Here is a minute-by-minute breakdown of how the walk went down for me, a willing and active participant.

8:45: There are 150 people gathered to walk 12.5 km all the way from Victoria Park subway station to Nathan Philips Square. I’m late and worried that I will have to run along the Danforth alone.

9:00: Thankfully, the group has not left yet. I join Matt, our beloved sports editor, in the parking lot. A sea of bright orange t-shirts, armbands, and enthusiastic Gulu Walk participants are anxiously congregated, awaiting the arrival of Adrian and Kieran.

9:15: Adrian and Kieran arrive. Matt and I are eager to get moving on this beautiful night. We begin to march the 12.5km and are both pumped and ready to roll.

9:45: Well-wishers cheer us on as we pass. Some people from the march are handing postcards that read “Help End Poverty” and urging people to sign the petition at www.guluwalk.com. Others are stopping off at Tim Hortons and Baskin-Robbins for drinks and ice cream. “I don’t think Ugandan children do that,” I remark. Matt nods. We’ve cut back on talking to preserve energy.

10:15: I have no idea how Ugandan children do this day in and day out. 12.5 km is a lot farther than I thought it was. It’s only been 6 km. Little children riding in wagons smirk as they pass me. A film crew is running along ahead. I don’t know how anyone could run-let alone walk-in this heat.

10:40: The group has stopped at the Viaduct so that stragglers (like Matt and I) can catch up with the rest of the group. Everyone is surprisingly cheery and energetic. A group of women break out into traditional African dance. We clap our hands and cheer along. Matt and I feel a burst of sudden revitalization.

10.50: One onlooker turns to me as we pass and asks, “Where are you all from?” Someone calls from behind: “We’re from Uganda!” The bystander stares at me suspiciously. “You don’t look African,” he replies. My Filipino ancestors would have to agree.

11:20: All 150 of us have made it to Nathan Philips Square. I am thirsty and exhausted. Adrian and Kieran settle down for a few hours of rest before they begin this trek all over again. I am in awe of their determination. A few people pose for pictures with the Ugandan flag and proclaim “Help End Poverty!”