First all-woman team wins Oxfam TRAILWALKER beating extreme conditions and biggest field of participants in Australia

Events, Media Releases, Oxfam Trailwalker article written on the 24 Mar 2007

The Dashing Divas (Team 591) blitzed their way into history with a stunning win in the biggest Oxfam TRAILWALKER held in the southern hemisphere and during an event that featured the most extreme weather conditions ever.
Alice Kemp, Alison Bryant-Smith, Nelly Conus and Anne Ziogos set off along with nearly 600 teams of four at the Oxfam TRAILWALKER Melbourne 2007 event from Jells Park to Wesburn Park, Friday 23 March – Sunday 25 March.  Astonishingly, they had never before raced together as a team and seemed surprised by their win. Modest and shy, they praised each other’s performance and thanked the organisers, volunteers and support crews for a successful event. They said they would re-double their fundraising efforts for Oxfam Australia.
Facing high temperatures in a state (Victoria) that is tinder dry from a prolonged drought, the authorities – Parks Victoria, Victoria Police, CFA and SES – declared a day of Total Fire Ban on Friday 23 March and closed the section between Check Points 3 and 4 as it was a high bushfire-risk area. This meant the trail was shortened from 100kms to 88.5kms. On Friday, the temperature soared to a very uncomfortable 37.4°C (99.3°F) accompanied by hot, gusty winds and later that evening by torrential rain and a nearly 50 percent drop in temperature.
Kathy McLinden, National TRAILWALKER Coordinator says:  "I’d like to thank all the walkers who dealt with some of the most extreme and challenging conditions we have ever experienced at an Oxfam TRAILWALKER. There were also 800 amazing volunteers covering 1100 shifts over the weekend that I’d like to acknowledge. They not only endured the heat on Friday but then had to deal with torrential rain on Friday night and Saturday, always managing to keep a smile on their faces. We have raised $1.4 million so far and I would like to thank the many supporters of Oxfam TRAILWALKER Melbourne 2007 who have donated to teams. Please keep those donations coming in!"
Lindsey Thomson, Melbourne event organiser adds:  "While we were disappointed that the trail between checkpoint 3 and 4 had to be closed due to the Total Fire Ban, we’d like to thank the trailwalkers for dealing with this difficult situation in such magnificent style. For Oxfam Australia, the safety of our participants is paramount and we cannot thank Parks Victoria, the CFA, the Victoria Police and the SES enough for their extraordinary efforts over the weekend."
Supported by principal sponsor State Street, Oxfam TRAILWALKER Melbourne 2007 has set event records with 592 teams of 4, the first ever all-woman team win and now hopes to set fundraising records too – so please donate!
Donations are welcome!
Free call 1800 088 110 or visit:  www.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/melbourne

Oxfam TRAILWALKER – teams of 4 – 100kms – 48 hours
For media enquiries call:  Marlene McIntyre on 0407 515 559