Trailwalker
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Trailwalker (or Oxfam Trailwalker) is an event organised by Oxfam in various locations across the globe, including Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and the United Kingdom, with proceeds in Hong Kong and the UK being split between Oxfam and the Gurkha Welfare Trust. Its main purpose is for large-scale fundraising to enable Oxfam to carry out charitable events and services to the community, both locally and internationally.
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[edit] Hong Kong
Trailwalker was first started in 1981 in Hongkong as a Queens Gurkha Signals .[1]regimental exercise which became so popular that it eventually started to raise funds for The Gurkha Welfare Trust.[2] The event is held annually on the MacLehose Trail, a 100 km hiking trail across the mountain ranges of the New Territories.
Oxfam Trailwalker Hong Kong is the first Trailwalker in the world. Other countries like UK, Australia and New Zealand follow the Hong Kong model closely. In 2008 for the very first time Belgium is also organising Trailwalker in their country.
Since 1986, more than 42,000 Trailwalkers have raised over HK$ 158 million to support Oxfam's various poverty alleviation and emergency relief projects. Participants form a team of four members each to complete the 100 km MacLehose Trail within 48 hours. The event was formerly a military drill for Gurkha soldiers before 1986. Trailwalker was opened to the public in 1986. Oxfam Hong Kong began to co-organise the event in the same year. In 1987 Queen Gurkha Signals invited Oxfam, Hongkong to help them to raise more charity and since then Oxfam has raised funds for The Gurkha Welfare Trust and Oxfam.
When UK handed Hongkong to China in 1997 the Gurkhas left the territory and then Oxfam Hong Kong enlisted the support of many community organizations to sponsor the event.
The record time 11hrs. 57mins. was set in 2004 by the team "Securicor".
The 2007 winning time was 12hrs. 24mins. by "Fire Services Team Beyond Limits".
[edit] United Kingdom
In 1997, when the UK returned Hong Kong to the People's Republic of China and left Hongkong, the Queen's Gurkha Signals were established in the UK and once again they found the route for the trailwalker, where they quickly established Trailwalker on the South Downs Way. The first event was a test run, and the following year, the event was opened to the public. By 2000, the UK event had become so popular that it became the nation's largest ultra-distance marathon.
In 2002, the Queen's Gurkha Signals invited Oxfam GB to re-create the successful partnership achieved with Oxfam in Hong Kong. Once again, the Gurkha's logistical skills combined with Oxfam's marketing experience to achieve great results for the two charities.
Trailwalker UK now has become an annual fundraising event for Oxfam and the Gurkha Welfare Trust, organised by Oxfam and the Queens Gurkha Signals Regiment of the British Army. Trailwalker is the most important event in the Queens Gurkha Signals calendar. It has provided logistic and man power to support the event regardless of operational commitments. Oxfam is responsible for the administration of the Trailwalker. In 2007 the Queens Gurkha Signals team stood first defeating the defending unit Queens Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment. The Queens Gurkha Signals team have participated in Australian and New Zealand Trailwalker in recent years and they have secured first and second place in respective countries.
The Challenge-Four people, one goal, 100 kilometres, 30 hours.
Trailwalker is a 100km trek along the South Downs Way of England which you walk non-stop, in a team of four. It is an event which contains three challenges 1 the physical challenge of walking 100km - it usually takes about 24 - 30 hours of non-stop walking (NO sleeping) 2 the team aspect - finding your role in the team and supporting each other through pain, tiredess and hunger - but sharing the triumph and elation at the end 3 A fundraising challenge - in 2007 each team is required to raise a minimum of £1,500 which supports the two beneficiary charities.
Where
The route begins at the Queen Elizabeth Country Park near Petersfield, and finished at Brighton Racecourse. The route mainly follows the South Downs Way - one of the oldest drove ways in Britain - except at some of the regular checkpoints to allow your support crew vehicle access.
Who
Around 400 teams took part in the 2006 Trailwalker, around 450 teams are expected for 2007. People from all over the world and of all ages take part in Trailwalker - it's not just for very fit people but anyone who is determined and likes a challenge. It is open to military personnel too and various units from The Brigade of Gurkhas participate every year. The competition amongst the Gurkha units is really tough as every team wants to fight for the 1st place.
When
In 2007 Trailwalker will take place on 14-15th July. Camping will be available at the start line the night before and walkers are encouraged to register at the event the night befor and join in with the BBQ and entertainment provided bythe Gurkhas. Start times in 2007 will be at 06.00, 08.00, and 10.00 on the 14th. All participants must finish within the 30 hour time period. In 2008 the trailwaler will take place on 19-20 July. The places for the Trailwalker 2008 is full now but Oxfam has put the waiting list for people who are eager to participate because some teams drop out at the end.
Training Plans
Trailwalker is an arduous event and it is indeed a challenge. To successfully complete the trail one need to train hard vigorously for 3-4 months. The military ethos, "Train hard and fight easy" would describe how one should train before the actual event. It is a challenge of taking the extremeties of weather and own body along the South Down Way. The weather in July is hot so it is very essential to keep the body hydrated and you should take food at regular intervals too. The running gear should be comfortable like for instance during the day a good running shoes, shorts and t-shirts that will be comfortable. During the night a warm clothing to keep the body warm enough to get moving. Injuries might develop along the trail so it is always good to carry anti-blister tapes and some pain relief tablets and sprays. A decent first aid would help a lot to overcome minor injuries. There is first aid provided by The British Red Cross Society at most checkpoints and Gurkha soldiers to help you entirely during the trailwalker. The training plans can be found on the link. Click here [3]
[edit] Kit List
| Ser | Item | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| 1, | Water bottle or camel pack | Min 1 litre |
| 2 | Whistle | |
| 3 | Waterproof jkt and trousers | |
| 4 | Sun hat | |
| 5 | Long sleeved shirt | |
| 6 | Warm hat and gloves | |
| 7 | Torch with spare batteries | |
| 8 | 2 x sets of spare clothing | Available from Support crews at check points |
| 9 | Map and Directions guide | |
| 10 | OS map set | 1:25,000 (sheets120-122) or 1:50,000 (sheets 197-198) |
| 11 | Compass | |
| 12 | 2 x mobiles phones fully charged | |
| 13 | Basic First Aid kit | |
| 14 | Survival bag Space blanket or bivvy bag | |
| 15 | Energy Snacks | Chocolates, Glucose tablets |
| 16 | Notebook and pen | |
| 17 | 2 x hi-vis vest | To be used on all road sections |
| 18 | Enough food | Resupplied at checkpoints |
| 19 | Participant number |
These are the basic kit list for Trailwalker
[edit] Checkpoints
There are 10 checkpoints along the South Down Way.
| Checkpoint | Name | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Start | QE Country Park | 0 km |
| 1 | Hartling Down | 9.6km |
| 2 | Hilltop Farm | 20.0km |
| 3 | Littleton Farm | 28.3 |
| 4 | Houghton | 37.6km |
| 5 | Washington | 50.2km |
| 6 | Botolphs | 60.2km |
| 7 | Devils Dyke | 69.6 |
| 8 | Jack and Jill | 76.5 |
| 9 | The Old Racecourse | 86.4km |
| 10 | Woodingdean | 94.3 |
| Finish | Brighton Racecourse | 100.1km |
The money
There is a registration fee of £100 per team (£200 after 15th December 2006). This covers things like fundraising and training materials, pre-event briefings around the country, online and telephone support, snacks and toilet facilities along the trail. The minimum fundraising amount per team is £1,500 - although places are limited within fundraising 'Tiers' so if the lowest Tier sells out you need to raise more to take part.
The great part is that in 2006 alone Trailwalker has raised around £800,000 for Oxfam and the Gurkha Welfare Trust which goes a long way to helping them help some of the poorest people in Nepal and around the world. In 2008 it will raise just over 1 million pounds.
How to take part
All the information can be found by clicking the link Click here [4] to find out more information or to register your team.
[edit] Australia
Oxfam Trailwalker is held annually in Melbourne (March/April) and Sydney (August). Teams come from the corporate, community and sporting sectors – and from all over the world. Oxfam TRAILWALKER involves teams of four who walk or run a 100 km trail through bushland within 48 hours. As part of the event, teams must also raise at least AU$1,000 to help to support the work of Oxfam Australia.
In 2006 the event held in Melbourne and Sydney raised over AUD$4.2 million.
Challenge
Oxfam Trailwalker is the world’s greatest team challenge. And it’s also one of the toughest. The challenge is to get a team of four across 100km of Australian bush in less than 48 hours – and, collectively, to raise at least $1,000 to help to overcome poverty and suffering around the world.
Anyone can do it
Oxfam Trailwalker is all about teamwork – it is a great way for friends to bond or for work colleagues to develop team spirit. A team needs to start together, go through each checkpoint together, and finish together. They'll have to train and fundraise together beforehand. Oxfam Trailwalker is challenging – but it doesn't require someone to be a marathon runner or a professional athlete to do it. Whether it's a team of bankers, over 40 mums, running buddies, university mates, with training, and the right mental attitude, just about anyone can complete it.
Fundraising
Each team must commit to raising at least $1000 to support Oxfam Australia's work in 26 countries including Indigenous Australia. By raising money for Oxfam Australia the participants make a tremendous difference to people’s lives.
Support crew
Finally, every team must find a group of family or friends who can form a Support Crew to help them get through the event - providng the team with food, clothing, motivation and a sense of humour.
Where is it?
Oxfam Trailwalker takes place at two locations in Australia – Melbourne (April) and Sydney (August). Both trails offer stunning scenery, incredible views – and the opportunity to tell your friends you have completed 100km through the bush in less than 2 days!
How did it begin?
The event began in 1981 as a military exercise for the elite Queen's Gurkha Signals Regiment in Hong Kong, and has since grown into one of the world's leading sporting challenges. Oxfam TRAILWALKER is a global event, taking place annually in New Zealand, UK, Hong Kong and Japan.
Oxfam TRAILWALKER is a massive logistical exercise. Over 700 volunteers work tirelessly on the event weekend to make it possible. Volunteers work in various roles from checkpoint co-ordinators and track marshals to drivers and physiotherapists. Their dedication, enthusiasm and hard work play a pivotal role in making Oxfam Trailwalker a success.
Visit http://www.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker to find out more and register a team or participate as a Volunteer
[edit] New Zealand
In 2006, the event was established at Lake Taupo in New Zealand as the country's first charity ultra-challenge. It also proved to be the most successful inaugural event in the international series' 25 year history. The New Zealand Oxfam Trailwalker is now held annually in April on a 100 km course at Lake Taupo in the central North Island of New Zealand.
The 2007 Trailwalker will be held on Saturday & Sunday, 14th & 15th April 2007. The 2007 event has a team limit of 350 teams, with a minimum fundraising commitment of NZD $2,500.00
[edit] Japan
Japan launched its first Oxfam Trailwalker in May 2007. The trail starts at Shiroyama Athletic Stadium in Odawara and finishes at Hotel Bugakuso, Yamanaka Lake. A magnificent trail encompassing spectacular mountain trails, historical scenes and superb views. It is said to be one of the most challenging Oxfam Trailwalkers ever. The next one will be coming up at 16th to 18th May, 2008
