100km charity trek takes toll on women

ENERGETIC: Jennifer Patrick and Hayley Patrick, from Masterton, doing the Oxfam trailwalk to raise money for Vanuatu hurricane victims. PHOTOS/SUPPLIED

Masterton woman Hayley Patrick took part in last weekend's Oxfam trailwalk to raise money for Vanuatu victims of tropical cyclone Pam.

The 100km annual fundraising trek involves teams of four setting out to conquer the scenic Lake Taupo route in under 36 hours.

It was the first time Miss Patrick had participated in the event, which she did with her three sisters-in-law.

Each team set themselves a fundraising target and Miss Patrick's team, called Sisterhood of the Swinging Glutes, aimed to raise $3000.

So far they have raised about $2800 after sharing a link on Facebook and through "generous" family and friends, and have until May 11 to reach their goal.

Oxfam is aiming to reach $1 million to donate to charity.

Miss Patrick said the experience was "good bonding time" for the women, but the walk was more challenging then they had anticipated.

She said there was a lot of uphill and downhill walking and after 50km it was "very" painful.

On the trail there were numerous stations where volunteers handed out refreshments to help the walkers stay alert and hydrated.

The team stopped at stations for no longer then half and hour so they could keep momentum up and snacked on nut bars, made by Miss Patrick's mother, salt and vinegar chips and chocolate.

"The event was well organised and the volunteers in good moods helped pick you up and keep you going."

Miss Patrick said they saw a few casualties on stretchers and teams "bickering" among themselves.

"It was extremely hard, but we managed to do it and cross the finish line so we were happy."

Miss Patrick's team, which had aimed to complete the trailwalk within 24 hours, took 24hrs 44s which they were "rapt" with.

The team took the following Monday off work to recover at Debretts Spa Resort.

Miss Patrick said some trail walkers were "legends" having done the Oxfam trailwalk for 15 years in a row.

"There's probably other ways I'll choose to donate next time."