Clocking up the kilometres for Oxfam

THESE SHOES ARE MADE FOR WALKING: Oxfam Trailwalker participants Holly Tunstall and Kim Nelson from Team Gizzy Trailblazers, with Paul Naske, Pat Butler, Vanessa Robertson and Tania Gray from Team Florence Out East get in some training time on Titirangi Kaiti Hill. Picture by Paul Rickard

A gang of eight charitably-minded Gisborne residents are putting themselves through their paces to prepare for a trailwalking challenge designed by the British Army's Gurkha regiment.

The group will form two teams in the annual Oxfam 100km trailwalking event in Whakatane on March 21.

The concept was first designed by the legendary elite Queen's Gurkha Signals Regiment in 1981 as a military exercise to test teamwork, endurance and determination, where teams of four walk 100km in 36 hours, or 50 kilometres in 18 hours.

The Oxfam Trailwalker began in New Zealand in 2006, with the aim for teams to raise at least $2500 to go towards Oxfam's fight against poverty.

Since it was established the event has raised over $10 million and this year all money raised will be used in the Pacific and South East Asia.

Keen runner Paul Naske will be one of those taking part this year.

“I am doing this to raise money for a good cause and prove I am still young at the same time.” Mr Naske said.

“We have already trained together as a team a number of times including the Whakarau 60km — walking the Whakarau Road and up to the Motu Falls — and we are planning 80km from Matawai to town via Te Wera Road.”

Team member Tania Gray said that “apart from the blisters”, the challenge was more a mental test of endurance as opposed to the physical, “which as I start to get older is easier to recover from”.

“I like the idea of being able to push myself to the limit and at the same time doing something that is going to help those in need who aren't as fortunate as we are.”

A third team member, Pat Butler said the Oxfam Trailwalker provided an opportunity for everyday New Zealanders to help disadvantaged people living in poverty.

“Florence Out East is a team of four like-minded people who thrive on the outdoors and the physical and mental challenges this event offers. We have had a lot of fun along the way, look forward to the big day and helping our Pacific neighbours.”

Also in training for the Oxfam challenge are the Gizzy Trailblazers — Holly Tunstall, Kim Nelson, Sarah Lincoln and Kelly Nelson.

Donations to the teams can be made by going to the Oxfam Trailwalker web page. In addition the Gisborne Harrier Club will be offering a chance to donate at the River Run on March 3.