Hundreds take on Oxfam Trailwalker endurance challenge starting tomorrow

Media Releases article written on the 15 Sep 2016

Nearly 900 people will walk 100km or 50km through the Perth Hills over coming days to raise money for Oxfam to help fight global poverty.

In its fourth year, Oxfam Trailwalker Perth participants are aiming to raise more than $1 million, bringing the grand total generously donated by Western Australians to Oxfam Trailwalker to more than $4 million.

Teams participating in the 100km event will set off in two waves from Darlington at 7am and 8am tomorrow and have 48 hours to reach the finish line at Federation Gardens in Forrestfield. Teams walking or running the 50km event set off from Chidlow Recreation Ground at 8am Saturday and have just 24 hours to complete the distance.

More than 500 volunteers will work in 40 different roles over the weekend and about 900 people will act as support crew for teams, providing them with whatever they need to keep walking.

Perth woman, Annette Milne, has set herself a challenge – to walk in all four Oxfam Trailwalkers this year, making her the first Western Australian woman in the event’s history to do so.

“At the finish line of Oxfam Trailwalker Perth in 2013, I set a new challenge – that one day I would complete all four events in one year,” said Oxfam Trailwalker Perth Ambassador Ms Milne.

“You don’t have to be the fittest person, but with determination and team support you can do this.

“It is an incredible event that allows you to take on a personal challenge while helping those living in poverty.”

Oxfam Australia National Events Fundraising Manager Anna Wemyss said all the 220 teams of four taking part in the event were inspiring.

“After extensive training and fundraising, teams are ready to face the challenge,” Ms Wemyss said.

“Oxfam Trailwalker is such an uplifting event with people drawing on the strength and generosity of others, while raising money to help fight global poverty.”

 PICTURE OPPORTUNITIES: Photos of teams starting their 100km journey are available from 6.30am to 8am on Friday at Darlington and 50km from 7.30 to 8am on Saturday at the Chidlow Recreation Ground. Photos of teams finishing the event are available until early Sunday 18 September morning at Federation Gardens in Forrestfield.

Oxfam Chief Executive Dr Helen Szoke will be at the start line on Friday morning with Aboriginal elder and performer Dr Richard Walley OAM, who will be delivering a Welcome to Country. The Wesley College Cultural Dance Group will also be performing.

If you would like to arrange interviews, photos or to find out about teams participating from your area, please contact Oxfam’s Media Coordinator Amanda Banks at amandab@oxfam.org.au or 0411 449 653.