What is the Red Socks Challenge?
People on dialysis spend around 60 hours every month connected to a machine, just to stay alive.
The Red Socks Challenge is a free virtual campaign that invites you to take on 60k your way to stand with Australians living with kidney disease.
When is the Red Socks Challenge?
1st – 31st October.
Over the month of October complete your km challenge, your own way, at your own pace.
Who can participate in the Red Socks Challenge?
Everyone! Whether it's walking, running, swiming or riding – anyone can be part of the Red Socks Challenge.
What is the significance of 60km?
People who need dialysis treatment to survive are attached to a machine for an average of 60 hours per month. During dialysis, as blood is being filtered by a machine and returned to the body, people get really cold, especially their feet.
What is the significance of the Red Socks?
During dialysis, as blood is being filtered by a machine and returned to the body, people get really cold, especially their feet.
The Symbol: Why Red Socks Matter
Red socks are more than a colour — they’re a statement.
They:
- Show visible support for people living with kidney disease
- Spark conversations about dialysis and kidney health
- Represent strength, resilience, and hope
Every step in red socks says: we see you, we support you, and we’re moving with you.
I can't run - how do I participate?
Walk it, run it, swim it, ride it – however you move, every kilometre helps raise awareness and funds for better care and support.
What is a team and how do I start one?
Getting your friends and family involved in the Red Socks Challenge is a great, fun way to stay motivated throughout the month of October.
Being part of a team is a great way to pool your kms. Everyone logs their own fundraising and km's and it all counts towards your team’s success!
Setting up a team is easy. When you go to register just click the team icon and follow the prompts .
How do I join a team?
During your registration you will have the option to join a team.
If you have already registered as an individual and want to join a team. Search for the team you would like to join and simply click the Join Us button on the team page while logged into your account. This will automatically connect you to the team.
What is a workplace and how do I start one?
A workplace is a type of team that you can set up for your organisation.
Can I register after the 1st October?
Of course you can! The Red Socks Challenge takes place between the 1st -31st October.
Do I need to complete 60km?
No, you can choose your own goal whether it's lower or higher than 60km.
No matter your goal, every kilometre helps raise awareness and funds for better care and support.
Is there a minimum amount I have to fundraise?
There is no minimum amount you need to raise. We would appreciate you to raise as much as you can. Every dollar you raise will help us continue to combat kidney disease.
What do I do if I receive cash donations or a cheque?
The easiest thing is to make the payment yourself to your online page using your credit card with their cash. Remember to make it in the name of the person who donated though so they get the receipt.
If you do not want to pay donations online, or you receive a cheque we can email you an Offline Donations form, simply follow the steps & send it back to us.
Where does the money raised go?
Funds raised by the Red Socks Challenge go towards Kidney Health Australia's support services to help people affected by kidney disease and ensure more Australians look after their kidney health. You can find out more about our impact on the Your Impact Page
How do I update my fundraising goal?
Log in to your dashboard on the page and click the link to ‘Edit Profile’. You can update your fundraising goal whenever you like.
I am no good with technology. How do I share my fundraising page on Social Media?
It’s simple! When you log into your fundraising page you should see the Social Media logos. Just click on the icon and write what you would like to add.
You can also do it from your Facebook account. There you should see a box that asks you “What’s on your mind?” All you have to do is paste the link/URL that’s been emailed to you for your fundraising page into that box and copy and paste the text into the comments area.
Facebook Fundraising
This year we have added a Facebook Fundraising feature which allows you to create a facebook fundraiser as well. It’s super simple.
Just click on the “See my facebook fundraiser” under your user name on your dashboard. Follow the prompts and it will create a Facebook Fundraiser for you. Donations via Facebook will automatically be updated on your fundraising page
Can I post my journey on the Red Socks Challenge social media page?
Yes please! We’d love to see you, hear your story and support you along the way to reaching your 60km. Like the official Facebook page of the Red Socks Challenge. Make sure you use the #redsockschallenge when posting.
I want to fundraise but don’t know where to start…
Never fear there are so many things you can do! We have some fundraising tips to get you started, or simply call us to have a brainstorm and a chat! We will begin sending you emails to give you fundraising tips along the way.
Can people who donate get a tax deductible receipt?
All donations over $2.00 are tax deductible. Anyone who donates through your online fundraising page will automatically be emailed their receipt.
How to log my kms?
Option 1 - Log via an App
Your fundraising page includes your personal distance tally, so you can track your distance towards your target.
If you track your fitness activity with Fitbit, MapMyFitness, Garmin or Strava your distances will automatically add to your tally.
- Download the Fitbit, Strava, Garmin or MapMyFitness app and set up your account
- Log in to your Red Socks Run account.
- Under the heading ‘Connect your preferred fitness app’, click your chosen app.
- Follow the prompts to connect your account.
When you’re about to start your next run or walk, select ‘start your workout’ in the app on your phone. Once you end your workout, save your workout and your distance will be published to the tally on your page the following day.
If you have synced your app already but it is not working, please log in and re-connect it.
- Fitbit: You must start an activity and save it. If no activity is logged, then your cumulative activity will sync at the end of the day. If you are having issues, try syncing through BOTH your Fitbit and the Fitbit app on your smartphone.
- MapMyFitness: You must start your workout, stop your workout and then SAVE your workout.
- Strava: You must start your workout, stop your workout and then SAVE your workout.
- Garmin: You must start your workout, stop your workout and then SAVE your workout.
Your tally will be updated each day with the previous day’s distances.
The number of kilometres will now appear on your fundraising page!
This is a great option if you're using a pedometer or a different method of tracking your distances.
Follow these steps:
- Log in to your Red Socks Run fundraising page
- Go to 'My Dashboard' and then 'My Fitness Activity'
- Scroll down to 'Add Activity'
- Enter the 'Date' and 'KMs'
- Hit 'Save Changes'
You can add your kms when it suits you to track your progress throughout the month.
Where is my merchandise?
We ask you to allow 10-14 business days once you have purchased your socks or t-shirt. Although, they usually arrive sooner.
If you haven't received your items after 14 business days please email redsocks@kidney.org.au
I ordered the wrong t-shirt size, can I return it?
Unfortunately, we can't accept returns or exchanges for wrong sizes or change of mind.
As a not-for-profit organisation we do not have the capacity to process returns due to incorrect size. We are sorry for the inconvenience caused and we wish you all the best for your Red Socks Run challenge.
We suggest you gift the merch item to a family member or friend as a way of saying thank you.
Didn’t find your answer?
If you would like to talk with one of our fundraising team please contact us:
E: redsocks@kidney.org.au | T: 1800 454 363
