One of Australia’s toughest events, Oxfam Trailwalker, kicks off in Brisbane today with about 1200 participants taking on the challenge to walk or run up to 100kms and support those living in poverty.
In its fifth year, Oxfam Trailwalker Brisbane is aiming to raise $1.1 million this year, bringing the grand total donated by Queenslanders to Oxfam Trailwalker to more than $5 million since the Brisbane event began in 2011.
About 300 teams of four will set-off on gruelling 100km and 55km on-foot journeys over the next two days through D’Aguilar National Park. Teams participating in the 100km event will start at Mount Glorious from 7am this morning and have just 48 hours to reach the Mount Coot-tha finish line.
Oxfam Trailwalker Brisbane Event Manager Simon Barwick said teams have been training for this moment for months.
“It shows amazing determination to get to this point, in both their training and fundraising efforts, so today is a huge day for the teams and their incredible families and support crews,” Mr Barwick said.
“Helping our participants every step of the way will be our 500 enthusiastic volunteers and our staff who make this event possible.
“The event is such a positive, uplifting one – all in the name of charity.”
Since 1999, more than 60,000 people have participated in the Australia-wide event, collectively raising more than $65 million for Oxfam Australia’s work helping communities around the world fight poverty and injustice.
Photo and filming opportunities
Teams in the 100km event are available at the starting line from 6.30am to 8.30am this morning at Maiala Picnic Grounds at Mount Glorious. Teams in the 55km event will be at the starting line from 6.30am to 8.30am tomorrow at Lake Manchester Road, Lake Manchester.
The fastest teams are expected at the Mount Coot-tha finish line 6.30pm tonight, while the majority of teams from both events will cross the finish line from midday tomorrow onwards.
To arrange interviews, photographs or for more information contact Oxfam Australia Media Coordinator Bianca Wordley on 0407 799 365.
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