One of Australia’s toughest charity events, Oxfam Trailwalker, is back to take on Perth this year and there’s not long left to sign up with registrations closing this month.
The 100km endurance challenge through the Perth Hills will be held from 10-12 October following on from the success of the inaugural event last year.
Oxfam Trailwalker Perth Event Coordinator Carrie Fletcher said the Perth event was the final Oxfam Trailwalker in Australia for 2014, and time is running out to register for the challenge which attracts more than 8500 participants nation-wide each year.
“Perth is the last opportunity for people to take part in this unique event, and with registrations closing at the end of July, now is the time to register a team,” Ms Fletcher said.
“Oxfam Trailwalker is unique in that it’s not a race to see who can reach the finish line the fastest but instead a test of teamwork – teams of 4 must start together, stick together and finish together within 48 hours.
“Perth really supported the inaugural event last year, with more than 1500 people taking up the challenge and raising more than $1.5 million for Oxfam’s work supporting those living in poverty.
“There’s no doubt this event can be grueling; it’s a challenge both physically and mentally, but with the right preparation and attitude, almost anybody can do it.”
Just ask 77-year-old participant Tom Weir from Lesmurdie, who is taking part again this year after successfully crossing the 100km finish line in 2013 with three friends from team Hills Hope -fools.
“Don’t be afraid to give it a go. With proper training, good shoes, determination and a good support crew, anyone can do it. Age is only a number!” he said.
And it’s the women who are leading the way, with females currently making up 65 per cent of all participants.
“There are nearly twice as many women as there are men doing it this year, however we’re sure it won’t take long for this gap to narrow,” Ms Fletcher said. “We’ve already seen a team of husbands from the western suburbs register to participate after they were the support crew for their wives at last year’s event.
Taking team-building to the next level, teams from some of Perth’s biggest industries have also already registered, with health, manufacturing and engineering and education the top three industries taking part. Perth’s university students are also well represented, with teams from all four of the city’s universities signing up.
“It’s inspiring to see such a diverse range of participants from Perth get ready to face this 100km endurance challenge, all in the name of helping those living in poverty,” Ms Fletcher said.
To find out more information or register your team visit www.trailwalker.oxfam.org.au or call 08 9262 8210 by 31 July 2014.
For interviews or more information, please contact Emma Whalan on 0418 873 782 or emmawhalan@oxfam.org.au
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