “No Parking” signs.
2. J. Hart Clinton Drive: Free street parking is available along this road, but you may need to walk a bit farther. We highly recommend carpooling to make parking easier.
3. St. Timothy’s Catholic Church Parking Lot: A shuttle service will run every 10-15 minutes from 9 AM to 1 PM between the church lot and Seal Point Park. The lot is approximately 1/2 mile from the event, but please note that the shuttle is not wheelchair accessible. For wheelchair-friendly options, refer to the drop-off point information below.
Is there a drop-off point?
Yes! Upon entering Seal Point Park, volunteers will guide you to a drop-off location at the roundabout near the park entrance. This drop-off is wheelchair accessible and gets you closer to the event space.
What’s my best chance to get a closer spot?
Arrive early and carpool!
What to Bring
• Hat, sunscreen, and reusable water bottle (filling stations available)
• NAMIWalks t-shirt (if you have one)
• Comfortable walking clothes and shoes
• Optional: Team signs/posters to show why you're walking for mental health!
• And most importantly… your excitement for our fifth San Mateo County NAMIWalks event!
Kid’s Zone
Are there activities for kids?
Yes! The Kid’s Zone includes face painting, sensory play, building blocks, and more!
Can I bring a stroller?
Yes! Strollers and wagons are allowed. We are family-friendly and hope to see lots of families on October 5th!
Dogs
Are dogs allowed?
Yes! Friendly dogs on leashes are welcome.
Is there a place where my dog can play?
Yes, there's a dog park along the walking route where pups can run free. Refer to the Route Map for details.
Fun Stuff
What activities are available at the walk?
We’ll have community resource booths, a Kid’s Zone, free breakfast burritos, snacks, music, wellness programming, and even a Stretch Lab offering free stretches!
Should I bring food?
It’s up to you! We’ll have breakfast burritos (vegetarian and meat options), snacks, and water stations.
Where can I get water?
We will have water bottle refill stations in the main event area and two 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.
COVID-19 Precautions
If you’re not feeling well, have been exposed to COVID-19, or have tested positive, please stay home and walk with us virtually. Hand sanitizer will be available, and masks are optional.
Weather
The walk will happen rain or shine! Please plan and dress accordingly for the weather.
Restrooms
Restrooms are located at both ends of the parking lot with one right next to the main event area. There is also a restroom along the route. Check the Route Map for locations.
Accessibility
Seal Point Park is fully wheelchair accessible, featuring paved walking paths and accessible restrooms located near the event space. Please be aware that handicap parking is limited. However, there is a convenient wheelchair-friendly drop-off point near the park entrance for easy access
Seating
There will be some chairs available in the main circle and picnic tables near the food. However, seating and shade are limited, so feel free to bring your own chair or blanket.
Still Have Questions?
Reach out to Olivia Heffernan, our 2024 NAMIWalks Manager, at 650-667-1275 or olivia@namisanmateo.org.
We can’t wait to walk with you! See you on October 5th at Seal Point Park!