Do something life-changing

Sometimes you get the chance to achieve something really great. Trailwalker is one of those chances.

It's a 100 km trek for teams of four to complete in under 30 hours. Yes, it's a challenge but with training, almost anyone could do it.

• Sign up for Trailwalker
• Get a brochure

Three things you need to sign up now

1. You and three other walkers, all up for a team challenge
2. 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.
3. 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 path-pounding, midnight-hiking, group-hugging, life-changing team challenge.

• Watch the video
• Get the brochure

More about Trailwalker UK

The route follows the South Downs Way, starting in Petersfield and finishing in Brighton – it’s a challenging journey that will change lives – including yours.

Trailwalker is a chance to make new friends, to get out and to get fit. The money you raise Oxfam and the Gurkha Welfare Trust 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?

18-19 July 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.

The standard fundraising tier will also fill up quickly. After that you can choose your fundraising commitment from £2000 upwards.

Related links

• Sign up for Trailwalker
• Frequently asked questions
• Watch the 100km challenges video

The Trailwalker Trail

So you want to see what you’re in for? The South Downs route is incredibly beautiful – but challenging too. Those undulating hills can catch out even the toughest of Trailwalkers. But with training, it’s absolutely achievable.

Get the brochure

Route profile

Got your team? Got your fundraising target? Got a contact for your support crew?

• Sign up for Trailwalker

Get a free Trailwalker 2009 Brochure

If you want to get updates on Trailwalker 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 Trailwalker brochure (pdf 1.5MB)

Trailwalker is a fundraising challenge. And how rewarding that is surprises people. This challenge will test you to the limit – but isn’t only about you. 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.

Beneficiaries
Trailwalker UK is run in partnership with the Queens Gurkha Signals – they make it a brilliant, and unique event. The money is split fairly between Oxfam, and charities that benefit ex-Gurkah soldiers and their communities. These are the Gurkha Welfare Trust, and the Army Benevolent Fund.

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.

• Set up a fundraising page with justgiving

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.

• Choose a fundraising idea that suits you

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 onto the South Downs, 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. Trailwalker 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)