CANBERRA.AUSTRALIA
Mingle FAQ
‘Come say G’day’, and make new friends as you explore the Bush Capital side-by-side with like-minded people from around the world.
Australia’s International Walking Festival
Join us in Canberra on 20–21 March 2027 for the 36th MarchMingle International Walking Festival — a weekend of walking, hiking, connection, and cultural friendship.
The MarchMingle is Australia’s signature two‑day walking festival held annually since 1992 — a celebration of movement, connection, and cultural friendship.
The festival offers a mix of city walks and nature hikes, ranging from the gentle 7 km AussiePeaceWalk to the challenging 42.2 km Mingle Marathon hike.
Most entrants take on the two-day challenge and enter either the 42+24km MegaMingle, the 21+24km MultiMingle or the 12+12km MoseyMingle.
Medals & Pins
The MarchMingle is a two-day walking challenge.
If you complete two consecutive walks, one on Saturday and one on Sunday, totaling 24km or more, you’ll earn the Two-Day Walk medal with the year bar.
If you’ve received the medal in past years, you’ll get the new year bar to add to your medal ribbon. Each bar has the year on one side and an Australian native animal on the reverse.
If you finish the Mingle Marathon, you’ll also earn the marathon pin.
If this is your 5th MarchMingle or AussiePeaceWalk, you’ll also get the event 5-Year Walker patch. If it is your 5th two-day event, you will also get a 5-year pin.
Browse our FAQs below to find answers regarding trail logistics, gear, travel, and event rules.
Can’t find what you are looking for? Contact our event team here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Event Basics
Is MarchMingle a race?
No. MarchMingle is a non‑competitive walking and hiking festival.
We designed MarchMingle to encourage participation but still provide an individual challenge with the various distance options available.
Importantly, our public liability insurance is granted on the basis that this is a walking event only. Runners would invalidate our insurance.
Also, our checkpoint opening times are calculated on the basis of walking speeds, so if you run you will pass some some checkpoints before they are manned.
Can I run or racewalk?
No! Running is NOT permitted.
Some walkers are very quick, but you will be disqualified for running. Racewalking is permitted; however, the MarchMingle is not a timed event, and some hilly sections of trails are not suitable for racewalking.
Most participants enjoy the social aspects of the event. They take their time and enjoy the scenery and the company of the other participants.
If you are a racewalker or intend to push yourself for a PB, please let us know as some checkpoints may not be open before you reach them.
Do I need to train?
Yes, training is recommended for longer events.
Unless you are in the minority and have a good base fitness level, you will find the distances required for this event a challenge.
Even if you can complete the first day without a problem, heading off on a second consecutive day adds an extra degree of difficulty.
We suggest you consider our training programs for longer distances. Until you have tackled a long walk, you will not realise what other issues will arise – blisters are a good example!
Make sure you have broken in the shoes you plan to wear and have trained appropriately for the distance you aim to do.
What are the Dates in coming years?
For all the MarchMingle event dates as well as related Aussie Peace Walk see this page.
Routes, Distances & Technical Gear
Are the routes the same on both days?
No. There are no repeating circuits for the walks. All routes will be different each day.
The routes will cover a significant parts of Canberra, showcasing the beautiful Lake Burley Griffin and Parliamentary Triangle and many bush trails close to the city.
Canberra has a vast network of bush trails and multi-use paths (for pedestrians and cyclists), so walkers will seldom need to cross roads.
What if I enter a 2-walk combination but want to change distances on the day?
We recommend you challenge yourself, but be realistic.
If you are not accustomed to long hikes or walks, we recommend you start with one of the middle distances.
You can change your second walk distance on the day by notifying the administration volunteers at Event HQ before the event you entered is due to start. So, if you entered the MultiMingle (21k + 24k) but after the 21km on Saturday you think you can't complete the 24km on Sunday, you can change to the 12km or the 7km on Sunday.
If you enter the Mingle Marathon on Saturday but find it too challenging, you can pull out at the halfway point and still be credited with completing a 21km HalfMingle.
You will miss out on the marathon medal, but if you walk again on Sunday, you will still achieve the two-day walker medal.
What type of shoes should I wear?
The terrain ranges from concrete and asphalt paths to corrugated loose dirt and gravel trails. In most cases, cross-trainers or jogging shoes will be adequate.
Seasoned walkers may prefer trail shoes or hiking boots if participating in the 21, 24 or 42km trail routes.
Hiking poles may also be of help for some walkers.
Do I need camping gear if I enter the 2-day walk?
No. Each day the walk finishesat Event HQ. Once you finish walking for the day you return to your accommodation for the night.
Logistics, Parking & On-Day Survival
What time should I arrive?
We suggest arriving at least 30 minutes before your scheduled start time.
You will be checked in when you start. Your entry card must be carried and checked in at each marshalling point along the route.
A final scan at the finish will tell the management team that you have finished.
Is parking available?
There is pay parking within easy walking distance of Event HQ.
Further details on parking and transportation will be available closer to the event.
How long will the walk take each day?
This depends on the distance you walk and your natural walking speed.
Remembering that this is NOT a race. We encourage you to enjoy the experience, make new friends and enjoy the scenery.
The following times are provided as a general 'rule-of-thumb':
- 5km walkers usually take 1-2 hours
- 10km walkers usually take 2-3 hours
- 20km walkers usually take 4-5 hours
- Marathoners (42.2km) walkers usually take 5-8 hours
What should I carry for the walk?
Most people take a small day pack. We suggest you consider bringing: sunscreen, hat, water bottle (although drinks will be provided at checkpoints), sunglasses, camera, a small amount of money and any snacks you might require during the walk.
Some routes will pass shops and many Rotary Clubs manning checkpoints will offer optional fun activities for a small donation.
Some walkers on the longer routes may wish to pack a picnic lunch to eat on the way.
Are refreshments available?
Checkpoints will be at regular intervals and will be marked on your route maps—usually every 5km or so.
Water will be available at each checkpoint. Some checkpoints will have food options and some routes pass shops along the way.
Walkers should carry their preferred snacks. More details about foods en-route and at Event HQ will be posted closer to the event.
We recommend that walkers take their own water bottle on the walk, particularly if the weather is hot.
Accessibility & Pets
Wheelchairs and Strollers
Wheelchairs and strollers can be used on the Saturday 7km route but are impractical on other walks because the walks include some unsealed paths and bush tracks.
If you are planning to enter with a wheelchair, please contact us in advance to determine the suitability of the terrain.
Some walkers may choose to take young children in 'off-road style' strollers. These are permitted, however, may not be easy to push on some sections of walks.
Can I bring my dog?
No, unless it is a registered assistance dog.
Many of the routes, particularly the longer ones, will pass through reserve areas where dogs are not permitted. (Except assistance dogs.)
International Accreditation & Other Questions
Is the MarchMingle an accredited international walking event?
Yes! MarchMingle is fully accredited by both the IML Walking Association (International Marching League) and IVV Sports (Internationaler Volkssport Verband)
Official IML and IVV record desks will be stationary at Event HQ to issue stamps, passports, and stamps for IML and IVV logbooks.
Can I enter on the day of the event?
We encourage you to register online in advance if possible. This will enable us to better plan for the numbers of people in each event.
Yes, late entries can be made at Event HQ. However, the entry fees will be higher than if purchased online prior to the event.