6 Smart things to do before the Suncoast East Coast Radio Big Walk
Running shoes. Check. Comfortable leggings or shorts. Check. Anti-chafing cream? Blister plasters? These six things will help make the Big Walk much more enjoyable.
The Suncoast East Coast Radio Big Walk is days away, but it is not too late to make sure you are as ready as you'll ever be for your 5km or 10km.
Everyone and their mother will descend on Durban's promenade on Sunday, May 17, for KwaZulu-Natal's much-loved Big Walk, which is in its 22nd year.
The weather forecast for the day looks good with sunny skies expected. All you have to do is show up for one of the best family-friendly events in KZN.
These six tips will also make sure the day is smoother and easier.
Let's do this!
READ: A look back on the 2025 Suncoast East Coast Radio Big Walk
1. The walk before the Big Walk
One of the best ways to prepare for the Big Walk is to, well, start walking. Don't wait until Sunday to put on your running shoes. Go for a 30-minute practice walk before or after work to help prepare for the actual day. You can increase your distance and pace with each walk. This will also help break in your takkies, especially if they are fairly new. You can also test if the shoes are comfortable enough for the actual day. Wear them while running errands if you don't have time to go for a morning or evening walk.
2. What's your game plan?
The Big Walk is a family-friendly event, which means people often sign up in groups. Don't wait until Sunday to discuss your game plan for the day. Will you be taking a casual stroll while enjoying the beautiful beachfront views on Durban's promenade, or will you be aiming to finish at a specific time? Make sure everyone in your group is on board.
3. Get enough sleep
Don't spend Saturday night partying up a storm, especially if this is your first 5km or 10km walk. You want to make sure you body is at its peak performance. Drinking alcohol the day before can also compromise endurance and muscle function. It can also make you feel dehydrated. Getting enough sleep is also important. You will wake up fresh and ready to get your walk on.
4. The one thing many people forget about
Running shoes. Check. Comfortable leggings. Check. Chafing cream. Uhm, oops. If you don't walk or run regularly, you probably don't think about chafing or blisters. However, these two things can ruin your entire walk if you are not prepared. Pack some blister plasters and anti-chafe balm. While you're at it, add lip balm, mini wet wipes, tissues and a muesli/protein bar to your fanny pack. Real pros will add a power bank or a portable charger to make sure their phone doesn't die while taking 101 pictures.
5. Stay hydrated
If you have been slacking on your daily water goals, make an effort to to drink more water ahead of the event. Hydration is key for short and long walks. Make sure you hydrate on Sunday morning and carry a water bottle with you for the actual walk. Don't go crazy trying to down 3L of water a day, because consuming too much fluid is just as bad as not drinking enough.
6. Walk and listen
If you're walking alone or taking on the 10km, keep yourself preoccupied by doing one of the following:
- Create a playlist of your favourite songs
- Finally, listen to that two-hour podcast
- Download an audiobook
- Listen to East Coast Radio on the ECR App (iOS/Android).
Don't stress too much because there will also be live entertainment along the route with some of East Radio's favourite presenters!
Tickets for the Big Walk are sold out, but there is always next year!
You can also show your support for a good cause by buying the limited edition Suncoast East Coast Radio Big Walk 2026 socks.
*Proceeds from purchasing this sock go towards supporting the incredible work being done by Xcel Running Club to develop and promote world-class athletes in South Africa.
Visit www.durbanbigwalk.co.za for everything you need to know about the Big Walk.
HOW TO LISTEN TO EAST COAST RADIO
1. Listen to East Coast Radio on the FM (frequency modulation) spectrum between 94 and 95 FM on your radio.
2. Listen live to ECR by clicking here or download the ECR App (iOS/Android).
3. Listen to East Coast Radio on the DStv audio bouquet
4. Switch to the audio bouquet on your OpenView decoder and browse to channel 606.
5. Listen to us on Amazon Alexa
Follow us on social media:
· TikTok