I'd rather ask this while awake......Where is checkpoint 9? The map on the website says Spring Barn Farm TQ404089. The booklets say The Old Racecourse TQ394112. How many kms is CP 8 (Jack & Jill) to CP 9?

KATE says: Hi Steve, I hope your training is going well. The Trailwalker Maps and Directions booklet is correct and I confirm that Checkpoint 9 is The Old Racecourse. It's 10 kms from Checkpoint 8 to 9.

STEVE | July 3, 2008 7:57 AM

Can I volunteer as a last minute stand-in? I completed trailwalker last year in just over 17 hours from a 10am start with little prior physical preparation.
I am keen to offer my services as a last-minute stand-in if team members drop out before the event. I have been training more this year and feel that I can definitely offer a reliable service as a team member replacement.
How do I advertise this?

KATE says: Hi Keith, it's great that you'd like to get involved! Please post your message on our Trailwalker facebook group. We've advised all teams looking for a new team member to go there. Thanks again for getting in touch.

Keith | July 1, 2008 4:23 PM

I'd like to know exactly what first aid is available at each check point if you can tell me please - so that we can put together our own kit.

Thanking you in advance.

KATE says: Hi Amanda. The British Red Cross will be on hand at all of the checkpoints so only a basic first aid kit will be necessary. I would advise extra plasters, vaseline and blister packs though! I'm sure your team will have some suggestions as a result of their training.

Amanda May | June 30, 2008 4:26 PM

One of our friends would like to donate money however wants to ensure that the entire donation goes to the Gurkhas. What is the best way to approach this?

KATE says: Your friend can donate directly to the Gurkha Welfare Trust (www.gwt.org.uk), however this donation will not be counted towards your fundraising total as all Trailwalker donations must be split between the 2 charities. I hope that'll be ok!

Team Book Club | June 27, 2008 2:35 PM

Hi, a few questions,

Will there be hot water available to make drinks etc up at the check points? I don't think I can walk all night without bovril!

Are the camping facilities at the end point available for our saturday support crew to use on the Sat night?

Is there anywhere for a walker to leave their car until they are fit to drive again (possibly Monday)?

OK this is probably a silly one but in the essentials kit it lists sunglasses and high factor suncream. Can team members who where prescription glasses and won't burn in the UK miss these things out of their kits?

Thanks I think we ae just starting to worry about stupid things now.

KATE says: Hi Georgina, hot water is provided. Your support crew are welcome to camp at Brigthon racecourse on Saturday night. Cars can be left there until 4pm Sunday, there are also a number of public car parks nearby. All essentials will be necessary at your registration kit check - I would certainly recommend your support crew carrying them so that you can pick them up later if needed.

Georgina | June 25, 2008 1:58 PM

Are any stages more suited to cross trainers than boots? We just walked CP5 to CP9 on Saturday wearing boots and was hard going underfoot, would not like to stages like that in cross-trainers..

KATE says: Hi Doug, it's really a matter of personal preference and what's worked best for you in training. Kath found that the extra ankle support of boots was very helpful during the night walking when you're less alert.

Doug Urquhart-Mitchell | June 23, 2008 3:48 PM

Do you record times at each stage online on your website as they do in Hong Kong in order to allow friends to follow progress ?

Kate says: Only the team's finish time is recorded. Provisional times will be available on our website on the Tuesday after the event and official team times will be shown on Friday 25th July

Andrew | June 13, 2008 12:11 PM

Hello,
We now have a different person as our support crew - do you need to know this change of name?
Thanks

Alicia says: Thant would be great yes. Email Kate at events@oxfam.org.uk and she'll update your team details on the database. Thanks!

Steph | June 10, 2008 10:35 AM

Can previous team support members or indeed walkers give me ideas for providing things that may not be immediately obvious but that were really welcomed on previous walks? We'll, of course, have all the basic essentials at the checkpoints for the team but I just wondered if there were any unusual but surprise supplies that helped make light of the task ahead!! Thanks.

Kath says:Just ask the team to make a wish list of food, drink so you can give them exactly what they want, when they want it....so it's subjective really, but ice cold water, ice lollies, buckets of cold water to soak your feet in, tomato soup in the evening, and hot chocolate and croissants at 5am were some of ours.

Ed says: Two pairs of shoes did it for me. Keep swapping them over so they don't rub in the same places!

sue | June 6, 2008 7:28 PM

Just a few questions about the camping on the friday; Who do we contact to book the camping? Can our team plus the 4 support crew all camp? Are we limited to a certain number of tents or anything?? Many thanks!

Kath says: Contact Kate (events@oxfam.org.uk) who will log it on the database. We need to know how many tents you will be using. Everyone can camp, but priority is given to the team members. There's always plenty of room though.

We'd only have an issue with the number of tents you were bringing if it seemed to exceed the number of people in your team/Support Crew and if they were massive (the tents not your team mates!)!

Luce | May 30, 2008 4:48 PM

How many people do you need in your support crew?

Alicia says: Ideally four people split into two shifts of a driver and a navigator. You only get one vehicle pass, but this can be handed over to the next support crew shift to use. The Support Crew that you put down on your application should have received their guide to all things Trailwalker. If not, email events@oxfam.org.uk and ask Kate to send you out another Support Crew Guide.

Rhonda Lane | April 19, 2008 2:21 PM

Need to change members of my Team - how can I do this?

Alicia says: Email Kate at events@oxfam.org.uk and she will update your team's details. Or you can call 0870 410 5035.

Deab | April 14, 2008 3:34 PM

I know it's rather late to be applying for this year so I am aiming for 2009. When will applications for that event begin?

Alicia says: Applications open around the beginning of October each year, so it will be around the same time this year. Look forward to getting your entry!

you can still be involved this year by volunteering to help along the course. More info here:

Davey | April 14, 2008 1:53 PM

I know this is silly question but will there be shower facilities at the camping site?

Also, will we be provided with breakfast before the start of the event?

Cheers :o)
Kath says: There aren't any showers, but there is a full-on army style breakfast made for you by the Gurkhas. Your event guide has more info about this - if you don't have one and are signed up - then email events@oxfam.org.uk and we'll get one in the post to you quick smart!

Tasneem | April 9, 2008 12:36 PM

Can members of your support crew camp with you on the Friday night? Also, what happens if you take longer than 30 hours to complete?
Thanks
Kath says: Yep, now worries, but make sure you book in advance with the events team. But don't worry - we'll be in touch nearer the time about this.

If you take longer than 30 hours, you can still get a medal if you finish not too long after then. Otherwise you will be picked up by the Gurkha sweeper team.

Niamh | April 7, 2008 11:10 AM

I would like to run a support crew for my team, but due to them registering through work I don't think they added a support crew at the time.
Is it possible to add a support crew after registration??

Many Thanks
Maria

Kath says:
That's absolutely fine. Just email events@oxfam.org.uk with the lead Support Crew member's details including email, postal address, contact number, First and last name. And hey presto - the details will be on our database!

Maria | April 5, 2008 11:31 AM

What percentage of the funding is split between Oxfam, the Gurkha Welfare Trust and Administration costs?

Kath says: It's roughly 50/50. All funds going to Oxfam are unrestricted, and could support Oxfam's work in over 70 countries.

For every £1 given to Oxfam, 80p is used to support our emergency, development and campaigning work to overcome poverty and suffering.  A further 10p is invested to generate future income with 10p spent on support and governance.

Interested donator | March 31, 2008 9:32 AM

Hey there - as only one vehicle is allowed per team and our support team is getting bigger, we thought we'll hire a mini bus - Is this ok to access all Check Points please?

Natalie says:
It is absolutely fine to have a mini-bus as your support vehicle, as access to the checkpoints does allow for this. However, certain checkpoints are limited on size and can become incredibly busy, especially checkpoints 1 and 2, so we would ask you to arrive just in time to set up and meet your team and leave directly after your team has continued on its way. Have fun!

The Grand Crew | March 24, 2008 9:52 PM

Can you please advise what type of socks are best recommended? I am using walking shoes and was sold some lovely wool trekking socks but have since heard wool should be avoided?
Thanks for your help. Debbie

Pete says: This isn't Oxfam's recommendation, but I've heard 'Coolmax', are good.
Alternatively, they're a bit pricey, but we've also heard that '1000 mile socks' available in outdoors shops (local independants!) are apparently good. I've not used them though...

And Kath says: It really depends on what's worked for you during your training. Some Trailwalkers prefer to wear two pairs of everyday socks which they change at each checkpoint, or more frequently depending on the weather. Others swear by walking socks. You know your feet better than anyone, so try it out, and see what works best.

Debbie Hatt (Thanet's Wanderers) | March 19, 2008 12:16 PM

I am told that each member of my team can have a `rest break` ie missing a check point and getting a few hours sleep in our support car. I was under the impression that all members wanting to complete the challenge had to cross all 10 check points? Please clarify?

Kath says: Hi Ashleigh. All four of your team need to be recorded going through each Checkpoint. If one or all of your team are not recorded you will be turned back at the next checkpoint. So you were correct, all members wanting to complete the challenge need to cross all 10 Checkpoints. We don't actually advise resting for any extended period anyway - until you reach the lovely finish line get your medal, then rest and be pampered.

Ashleigh | February 20, 2008 11:10 AM

What time are we likely to start walking on the Saturday? I envisage that as a team we would be looking to finish in circa 20 - 22 hours.
I assume team members need to book their own accommodation on the Friday and Saturday night. Can you confirm.

Alicia says: start times are staggered from 6-10 am on Saturday - each start time with seperate camping - which is provided for the Friday night near the start line. You will therefore probably be walking through the night. Then there are camping facilities at the finish line which you can use until 4pm on Sunday.

Nearer the event you will be asked for you preferred start time and how long you anticipate you will walk for - so watch out for our email!

Tim Stanbury | February 19, 2008 12:40 PM

can you please send me details of what the support crew can expect to do? where they stay? etc. thanks, K

Kath says: Hey K. Support Crews are essential to provide teams with food & drink, motivation, support and TLC.

You will get your Event Guide in the post in March, which lists essential kit items, your role as Support Crew along with maps and directions.

Support Crews make their own arrangements for accommodation. Try the Youth Hostel Association website or the South Downs website.

It is best to work in two shifts, one day and one night. So we recommend at least 4 people in your Crew. You are welcome to come along to the Trailwalker Information Sessions to find out more info and ask any questions you have. Watch this space for dates.

Karolina | January 29, 2008 6:31 PM

Looking to join a team...
Does anyone need a 4th person?
I am female, fit, love walking, and turn 30 in July and would love to do this trailwalk, but don't have a team.

(ps: I am a fundraising manager at a big charity, if that helps with anyone worried about raising the target ??)

Alicia says: Try our Facebook group - quite a few people are looking for team mates. Good luck!

Megan | January 28, 2008 4:34 PM

Hi, What happens if we fall short of the £2,000 pledged sponsorship? Say we only raised £1,700?
Kath says: We will support you all the way with your fundraising. Between your team and your Support Crew - it's not that hard - £2000 is a reachable target if you get 6 - 8 people involved. We do follow up after the event if you don't reach your pledge. The fundraising deadline is the 30th September - so you've got plenty of time to get there. If after then you don't reach your target, it may affect your chances of taking part in the event again. The best advice is to start fundraising as soon as possible to make sure you have enough time to reach your pledge.

Mark Dymond | January 13, 2008 3:28 PM

Hello lovely Oxfam walking people -
2 things -
I stupidly added the £150 registration fee to the fundraising total - making it £2150. Can I alter this to £2000 now or is it too late?(I've altered this figure already on my "just giving" web page).
Secondly - can dogs accompany us - if fit and frisky enough?
Thanks -
Jonathan Mason
Kath says: Will change it on our system today! Dogs are welcome, but 100km is a long way for anyone - so have a dog friendly Support Crew ready to give him a break between a couple of checkpoints and to feed and water him too.

Jonathan Mason | January 12, 2008 2:36 PM

Hello there I have a team of three at the moment and struggling to get a 4th member - is it ok to do as a team of 3?

Kath says: Trailwalker is a team event for four people - so it would be great if you do find another person for your team. This is for health and safety reasons and it's also easier to fundraise with four people. Have you had a look at the Facebook group - you may find someone there to join your team? Good luck and I hope to see you on the big weekend!

Andrew Thomson | January 11, 2008 1:10 PM

I can't seem to find the pdf copy of the trail map anywhere?

Amy says: The training and safety guide will be going on the website at the end of January - including last year's route. And once this year's route has been confirmed, the maps and directions will be posted out to each team. The route will still mainly follow the South Downs Way, starting at Petersfield - but you can get going with your training walks in any area. Have a look at how Trailwalker 2006 participant, Catharine Gregory, prepared for the big event.

LY | January 5, 2008 2:22 PM

Hi Guys,
My walking boots are hefty things to stop me turning an ankle on the Lake District peaks and I haven't walked on the Downs before. Do you recommend something a bit lighter, after 100Km I reckon mine would be weighing a bit heavy :-)
Cheers
Mark

Kath says: We recommend standard walking boots that are comfortable for you to wear and a pair of trainers that you have broken in. The walking boots are for ankle support - especially during the night when you are tired and the trainers are good for the flatter areas of the Downs. But really it depends on what is comfortable for you and what you have practised wearing. Your support crew can take your extra shoes with them along the course - so no lugging is required!

Mark | December 18, 2007 1:40 PM

In my organisation, we have 12 people who would like to do the Trailwalker.

Can we enter three teams today, allocate team members to the teams arbitrarily, and then swap members between teams nearer the day when we have chance to assess likley walking speeds?

Also, will we be able to have the same start time so that we can at least walk together to start with?

Amy says: That's great that so many of your work mates want to get involved! You can register three team - allocating each person to a team. If this changes, then you can let us know and we will update your details.

If you want to start together - let us know when when we ask for all the team start times - this will be around May. Hope that helps!

Chris | December 13, 2007 7:11 PM

Do I have to name my team members now, or is changing the team members ok?

Alicia says: It's better to sign-up sooner rather than later, as there is only a set number of teams that can do the trail. And its good to finalise your members in time to train and fundraise together - this really helps your team spirit when doing the event. But you can update your team members details at a later date if they change.

Ri | December 12, 2007 11:47 AM

I can't find the dates for this event on the website - I think it's in June but could you confirm please?

Also are you planning any similar events in the Republic of Ireland? If so, I would love to get involved there too!

Alicia says: Trailwalker takes place on the weekend of 19-20 July 2008. You can get £50 off the entry fee until the end of January.

We organise sponsored challenges in the UK - but you can have a look at Oxfam Ireland's website to see what events they have on offer.

Tara | December 12, 2007 9:46 AM

How big should a support team be?

Thanks

Lizzie says: It can be as big or small as you like - but we recommend 4 people in total - split between two shifts. You need details of one of your support crew when you sign up.

Alina Eagle | November 28, 2007 11:33 AM

Ahoy there, landlubber!

Please could you let myself and me hearties know whether yer 'Trail-walk-errr' is a non-stop walk - or is it rather a walk where you weigh anchor and roll down the masts for the night.

Or maybe it's down to piratical' discretion? It's been really bugging me and me lads lately.

Arg.

Alicia says: arhh - good question. There are 10 checkpoints along the route and your Support Crew will be at each - ready to help you rest, recharge, change your socks and give you some well deserved TLC. But resting for too long can make your muscles seize up and then it's easier to hurt yourself. You also probably won't want to start walking again. So for that reason there are no camping facilities during the course (there is camping at the start and finish though). So unless your team finishes in under 15 hours, you will be walking through the night. Night walking really does add to this most unique of experiences. The trail of head torches across the Downs at sunset is one of the most magical parts of this challenge.

Arthur Pod | November 22, 2007 8:38 AM

Both myself and one of my team mates are graduating from Aberystwyth university on the friday afternoon so wont be able to get to Petersfield until around 9/10pm (the other members of the team will be there earlier) Is this a problem? (we hope not) Thanks.

Amy says: That's fine. Only teams that start at 6am on the Saturday need to register the night before - registration closes at 10pm on Friday. And opens at 6am on Saturday. Once you've received your event pack (a few weeks before the big weekend) - send us an email to let us know - events@oxfam.org.uk. Looking forward to hearing from you and good luck with your graduation!

danielle samuel | November 11, 2007 7:13 PM

Does the £1500 sponsorship include the £100 entry fee?

Thanks

Kath says: No. The entry fee covers the cost of the event and support materials that you receive.

The sponsorship money you raise will help Oxfam and the Gurkha Welfare Trust in their work to tackle poverty and suffering; changing thousands of lives; and giving hope of a better, more secure future to poor people, their families, and their communities.

If you raise £1,500 it could pay for 11 Oxfam bicycle ambulances, so that people in remote villages in Malawi can reach medical care when they need it. Money raised for the GWT through Trailwalker helps to fund community projects across Nepal.

And remember if you apply before 15 December it's £100 - it goes up after then.

Mark | November 7, 2007 11:29 AM

Where is the actual start and finish?
Amy says: The startpoint is in Queen Elizabeth Country Park in Petersfield and the finish is at Brighton Racecourse. Camping is available at the start and finish points and is definately recommended if you are taking part. The atmosphere when you are camping on Friday night is awesome and so is the Gurhka curry.

The trail mostly follows the South Downs and is very beautiful. The sunset and storms viewed from checkpoints 7 and 8 are sights to behold.

Chris | November 5, 2007 12:34 PM

How old do you have to be to participate?

Amy (coincidence!) says: participants need to 18 or over at the time of the event (so do volunteers). There is no maximum age - we've had grandparents aplenty taking part. It is a long way, but most people can complete this amazing challenge.

Amy | November 1, 2007 9:39 AM

I heard your toenails fall off. I couldn't stand this. What can I do to prevent it?

GIN AND MIKE say: Cut your nails really short. Don't use new shoes on the day and do lots of training before hand. As soon as there is a twinge, wrap your feet up tight - don't wait until they are really sore. Make sure you have lots of vaseline and talcum powder with you too. And if they do fall off - its not really as bad as you would think!

jon | October 29, 2007 2:09 PM

How many hours does the average team take to complete it?

LISA says: The average team takes about 24 hours to complete the course. The fastest team completes a whopping 100km in just over 10 hours! And most people will finish the course within the 30 hours allowed.

Kim | October 26, 2007 2:10 PM