The 4th Oxfam Trailwalker Brisbane came to a close this morning with the final courageous team crossing the finish line at Mount Coot-tha around 5.00am.
With sore feet and smiles, ‘The Ratbags’ reached the finish line after 20 hours and 53 minutes of walking. The team was one of more than 100 others who took part in the first-ever 55km version of the Oxfam Trailwalker, regarded as one of Australia’s toughest charity events.
The final team from the 100km challenge, ‘3pac and Biggie’, made the finish line just before 4.00am this morning after putting up a tough fight with two team members retiring only hours earlier.
While it has been a tough physical challenge for the participants, the event has been a huge success with teams raising more than $915,000 for Oxfam’s work supporting people in poverty both here in Australia, and around the world.
Fundraising efforts this year have been particularly impressive with one team the ‘Fidelity Worldwide Wanderers’ setting a new fundraising record for the Brisbane event, raising more than $60,000.
‘Fidelity Worldwide Wanderers’ team leader, Paul Taylor from Clayfield, said the introduction of the shorter distance challenge gave him the push he needed to do the gruelling walk.
“I had been thinking about doing the Trailwalker for years, then when I heard a 55 kilometre option was also available, that was the catalyst for me to sign up,” said Paul Taylor.
For many of this year’s teams, it seems the addition of a shorter trail was the encouragement they needed to finally take on the challenge, with 78% of the 1300 participants taking part in the event for the first time.
Brisbane team ‘Because we can’, registered for their first Oxfam Trailwalker challenge back in February. The team crossed the finish line on Saturday night in just under 35 hours.
“You have to be a little crazy to do Oxfam Trailwalker, but it’s totally worth it because you’re doing something great,” said team member Catherine Harch from Paddington.
“It really changes the world and has an actual impact. Everyone should do it, and if you feel like you can’t, then volunteer, donate – do what you can to help.”
Oxfam Trailwalker Brisbane statistics:
- 1264 (78.88%) walkers finished the trail
- Of the 207 teams who started the 100km trail, 98 (50.2%) finished as a complete team of four
- Of the 109 teams who started the 55km trail, 78 (75.7%) finished as a complete team of four
- Average time to complete the 100km was 29 hours and 23 minutes
- Average time to complete the 55km was 14 hours and 43 minutes
- Average team fundraising $3,200
Oxfam Trailwalker Brisbane has raised almost $3 million for people living in poverty since it began in 2011.
To arrange interviews or for more information contact Oxfam Australia Media Coordinator
Emma Whalan on 0418 873 782.
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