A mixed team of seasoned road runners has tonight set a new Oxfam Trailwalker Sydney record for the 100km charity endurance challenge.
No Roads Expedition, made up of Shona Stephenson, Jonathan Worswick, Andrew Lee and Paul Robertson, came through the finish line at 12:18.
This was more than an hour off the previous record for a mixed team, set by the Berowra Bush Runners who finished in 13:25 back in 2009.
The No Roads Expedition team were also just minutes away from the overall trail record of 12:07 set by Quality Meats back in 2010.
This year’s Trailwalker was the third consecutive event for Shona, who reduced her previous best time by almost five hours. “It’s an awesome goal to get through it together,” she said.
Team mate Jonathan was due to race with Quality Meats again this year, but joined the No Roads Expedition team after last minute withdrawals to both sides.
“It’s unbelievable, and to do it for charity as well, it’s a win-win,” he said.
Oxfam Trailwalker Sydney aims to raise $3.2 million for Oxfam’s work to help people overcome poverty and injustice.
The 550 teams of four will walk or run 100km of rugged NSW bush over 48 hours. Walkers set off this morning from the township of Brooklyn on the Hawkesbury River.
Oxfam Trailwalker spokesman Brett Long said the event – one of Australia’s toughest charity challenges – had so far raised more than $2.4 million.
“This is about ordinary Australians challenging themselves to do the extraordinary,” he said. “It’s a test of endurance and teamwork for a great cause.”
The 2200 walkers taking part in this year’s event are aged from 18 to 70, and come from all suburbs in Sydney as well as from NSW and interstate.
In total, close to 4000 people are involved in the event, including around 700 volunteers, and about 1000 people working as support crews to the teams.
Most of the walkers will reach the finish line at Georges Heights oval in Mosman during daylight hours tomorrow, Saturday 25 August.
For interviews or more information contact Oxfam Australia Media Coordinator Chee Chee Leung on 0400 732 795 cheecheel@oxfam.org.au
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