Oxfam Trailwalker Melbourne teams help to raise more than $2.2 million

Events, Media Releases, News, Oxfam Trailwalker article written on the 12 Apr 2015

Oxfam Trailwalker Melbourne finished just after 4am today with almost all walkers completing the gruelling 100km endurance challenge.

The last team crossed the line at a time of 41 hours and 58 minutes.

Almost all of the 710 teams that started the challenge managed to reach the finish line and over half the teams crossed the finish line as a complete team of four. The newly revised trail proved positive for participants with the fastest team, 456, crossing the finish line on Friday night at a time of 10 hours and 32 minutes.

Despite the challenges of blisters, aching muscles and exhaustion, the spirits of our walkers and fundraising efforts remained high, with the event raising more than $2.2 million for Oxfam Australia to help people living in poverty.

Oxfam Trailwalker Melbourne statistics:

  • 2378 (84%) of walkers finished the trail, the best figure in five years
  • 686 (97%) finished with at least one team member crossing the line
  • 417 (59%) completed the trail as a full team of four, the best figure since 2009
  • Average time to complete 100km was the fastest ever recorded at 27 hours 39 minutes
  • Average team fundraising total was over $3100

Oxfam Trailwalker Melbourne spokesperson Jez Hunghanfoo said all participants should be congratulated for their impressive efforts on the trail.

“It is such a life-changing experience for people participating in Oxfam Trailwaker Melbourne and their tremendous resilience and determination is to be congratulated,” Mr Hunghanfoo said.

“We’ve seen amazing perseverance from our walkers and owe a big thanks to the almost 3000 support crew members and volunteers who provided encouragement and support throughout the weekend.”

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 from Wesburn Park in the Yarra Valley to Jells Park in Wheelers Hill. The next Oxfam Trailwaker will be held in Brisbane from 19 June to 21 June.

For interviews or more information, please contact Oxfam Media Coordinator Bianca Wordley on 0407799365 or biancaw@oxfam.org.au