More than 700 teams of four will take part in Oxfam TRAILWALKER Melbourne on the weekend of 27-29 March 2009. Their challenge: to walk (or run) 100km within 48 hours! The 2009 trail will be starting at Jells Park in Wheelers Hill and finishing at Wesburn Park in the Yarra Valley.
Challenge
Oxfam TRAILWALKER is the world's greatest team challenge. And it's also one of the toughest. The challenge is to get your 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. You need to start together, go through each checkpoint together, and finish together. You'll have to train and fundraise together beforehand. Oxfam TRAILWALKER is challenging - but you don't need to be a marathon runner or a professional athlete to do it. Whether you are a team of bankers, a group of mums, running buddies or mates from work, with the right training and preparation, a strong mental attitude and a good support crew, just about anyone can do it.
Fundraising
Each team must commit to raising at least $1,000 to support Oxfam's work in 28 countries including Indigenous Australia. By raising money for Oxfam Australia you will be making a tremendous difference to people's lives. Fundraising is a challenge, but it's also great fun!
Support crew - your saving grace
Finally, your team must find a group of family or friends who can form a Support Crew to help you get through the event. A good support crew is essential and can make or break your experience.
Where is it?
Oxfam TRAILWALKER takes place at two locations in Australia - Melbourne in March, and Sydney in August. Both trails offer stunning scenery and incredible views. In Melbourne, the trail begins at Jells Park in Wheelers Hill and progresses through three different National Parks before finishing at Wesburn Park in the Yarra Valley. The trail covers a diverse range of terrain including the Corhanwarrabul Wetlands, Churchill National Park, scenic Lysterfield Lake, the Dandenong Ranges, Silvan Reservoir and the Warburton Trail, culminating in a tough climb across Mount Little Joe in the Yarra Valley.
How did it begin?
Oxfam TRAILWALKER originated in Hong Kong in 1981 as a military training exercise for the Queen’s Gurkha Signals Regiment. In 1986, Oxfam Hong Kong was invited to co-organise the event and then in 1997, completely took it over. Over time, Oxfam TRAILWALKER became one of the largest fundraising sports events in Hong Kong and now also has massive success annually in the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, and Belgium.
Volunteers
Oxfam TRAILWALKER is a massive logistical exercise. Over 800 volunteers work tirelessly on the event weekend to make it possible. Volunteers work in various roles from checkpoint coordinators, trail marshals and parking coordinators to drivers, check-in and out operators, podiatrists and physiotherapists. Their dedication, enthusiasm and hard work play a pivotal role in the success of Oxfam TRAILWALKER. To volunteer, hit the volunteer page to register your details..
To volunteer, hit the volunteer page to register.
