Last call for Sydney Oxfam Trailwalker challenge

Media Releases article written on the 30 May 2014

Time is running out for teams to register to take part in Australia’s leading charity endurance event, Oxfam Trailwalker, in Sydney this August.

With more than 2000 people already signed up to take part, excitement is growing as participants prepare for the 100km walk through some of the region’s most spectacular bush land. Each team of four has 48 hours to complete the endurance walk.

Oxfam Australia National Trailwalker Manager Andy Mein said the event had always been popular in Sydney, with more than 24000 people taking part since it began in 1999.

“Oxfam Trailwalker has been held in Sydney for the past 15 years. It’s always exciting to meet the people doing it for the first time, and then we also see those familiar faces back to do it for another year,” Mr Mein said.

“Everyone has their motivations for taking on the challenge. Some do it for fitness, some to test their limits both physically and mentally and others for the chance to do something a bit different with friends and colleagues – but they’re all doing it for the same great cause.”

The event, which starts on Friday 22 August, will see teams walk the 100km from Brooklyn on the Hawkesbury River to the finish at Mosman on Sydney Harbour. The event aims to raise $3 million for Oxfam’s work to address poverty and injustice worldwide.

The Sydney trail, known for its beautiful scenery, features the well-known Great North Walk and the Harbour to Hawkesbury Walking Track. Throughout the 100km, teams will tackle interesting and challenging terrain, featuring single track sections, hills and rocky trails.

 “Registrations for this year’s event close on Thursday 12 June, so we encourage anyone who’s ever thought about giving it a go to sign up now for this gruelling, but incredibly rewarding event,” he said.

 “Alternatively, if you don’t plan to do the walk, more than 750 volunteers are needed to make this a success.

 “The support of volunteers is an invaluable source of encouragement for the walkers, and anyone who might be interested in helping out should visit the Trailwalker website for more information.”

More than 55,000 Australians have taken part in Oxfam Trailwalker since it began here in 1999, raising more than $55 million for Oxfam Australia’s work in communities around the world. Oxfam Trailwalker takes place annually in Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney and Perth and internationally in India, New Zealand, Spain, Japan, France, UK, Ireland, Belgium and Hong Kong.

 For more information or to register a team of four for Sydney event, visit www.trailwalker.oxfam.org.au or phone 02 8204 3919. For interviews or more information, please contact Emma Whalan on 0418 873 782 or emmawhalan@oxfam.org.au