Trailwalker frequently asked questions
If you can't find the answer to your question here – submit your own question.
General
- What is Trailwalker?
- How did it all start?
- What’s the difference between Trailtrekker and Trailwalker?
- Where does the money we raise go?
- What’s the course record?
- What’s the average time?
- Is it compulsory to have a support crew?
- How do I get people interested?
- Team Leader – what’s it all about?
- How old do I need to be?
Registration
- How much do we need to raise?
- How much does it cost?
- What about gift aid?
- When will we need to get the money in by?
- What do I get for my money?
- What happens if we pull out?
- Can we be a team of 2, 3 or 5?
- How do I change team members?
- I haven't got complete details for all the team – can I still enter us?
- Can you send all the information to all of us, not just the team leader?
Training and Fundraising
- How much training do I have to do?
- We all work full time. Will we have time to train?
- How do I raise the money?
- What support can I expect?
- Can we fundraise jointly with another team at our work?
- Can I fundraise jointly for another charity?
Logistics
- How do we find our way around on the day?
- Can the support crew visit us at every checkpoint?
- What is supplied on the route?
- Can I sleep on the way round?
- Can I take my dog?
- What do we need to take with us on the day?
- What happens if we haven't got that equipment?
- Do we all need to register the night before the event?
- What happens if one of our team cannot get to registration in time?
- Why do we need to carry equipment with us if the support crew are meeting us?
- What happens if someone has to retire from the event on-route?
- Can we make our own arrangements to meet up with our support crew along the route?
What is Trailwalker?
Trailwalker is a team charity challenge and part of the international Trailwalker group of events. Teams of four attempt to cover 100km within 30hrs whilst being supported along the way by a support crew they arrange. The course is split up into regular checkpoints and takes place on the South Down’s Way.
How did it all start?
Trailwalker UK started as a military training exercise in 1981. For a detailed history and links to our international events please click here.
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.
Where does the money we raise go?
The money raised for the event will be split 50 / 50 after event costs between the Gurkha welfare trust and Oxfam.
Oxfam works in 3 main areas. Campaigning for change, development work and emergency response.
For every £1 given to Oxfam GB 80p is spent directly on our emergency, development and campaigns work, 10p is spent on support and running costs, and 10p is invested to raise more money.
For information on all of our work please click here.
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.
How do I get people interested?
We have a ‘challenge your friends’ feature on the website to help you spread the word. You can share information about the event online and request promotional materials.
Team Leader – what’s it all about?
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 much do we need to raise?
The minimum team fundraising commitment is £2,300. Lots of teams raise much more than this and between your team you will be surprised at how easily you reach your target. We provide support and advice all along the way (see fundraising FAQ for more info)
How much does it cost?
There is a sign up fee of £200 (£100 before November 30th and £150 before January 15th). 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 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. You’ll also receive a Trailwalker t-shirt before the challenge and a fantastic medal and certificate when you cross the finish line.
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.
How do I change team members?
Before June 30th you can change a team member by using this link. After this date all changes must be made when you register in person at the event. Please allow extra time to complete your registration if you are changing a team member.
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.
How do I raise the money?
Fundraising can be challenging, but remember you’re a team. Break the target down. Make a plan. To help you along, we’ve developed a special Fundraising Guide, which includes a dedicated Trailwalker e-fundraising site, sponsor forms, match giving forms, and loads of ideas for events and all kinds of fundraisers. They all add up.
People are often surprised by how much they can raise – and how much they enjoy doing it. On average, teams raise over £2,000, but our top fundraising team ever, raised more than £20,000! You’ll deserve every penny people give you for your efforts on the Trail. The more money you raise, the more good work Oxfam can get done as a result.
What support can I expect?
Oxfam is here to support you during your whole Trailwalker experience. That means from signing up right through to gathering up your last sponsorship when you’ve completed the route.
We are here to help with your fundraising. We have online resources available, groups for exchanging tips and successes, advisers just a phone call away and regular updates passing on any new techniques Trailwalkers come up with.
We are here to help with your training. We have groups online where you can arrange training walks with fellow Trailwalkers in your local area or on the course and advice in our ‘Training and event guide’ that we will send to you.
We are there to help on the day. Trailwalker is going to be tough, it’s true. But we have marshals and volunteers out on the course making sure your get round safely. There is First aid, toilets and refreshments at all checkpoints.
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 refreshments, snacks, toilets and first aid at every checkpoint and waterstop. In addition to this there will be massage available at checkpoints three and four along with a hot meal being served at checkpoint three.
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.
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.
Related links
- Something steeper? Trailtrekker UK
- Something shorter? London Marathon 2010
- Support Trailwalker and Oxfam, volunteer with us.
- For all general enquiries or to give us feedback, email us.
Share this page
Still need convincing
Supply your details below and we will send you an email with all the content you need to make the right decision.
Trail guide
The trail guide demonstrates what makes Trailwalker the most challenging of all charity events.
Event partners
| State Street | |
 |
The principal sponsor of Trailwalker UK |
| Queens Gurkha Signals | |
 |
Co-organises Trailwalker with Oxfam |
| The Gurkha Welfare Trust | |
 |
GWT and Oxfam GB are beneficiaries of Trailwalker |
MOD images, logos, badges, crests are reproduced under license from the Secretary of State for Defence.
