Frequently asked questions
You were about to ask...
We've put together some answers to the questions that we hear the most below as well.
Best of luck to your Trailwalker team and thanks for taking the time to raise money for
Oxfam's vital work.
What is the difference between Trailwalker and Trailtrekker?
Trailwalker is a point to point (from Petersfield to Brighton) whilst Trailtrekker is a loop (starting and finishing in Skipton).
Trailwalker is flatter and softer underfoot, Trailtrekker is hillier and takes in more firm ground. Trailwalker is in the south, Trailtrekker is in the north. Trailwalker is well established, Trailtrekker is still growing. Trailwalker involves over 240 Gurkha soldiers, Trailtrekker is staffed by volunteers.
What's the course record?
9 hours, 50 minutes! Think you can do better?
What's the average time?
Last year the average time was between 24 and 26 hours.
Teams have 30 hours to complete the challenge.
Is it compulsory to have a support crew?
Yes. Trailwalker is a serious challenge and 100kms is a long way to walk!
Your support crew is a vital part of your team – they will feed you at checkpoints, top up your supplies of water & snacks and encourage you along your way. Previous Trailwalkers tell us time and time again how important the role of the support crew is in getting the team across the finish line.
Ideally your support crew should consist of four people. This means that two people can cover the day shifts and two people can be on duty during the night.
What does a team leader do?
The Team Leader acts as the main point of contact between your team and the Oxfam office. They let us know of any changes – for example, if a team member has to drop out, who their replacement will be.
Team Leaders need to be good at coordinating fundraising, training and logistics. They should not try and do everything themselves, but they need to keep track and make sure everything is being done. During Trailwalker, every member of your team will have a low point when they’ll really need support – so it helps if the Team Leader is able to take the lead in cheering them along.
How old do I need to be?
All participants must be 18 years of age or more on the day of the event.
How much do we need to raise?
The minimum team fundraising commitment is £1,500. Lots of teams raise much more than this and between your team you will be surprised at how easily you reach your target.
How much does it cost?
There is a sign up fee of £220 (£140 before 16 December and £180 before 17 February). This goes towards covering the logistical costs for Oxfam putting on the event. This fee is non-refundable and is not included in reaching your teams fundraising target.
What about gift aid?
Gift aid reclaimed is not included in your team’s fundraising commitment.
When will we need to get the money in by?
By the end of September 2012.
What do I get for my money?
Support, advice, a preparation session, food before, during and after the event, refreshments and the opportunity to take part in a fantastic event.There are a whole range of extras (such as Official Trailwalker T-Shirts, Training Days with the Gurkhas and much more) which you can earn through the Fundraising Incentives and You’ll also receive a coveted Trailwalker medal and certificate when you cross the finish line. Find out more in the From signup to finish page.
How do I change my team details?
Please use our online form to update your team's details. Alternatively please contact us and we can make the changes manually.
What happens if we pull out?
We can defer your registration fee to the following year.
Can we be a team of 2, 3 or 5?
Trailwalker is a challenge for teams of four people. Whilst you must register teams of four people, if you have a last minute drop out teams of three can still start the event. Unfortunately, we’re not able to allow teams of two, three or five people to take part.
I haven't got complete details for all the team – can I still enter us?
We don’t recommend this. This is due to the resources it then takes Oxfam to chase up team members with duplicate records to get correct details for mailings and e-news which all contain important information. These are resources that could be better used elsewhere.
It is understandable that a handful of teams will enter with incomplete information for all team members in order to reach deadlines. If you must do this then please enter correct details as soon as possible so we don’t have to chase you.
Can you send all the information to all of us, not just the team leader?
Each team member will receive a copy of the Training & Event Guide and the Maps & Directions booklets.
Every team member also receives all-important emails – as long as we have the right email addresses!
How much training do I have to do?
Lots. But you shouldn’t be on you own. Get a team together. Train with them. To us, that’s all part of the appeal. And if you all want to get fit for a real challenge – Trailwalker is a sure fire way to do it. You need to build up endurance – we will send out training guides to help. You need to build up mental strength and stamina too. Everyone is different – you need to learn about yourself and your needs before the event. How often you need to drink, how tiredness affects you, which footwear you prefer, and so on.
Training with your team will help you to set your pace, and to work out your roles within the team, and how best to support each other. People often find they get loads out of the training – it can mean quality time spent with your team, as you all get fitter and prepare for the journey ahead.
We all work full time. Will we have time to train?
Most Trailwalkers work full-time and make it over the finish line – and so can you! Training is often quality not quantity, and you need good rest periods between long treks anyway.
Can we fundraise jointly with another team at our work?
You can. We will be tracking the performance of each team, so if your plan on joint-fundraising please tell us so we can keep track.
Can I fundraise jointly for another charity?
Unfortunately not. Oxfam and the Gurkha Welfare Trust put in a lot of time and hard work to ensure you have the best experience at Trailwalker so we require that all the money you raise is for Oxfam and the Gurkha Welfare Trust exclusively.
How do we find our way around on the day?
The trail is clearly marked and where there could be any confusion we will have signage, stewards and Gurkhas to guide you. HOWEVER – it is essential that you plot your route on a map as you are responsible for getting yourself round the course. You shouldn’t rely solely on the course signs.
Can the support crew visit us at every checkpoint?
There is access for support crews at every checkpoint except checkpoint 10.
What is supplied on the route?
There are hot and cold drinks, toilets and first aid at every checkpoint and waterstop.
In addition to this there will be a complimentary nourishing meal at the start, CP 7 and finish. Soup will also be available from CP 5 to CP10. Massage is available at CP 5, CP 8 and the finish.
Can I sleep on the way round?
This is not recommended. Many Trailwalkers will be feeling very tired during the small hours of the event but if you sleep it can be incredibly hard to get going again as your body will just want more rest. Keep going until sunrise – it’s a great motivator to keep pushing.
Can I take my dog?
Trailwalker takes place on rights of way paths, so you’re very welcome to take your dog on sections of the trail.
If your dog hasn’t trained for a 100km event, we don’t recommend that it walks the complete course!
What do we need to take with us on the day?
All Trailwalkers will be sent a Training and Event guide well before the event.
This guide contains the essential items that you need to carry during the event. Every Trailwalker must have their kit checked by the organisers before the event to ensure they are prepared for the challenge ahead.
What happens if we haven't got that equipment?
It is vital that you bring all of the essential items on the kit list.
You will be required to sign a kitlist disclaimer form on the day.
Do we all need to register the night before the event?
All team members must be present for the registration and kit check. We highly recommend you do this the night before but if you have a late start in the morning it’s still possible to register then.
Please leave at least 1 hour before start time.
What happens if one of our team cannot get to registration in time?
We recommend that everyone taking part in Trailwalker sleeps close the start on the Friday night. Most teams will be walking through the night on Saturday, so a few extra hours sleep on the Friday night makes a big difference.
If you are unable to register on the Friday night, please contact the Oxfam team.
Do we need to carry all the equipment with us if the support crew are meeting us?
The kit list in the Training & Event Guide details the essential items that you must carry at all times. There are certain items that you can leave with your Support Crew, to collect when you meet them at a checkpoint. (Please see the kit list in the Training & Event Guide for more details.)
Please think carefully about what you leave with the Support Crew – if the weather changes drastically for example, you may regret leaving waterproofs in their car!
What happens if someone has to retire from the event on-route?
If a team member or whole team decide to retire from the event on-route it is essential you inform an event co-ordinator. You can do this at checkpoints or by phoning Event Control whilst out on the course.
Teams of three may continue unassisted. Teams of just two members must find another team to formally accept responsibility for them for the remainder of the course. The checkpoint co-ordinator must be notified and approve.
Teams of three may continue unassisted. Teams of just two members must find another team to formally accept responsibility for them for the remainder of the course. The checkpoint co-ordinator must be notified and approve.
Can we make our own arrangements to meet up with our support crew along the route?
Please only meet your team at checkpoints. Trailwalker relies on the goodwill of the local community.
Many of the roads around the route are small country lanes, which can’t deal with the volumes of traffic relating to Trailwalker.
