Chris Turnbull, Keith Mearns, Jonathan O’Loughlin and Richard MountStephens have broken the record for the current trail in the Oxfam TRAILWALKER Sydney endurance challenge by running 100km in just 12 hours and 7 minutes.
The team of four, from St Leonards, Bondi, Balmain and Killarney Heights who call themselves Quality Meats, crossed the finish line 49 minutes ahead of the current course record, 12 hours and 56 minutes, set in 2007.
Oxfam TRAILWALKER Sydney challenges 500 teams of four to walk a rugged bush trail of 100 kilometres from Brooklyn to Mosman in under 48 hours and to raise at least $1000 each for Oxfam Australia.
The time set was exceptional considering the difficult circumstances the team faced. A week before the event one member was forced to pull out because of injury. Within the week the team had advertised on a running website and found a new member, seasoned runner Richard MountStephens
“We advertised on Monday, Richard accepted on Tuesday, we met on Wednesday to talk strategy and set off on Friday. We were just happy to do the event, but to win feels even more rewarding”, said Jonathan O’Loughlin.
The other participants Chris Turnbull, Jonathan O’Loughlin and Keith Mearns had trained over the course of two months.
The event has already raised $2.6 million to support Oxfam’s work. Oxfam Australia spokesperson Jane Denning said Australians could help the agency reach its $3.2 million target by showing their support for teams taking part.
“To walk 100kms in less than 48 hours is an astonishing achievement. These are everyday Australians who challenge themselves to the limit to raise money for Oxfam’s work to help people around the world find lasting solutions to poverty,” Ms Denning said.
The majority of teams will cross the finish line today Saturday August 28 at Georges Heights, Mosman.The event continues until Sunday August 29 and people can sponsor and track teams at www.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/sydney/
Originally conceived as a military training exercise by Gurkhas based in Hong Kong, Oxfam TRAILWALKER has been running for 12 years in Australia and walkers have helped raised over $30 million for Oxfam Australia’s work to help communities around the world overcome poverty and injustice.
For more information or to interview Oxfam TRAILWALKER teams, please contact Charlotte Greig on 0404 111 919.
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