Trailwalker UK: 19–20 July 2008
The most life-changing,
friendship-forming,
group-hugging,
greatest team experience.
Ever.
Trailwalker preparation sessions
Improve your chances of completing the challenge. Come to a Trailwalker Preparation Session - at least one team member and one Support Crew member has to do this.
You’ll be able to speak to past Trailwalkers, find out how to make the most of training, fundraising and the event itself, and get answers to any other questions. The Queen’s Gurkha Signals will talk you through the route, and give you top health and safety tips.
Book your place today. Email us at events@oxfam.org.uk.
7 May |
Holiday Inn, Kensington Forum, London 18:30 – 21:00 |
31 May |
Fully Booked - Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Hampshire 11:00 – 14:00 and 14:00 – 16:30 |
Take up the Challenge
Trailwalker 2008 is now full… So you can’t put forward a team this year.
But it’s not all bad news. You can still come along and volunteer at the event. You'll get a taster of what it's like, take in the fresh air and brilliant atmosphere, and help other Trailwalkers achieve an immense physical and mental challenge. Not a bad way to spend a weekend.
Get the 2009 brochure
If you want to be the first to hear about Trailwalker 2009, then give us your details and we'll send you a brochure in October. Give us your email too and we’ll be in touch when we’re ready to gear up for 2009.
Any questions?
Don't know which boots to buy? Stuck for a team name? If you have a question about Trailwalker leave it with us and we'll post a response as soon as we can.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much training do I have to do?
Most people can complete Trailwalker, but you do have to train for it. And everyone is different – you’ll learn about your needs and abilities as you train. So get moving. Check out the Training Section for advice. And you can post a question on the blog
How do I raise the money?
Loads of teams reach their targets through sponsorship, events, matched giving, and e fundraising. Most teams raise around £2,000, but the top fundraising team ever, raised more than £20,000
Check out your Fundraising Guide for you, and our top tip for super-easy fundraising - proven to work – is to set up an e-fundraising page too. You’ll be amazed at what you can achieve.
How much rest does my team have along the route?
There are 10 checkpoints along the route and your Support Crew will be at each - ready to help you rest, recharge, change your socks and give you some well deserved TLC. But resting for too long can make your muscles seize up and then it's easier to hurt yourself. You also probably won't want to start walking again. So for that reason there are no camping facilities during the course (there is camping at the start and finish though). So unless your team finishes in under 15 hours, you will be walking through the night. Night walking really does add to this most unique of experiences. The trail of head torches across the Downs at sunset is one of the most magical parts of this challenge.
Fundraising made fun and easy
By raising money for Oxfam, you’ll be
making a big difference to
many people all around the world.
This section contains a few ideas to help you get started.
E-fundraising
There are loads of reasons why fundraising online is good idea.
- People give more on-line - the average online pledge is £30.
- You can choose when to send the link round – try payday, or the festive season.
- Reach friends, family, contacts and colleagues - near and far.
- No cash chasing for you after the event– as the money is all processed for you.
- Sponsors can tick the Gift Aid box that lets charities claim the tax back on donations.
Also – it’s easy to set up. So we think it makes sense for everyone. Set up a page now.
Although there are other e-fundraising providers, Just Giving is Oxfam’s preferred supplier for Trailwalker. Use them, and you’ll help us to allocate your raised funds quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively.
Please note the Gift Aid part of your sponsors' contributions will not be included in your fundraising total. This is because tax is not actually claimed back until some time after the event.
Matched giving
Many companies offer 'matched giving schemes' to encourage their staff to support charities. This could double the amount you raise in one go, so it's worth checking out. Your employer might support you in other ways too – giving use of meeting rooms, photocopiers, telephones etc.
Download your matched giving form here.
How people raised cash in 2007
Use the team to share fundraising ideas.
Anthea Howard, Team No Feeling
Get on with it from the start – and be aware of other events' timings e.g. the marathon.
Kirsteen Hodge, Team Compeed
It's basically common sense... think about your overall network and business contacts.
Kirsteen Hodge, Team Compeed
Use ideas like the treasure map, as its a way to involve people more.
Sarah Dodds, Gallivanting Goddesses
Stress the online sponsorship. Make the Gift Aid issue more explicit.
Jonathan Maloney, The Wandering Spyders
Training
Trailwalker is a team challenge – so you need to get your team in the physical and mental shape so you train together, start together, and cross each checkpoint and the Finish Line together.
Even if you’re physically fit already, you need to build up mental strength and stamina, too. Everyone is different – you need to learn about yourself and your needs before the event. How often you need to drink, how tiredness affects you, which footwear you prefer, etc.
Training with your team will help you to set your pace, and to work out your roles within the team, and how best to support each other.
- Read your Training and Safety Guide
- Look at the Trail
- Get support info for team leaders
- Or ask us a question on the blog
- And come to a preparation session to hear past Trailwalkers tell you how it is
- Get the Support crew guide?
Support Crew
You need a crack team of friends and family to be your support crew. You can’t complete Trailwalker without one – and not just because we won’t let you! Your support crew will supply you with food, extra water, minor medical supplies, seats, shade, and encouragement.
You’ll need them to pack your tent at the start, ferry your extra kit around in the middle, cheer you over the finishing line, and carry you home when you can’t walk any more. We can’t emphasise how important these people are.
Trailwalker Training Plans
Toby Cogley is from Paddy Pallin Australia, who is the National Outdoor Sponsor for both Oxfam Trailwalkers in Australia. Below he provides beginner, intermediate and advanced training programmes for your reference.
Note: These programmes are suggestions only. Consult your physician or personal trainer for specific advice.
Toby has more than 17 years experience in endurance and adventure races. He has competed at a national and international level and taken part in many Oxfam Trailwalkers in Sydney 2004, and in 2006 he took third place with a final time of 14 hours and 16 mins.
Beginners Training Plan (pdf 6.2MB)
For teams who have never done anything like Trailwalker and are just hoping to finish the course within 30 the hour cut-off.
Intermediate Training Plan (pdf 6.7MB)
For teams that already do some aerobic activity on a regular basis and are looking to finish Trailwalker somewhere between 18-24 hours.
Advanced Training Plan (pdf 7.2MB)
For teams with good base fitness level who are seeking to finish the event in under 18 hours. Running parts of the trail and taking minimal rest time.
Fundraising support
A treasure trove of fundraising and training gems.
Training
Trailwalker takes more than just physical fitness. Get your team up to speed.
Event partners
is the principal sponsor of Trailwalker UK
co-organises Trailwalker with Oxfam
Gurkha Welfare Trust and Oxfam GB are beneficiaries of Trailwalker
