Forging a trail all for a good cause

The Oxfam Trailwalker has become a global phenomenon since its inception in 1981, with events being held in 12 countries. Photo / Supplied

It has become something of an institution in New Zealand in a short time.

Taupo will host the event, which began in New Zealand in 2006, in which up to 300 teams (almost 1200 participants) will walk or run 100km on the weekend of April 9-10.

It is dubbed the World's Greatest Team Challenge as every team of four attempts to walk 100km in 36 hours.

All teams are required to finish together and encouraged to wear fancy dress on the final leg.

For Lesley Reece of 'City Girls', who has participated in every event since it began with the same team, and the same support team, the Oxfam Trailwalker is an addiction.

"Every year we say 'Never again' but then we pop up again," said Reece, 66, who describes her team as "definitely a team of veterans" with ages of 49, 51 years and two women aged 66.

"We have decided while we can do it we will keep on doing it. It keeps us fit and we enjoy our time together so much it is hard to give up."

Jo Jukes, the marketing events manager of Oxfam New Zealand, says the stories that come out of the Oxfam Trailwalker never cease to amaze her.

"We have wonderful stories every year of participants for whom the challenge of 100km might be bigger than for others; cancer survivors, amputees, people walking in tribute of a lost loved one," said Jukes.

"But ultimately we think anyone who just thinks about entering Oxfam Trailwalker is inspiring."

All of the teams will attempt to complete seven legs on a new course in 2011 with the longest walk between the checkpoints being the first one (16.2km) that begins on the scenic W2K track (Whakaipo to Kinloch).

Six checkpoints later, and for most teams a full 24 hours more of walking or running, and that feeling of reaching the finish line after 100km of walking is hard to describe.

"The finishing is a wonderful feeling after 100km on your feet non-stop, and finishing in good condition and great spirits is exhilarating," said Reece.

"We usually start talking about the next time within a few minutes of finishing and we are usually on cloud nine.

"The finish line is the best bit," said Jukes.

"I'm always impressed by the teams who can muster up a run to finish, and also humbled by those who have pushed on to literally hobble or be practically carried over the finish line."

Oxfam Trailwalker New Zealand is also the only Oxfam Trailwalker around the globe to have teams cross the finish line in fancy dress.

"Don't ask us how that tradition started but we've welcomed teams over the finish line in Flintstone cars, as fruit and veges, cultural dress, ball gowns, scuba gear ... even giant condoms."

Before they reach the finish line though, the walkers' support teams play a vital role in getting them home.

The support crew, made up of friends and family, arrive ahead of their team to each checkpoint to prepare their food, a place to rest, tape their feet to prevent blistering, provide basic first aid and motivate them for their next stage of the walk.

"They make you laugh when you want to cry," said Jukes.

"They take your socks off for you when you're too tired to bend over, they sing and dance and prepare fun things to get you through the night."

"We have stories written for us to read on the trail and all sorts of special things produced through the entire day," added Reece.

"I don't think we would do so well if we didn't have them."

Most teams walk throughout the night which makes the walk with no sleep a real mental challenge and also ensures the Oxfam Trailwalker is a significant logistical task.

Almost 400 volunteers work tirelessly over the event weekend to make it possible with volunteers in various roles from checkpoint coordinators and track marshals to drivers and physiotherapists. Their hard work makes the Oxfam Trailwalker a success.

The event is not just a physical challenge but each team must also commit to raising at least $2000 to support Oxfam New Zealand's work.

"On average 78 cents in every dollar is spent on our core programme work," said Jukes.

"Oxfam New Zealand works in the Pacific, Asia and Africa supporting people to access safe water and sanitation, to build a sustainable livelihood, to provide education and healthcare for their children and to live free from persecution and violence."

The Oxfam Trailwalker has grown to become a global phenomenon since its start in 1981 as a military exercise for the elite Queen's Gurkha Signals Regiment in Hong Kong.

Oxfam Trailwalker New Zealand is part of an international series, with more than 12 events being held around the world, including Hong Kong, Britain, Japan, New Zealand, France and Australia. The event has raised millions internationally.

For all involved the motto of the Oxfam Trailwalker that says "Challenge Yourself, Challenge Poverty" is an appropriate one.

Their 100km journey is only two weeks away and it's a mission that will change their own lives and many others' lives through their fundraising efforts.

Hard, horrible, but not to be missed

The Oxfam Trailwalker attracts people from all walks of life. Caren Hastings, 30, and Toni Brandso, 29, both self-confessed average athletes, completed the 100km in just over 25 hours in 2009. The memories of the pleasure and the pain live on.

What are some of your memories from the Oxfam Trailwalker?
CH: The toughest parts: the last hours when terrain was tough, darkness made it hard to see, bodies were ready for bed, aches and pains.

The other memory is the strong team bond we'd formed. An amazing team helped us when the going got tough, and what motivated you in the months leading up to the walk.

TB: My best memories are the bonding, at training and the actual event. With teammates, extended teammates and my support person. I loved the walks and talks, and how comfortable we all became around each other. I also remember hard times, wanting to quit and lie down in the grass, but thinking about my support person at the end with a hug, food and encouragement.

100km is a long way to walk - was it physically demanding?
CH: It's a heck of a long way! Definitely physically demanding, but if you train consistently and prepare for possible scenarios, you can absolutely make it! The bigger challenge is mental - your mind will make it or break it for you.

TB: Man alive was it ever! Training for five months was the best thing we ever did. The hardest thing was our mental state. Three teams doing it alongside each other was awesome. We would bump into each other.

Were there times you thought you weren't going to make it?

CH: The only time was when our bodies had had enough, around 5am. But we all had our minds set on making it, so we just kept on going at the pace we could muster.

TB: I never thought I wasn't going to make it. I didn't get one blister!

What advice would you offer people doing it for the first time?
CH: Be prepared. Train lots. Spend time conditioning muscles and joints. Stretch often. Wear your shoes in. Take changes of clothes.

Have an excellent support team: people who'll be your brains when yours can't think anymore.

TB: Train, train, train! And pick a support person you trust and don't mind showing all your sides. Drink water and have varieties of food!

Do you recommend doing it?
CH: Yes, absolutely. I'm not going to lie, it was really hard but it was worth it. We raised over $14, 500 and had a lot of fun doing it.

TB: Definitely. It was one of the best, most gruelling times ever. I made amazing friends. I would say if you're thinking about it, do it!

Oxfam Trailwalker

Around 300 teams (almost 1200 participants) walk or run 100km on the weekend of April 9-10 in Taupo.

Each team must also commit to raising at least $2000 to support Oxfam New Zealand's work.

Oxfam New Zealand works in Africa, Asia and the Pacific with poor communities and local organisations to help people address the root causes of poverty.

In 2010 the event raised almost $1 million, an average of $3800 per team, and that figure is the target for this year's event.

For the past three years, Oxfam Trailwalker has been awarded best environmentally sustainable event by the NZ Association of Events Professionals.

More at www.oxfam.org.nz/oxfamtrailwalker