More than 1200 people are preparing themselves for a gruelling endurance challenge through the Perth Hills in support of people living in poverty next week. On Friday, October 9, more than 200 teams of 4 will tackle one of Australia’s toughest charity events, Oxfam Trailwalker Perth.
The challenge will see participants take on a 100km journey by foot from Darlington to Ray Owen Reserve in Lesmurdie.
In a first for the event, a further 114 teams depart from Chidlow on Saturday October 10 on a shorter 50km course that gives them 24 hours to reach the finish line.
Oxfam Trailwalker Perth has already raised more than $600,000 for poor communities around the world, with the hope of reaching $1.5 million over the weekend to match last year’s team fundraising efforts.
When:
- Start 100km event: Friday 9 October – 7.00am and 8 am start times from Darlington Oval. The fastest team is expected to cross the finish line around 9.00pm on Friday night.
- Start 50km event: Saturday 10 October – 8am start from Chidlow.
- Finish: Saturday 11 & Sunday 12 October – Teams will cross the finish line at different times throughout the weekend with the final team required to cross by 8 am Sunday morning.
Where:
- The 100km event will start from Darlington Oval where walkers will travel along Railway Reserves Heritage Trail through to Swan View, and later through John Forrest National Park. From the halfway mark at Chidlow (also the 50km start) walkers will head south through to Kalamunda on their way to the finish line at Ray Owen Reserve.
Available for interview:
- Garrett Chappell, of Byford (team: The Cessna Squad)
“The Cessna Squad” team includes three brothers walking in memory of their grandfather who died while one of the brothers, Garrett Chappell, was walking the Oxfam Trailwalker track last year. As they walk the team will tell stories of their grandfather, who restored a Cessna aircraft with their father, and used it to fly the family to holiday destinations.
- Chelsea McCarthy, of Dalkeith (team: Blister Sisters)
Breast cancer survivor Chelsea McCarthy is walking with her sister and two best friends in a celebration of life, but also in memory of a close friend who lost her life to the same illness in April. Chelsea wanted to participate last year, but it was too early in her recovery for her to tackle a 100km walk, so she was very excited to learn of the new 50km walk this year.
- Oxfam Trailwalker spokesperson Jez Hunghanfoo
If you would like to arrange an interview with an inspiring team from your region, or an Oxfam spokesperson, or receive photographs please contact Oxfam Media Coordinator Angus Hohenboken at angush@oxfam.org.au or 0428367318.
Comments are closed.