West Australians have the chance to sign up to one of the world’s toughest charity challenges on their home ground with registrations now open for the 2013 Oxfam Trailwalker Perth event to be held on October 18 to 20.
For the first time, the gruelling 100km trail will showcase the spectacular West Australian landscape, from Maida Vale to Chidlow via Kalamunda, Mundaring, Darlington, Swan View, Hovea and Mt Helena.
Oxfam Australia National Trailwalker Manager Andy Mein said the Trailwalker Perth event is an exciting addition to the global Trailwalker events calendar.
“Oxfam Trailwalker Perth is expected to be one of the most challenging Trailwalkers held in Australia to date set among stunning landscapes and interesting trails,” he said.
“It’s amazing that some of the quickest teams run the equivalent of two and a half marathons in less than 12 hours, but for most participants it is just about the challenge of taking part and making sure the whole team crosses the finish line.”
Perth will be the fourth Australian city to host Oxfam Trailwalker this year – with the Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane events last year collectively raising $6.6 million.
West Australian Governor Malcolm McCusker said the fundraising endurance event was a great opportunity for West Australians to experience Perth’s breathtaking parks and trails while supporting a worthy cause.
“It’s a great community event and we are delighted to help Oxfam Australia raise much needed funds for people living in poverty, both at home and overseas. I urge everyone to get involved in this event, by taking part or simply donating to teams who have signed up,” Mr McCusker said.
Sue Le Souef, 61, of Nedlands, has completed four Trailwalkers since 2004 and said she was excited to participate in a Trailwalker event in her home state.
“It’s no walk in the park to do 100km in one go but it’s accessible to everyone as long as they’re prepared to put in the work. I think anyone who is fit, or wants to be fit, could do it as there’s plenty of time to get ready,” she said.
The 100km team endurance event is open to 300 teams of four who want to challenge themselves and make a lasting difference to the lives of people living in poverty. Teams set their own pace – some running, most walking – making the challenge of covering the 100 km trail in under 48hrs suitable for people of varying fitness levels.
Trailwalker was originally conceived as a military training exercise by Gurkhas based in Hong Kong. Oxfam Trailwalker has been running in Australia for 15 years and raised more than $49 million for Oxfam Australia’s work to help communities around the world overcome poverty and injustice.
Registrations are now open for Oxfam Trailwalker Perth. To register a team please go to: www.oxfam.org.au/trailwalker/perth
For more information or to interview Oxfam Trailwalker Spokesperson Andy Mein please contact Anne Wright on 0411 035 695 or annew@oxfam.org.au
Comments are closed.