Do something life-changing
Sometimes you get the chance to achieve something really great. Trailtrekker is one of those chances.
Like Trailwalker UK, it’s a 100 km trek for teams of four to complete in under 30 hours. But this challenge takes on the Dales, rather than the Downs. It’s also brand new. Doing Trailtrekker this year will be special for you, but also special full stop. You’ll be among the first to attempt it.
Three things you need to sign up now
- You and three other walkers, all up for a team challenge
- A few mates or colleagues to help at checkpoints on route. They send you off fed, dry and ready for the next leg of the adventure. These guys are your Support Crew.
- Choose how much you want to fundraise – tiers from £1,500 upwards.
What then?
- Sign up before 12th December for half-price entry, only £100 per team.
- You can start enjoying the great outdoors, training with your team.
- Choose a fundraising idea that suits you – and get started.
Enjoy your first steps on this trail thumping, friendship-forming, mile-munching, life-changing team challenge.
More about Trailtrekker UK
The route cuts across some of the most stunning landscapes in the Yorkshire Dales, starting and ending in Skipton. This is a challenging journey that will change lives – including yours. View the Trailtrekker route.
Trailtrekker is a chance to make new friends, to get out and to get fit. The money you raise will fund Oxfam's work all over the world and really makes a real difference to people’s lives. When lots of people get together – that’s when real change happens. Join in.
Four people, one goal, 100 kilometres, 30 hours.
When does it happen? 30-31 May 2009.
Apply before 12 December and get a discounted price, pay only £100 per team (Normal entry fee is £200 per team).
Places fill up fast – so get in there early.
| Standard | £1500 - £1999 | (100 places available – 68 to go…) |
| Bronze | £2000 - £2999 | |
| Silver | £3000 - £4999 | |
| Gold | £5000 - £7999 |
The Trailtrekker Trail
This trail is brand new; never-been-walked-before in an Oxfam 100km challenge. Ever. Be the first to try it out. The Yorkshire Dales are an incredible setting for an event like Trailtrekker. Trekking though the breathtaking landscapes of the Pennines and Dales way, taking in the summit of Pen-y-gent into the bargain – this is no mean feat. But it is achievable.
See the map below for a very rough guide of the route you'll be walking.
The Oxfam events team and our outdoor challenge experts will be working tirelessly over the next few months to bring you an experience you’ll never forget. We’ll help you get your team round the route safe and supported. That means you can concentrate on trekking through the achievement of a lifetime. That includes the fundraising you’ll do – which will change lives. You just need to prepare: train with your team, bring the right kit on the day, plus a well-prepared support crew and look after eachother. We think it’s going to be amazing. But that depends on you. Up for it? Sign up here.
If you don’t mind shaky cameras and bad sound, then watch the videos taken on Oxfam event’s team route recce, explaining the toughest point on the route, Pen-Y-Ghent.
Get a free Trailtrekker 2009 Brochure
If you want to get updates on Trailtrekker 2009, then give us your details and we'll send you a brochure and email you our newsletters to keep you up to date on the event.
Download the Trailtrekker brochure (pdf 1.3MB)
Trailtrekker is a fundraising challenge. It’s a chance to achieve something outstanding. Doing your bit makes the world one bit better than it was before. Every team that takes part makes a real difference to people’s lives around the world.
To help you meet your fundraising commitment we’ve got a wealth of knowledge to share, from fundraising guides, to sponsor forms, online facilities and personal advice over the phone when you want it. We know you can do it, so aim high.
E-fundraising
Fundraising online is good idea. Plain and simple.
People give more on-line (average online pledge is £30) Especially if you choose wisely when to send the link round – try payday.
You can reach friends, family, contacts and colleagues - near and far.
No cash chasing for you after the event– as the money is all processed for you. And your sponsors can Gift Aid their donations.
Also – it’s easy to set up. So we think it makes sense for everyone.
NB: Gift Aid will not be included in your fundraising total. This is because the tax is not actually claimed back until some time after the event.
Matched giving
Many companies offer 'matched giving schemes' to encourage their staff to support charities. This could double the amount you raise in one go, so it's worth checking out. Your employer might support you in other ways too – giving use of meeting rooms, photocopiers, telephones
Lots of other ideas
Usually, it takes a mix of different activities to reach your total target. Remember you’re a team. If you take a look at your target, you can work out what it’ll take from each of you to reach it. There’s loads of potential for fun with fundraising. And with four of you and a support crew on the case, the money soon starts to add up. Trust us.
Team Leader Info
If you’re the team leader your teamwork, communications and organisation skills are also going to be tested to the limit – read our team leader guide and shape up for the challenge.
The Basics
We’ll help you every step of the way with our training and safety guide (coming soon!) Meantime here are some of our favourite tips to get you started.
Train together
Book in some Saturdays and Sundays with your team. Time for you all to get out into the great outdoors. Start small and build up. Bring your support crew too, but remember you’re in training – so make sure your friends know it’s a hike, not a stroll.
Trail shoes
Wear a good pair of hiking boots or running shoes. Get them well broken in before the event by wearing them on practice walks. Don’t wear new shoes for the event. Be good to your feet.
Take a rest
Tired muscles start to stiffen during long rests. Shorter, more frequent stops may be more advisable during training (and the event).
Have some fun
Arrange your training hike to finish at a local pub, one that serves good pub food. Then have your support crew join you for a small celebration.
Cross training
Reduce risk of injury and keep things interesting. Do different cross-training activities along with regular stretching. Especially if you’re just beginning, to help build a base and strengthen your muscle groups.
Test food and drink
Experiment with different high-energy foods such as bananas, jelly babies or energy bars or gels. See what works best for you.
Test clothes
Test out different hiking clothes and gear for carrying fluids, food and first aid. You’ll find out that way what to wear and carry during the event - don't try anything new during the event!
Don’t get Lost
Always take maps and make sure you know how to use them, together with a torch and a simple compass. Worth bringing some spare money too - just in case.
Training diary
Record the miles you’re racking up, and how long it takes you to cover distances. From that you can work out how long it’ll take you to get to each checkpoint. Letting your support crew know will go down well with them. As you tick off the kilometres - it also gives a great sense of accomplishment.
Train on the trail
If you can – get yourself up to the Yorkshire Dales, especially the sections you’ll be walking in the dark. Distances, terrain and direction are all very different in the dark, but practice helps.
While you wait for the rest of the training guides. Trailtrekker Training expert Paddy Pallin helped our friends at Oxfam Australia put these guides together. Take a peek.
- Beginners training plan (6.3MB pdf)
- Intermediate training plan (6.7MB pdf)
- Advanced training plan (7.2MB pdf)
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and we could buy 11 bicycle ambulances.
