The first Oxfam Trailwalker Melbourne team crosses the finish line

Events, Media Releases, News, Oxfam Trailwalker article written on the 10 Apr 2015

The first team to cross the finish line of Oxfam Trailwalker Melbourne did so in 10 hours and 32 minutes tonight.

The four members of team 456 crossed the finish line just after 6pm, after an early morning start at Wesburn Park in the Yarra Valley.

Team captain David Overend, from Abbotsford, said the change in course made the run more challenging for his team, but they were still happy with their result.

“We did a lot of training for this event as we were hoping to break the Oxfam Trailwalker world record of nine hours 45 minutes,” Mr Overend said.

“We’re still chasing that record.”

Mr Overend said he’s thinking of the other teams who will still be out on the trail overnight.

“They’re amazing, they are a lot more hard core than we are – they’re doing a harder job than we did,” he said.

Oxfam Trailwalker Melbourne is one of the most gruelling charity endurance challenges, with teams of four attempting to walk or run 100km of rugged Victorian bush. The last teams are expected to cross the finish line at Jells Park in Wheelers Hill on Sunday morning.

Teams have helped raise more than $2 million for Oxfam Australia’s work helping people overcome poverty and injustice.

“I always like to support Oxfam’s work,” Mr Overend said.

“I worked alongside Oxfam guys when I was a peacekeeper in PNG and saw the work they did first hand.”

For interviews or more information, please contact Oxfam Australia Media Coordinator Bianca Wordley on 0407 799 365 or biancaw@oxfam.org.au