Questions and answers

We've put together some answers to the questions that we hear the most.

Best of luck to your Trailtrekker team and thanks for taking the time to raise money for Oxfam's vital work.

If you can't find what you're looking for here, please contact us on….

Email : events@oxfam.org.uk

Phone : 0300 200 1244

What is the difference between Trailwalker and Trailtrekker?

Trailwalker is in the south of England from Petersfield to Brighton.

Trailtrekker is in the north of England and is a loop starting and finishing in Skipton.

Trailtrekker has three levels of challenge available: Bronze (40km), Silver (65km) or Gold (100km).

Trailtrekker is tougher.

What's the course record?

13 hours, 26 minutes. It's going to take some beating!

What's the average time?

Around 10 hours for Bronze, 18 hours for Silver and 27 hours for Gold.

Teams have 30 hours to complete the Gold challenge.

What's the drop out rate?

Everyone in 2012 reached at least Bronze so all participants achieve one of the challenges. For those setting out aiming for Gold around 75% will complete. In 2012 only 35% of teams completed Gold it as a four.

How old do I need to be to take part?

18 years or older on the day of the event.

How much does it cost?

£180 per team.

Earlybird 1 deadline: Pay £120 if you sign up before 14/12/12,

Earlybird 2 deadline: Pay £150 if you sign up before 15/02/13.

Can I start signing up my team and come back to the form later?

Yes. Please note, that in order to return to a form saved in progress, you will need to use the same PC you started on.

What do I get for my money?

You mean apart from the profound sense of achievement!?

• Food and drink before, during and after the event.
• Massage on the course and at the end.
• Full medical cover from first aid to mountain rescue.
• A detailed tracking system giving you stage by stage split times all printed out and ready for you at the finish line. Friends can track your progress live during the event.
• A coveted Trailtrekker medal and certificate when you cross the finish line.
• Invitation to our preparation sessions where your team can come along and learn from other teams who have been there and done it.
• Support and advice from a dedicated Oxfam contact.
• Full training, event and fundraising support materials.

Don't take our word for it though, here's just some of the feedback from 2012 Trailtrekkers...

"The organisation is exceptional. The Oxfam support, advice, information, and assistance throughout the actual event was astonishing." Clare Myers, 4tyketrekkers.

"I've taken part in numerous cyclosportives and running events over the years - the organisation for this event blew my socks off - it was in a different league!" Mike Davies, Callcredit 6.

"One of the best organised events I have ever been involved in. From preparing to the event itself." Louise Maddox, Los Losers

"Fantastic event, well organised, I was kept well informed through all stages of the process."Jon West, He Aint Heavy….

Can we be a team of 2, 3 or 5?

Trailtrekker is a challenge for teams of four people, but 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 or five people to take part.

What does a team leader do?

They act as the main point of contact between your team and Oxfam, keeping us informed of any changes to your team (eg. team member dropping out /person replacing them).

Team leaders also 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.

I haven't got complete details for all the team - can I still enter?

We don't recommend this. We need correct details for all team members to ensure they receive mailings and e-news which contain vital information that they will need to take part.

It is understandable that a handful of teams will enter with incomplete information for all team members in order to reach deadlines. If you do this then please enter correct details as soon as possible. Get in touch on 0300 200 1244 to discuss in advance if possible.

I am looking for a team to join, how can I find one?

The Trailtrekker Facebook group is a good place to start. Otherwise try putting up posters at work or the local sports centre. You'll be surprised how many people are interested!

What does the support crew do?

Your support crew are the vital part of team; you simply could not complete the event without them. Their role is to keep your team moving by being present at check points along the route, providing additional food, topping up supplies of water & snacks, and most of all encouraging you. They also carry your extra kit like wet weather / warm clothing and make sure you get home safely after the event.

How many people should be in the support crew?

At least two; one to drive and one to navigate. Four is the ideal number, as you can form two pairs and work in shifts over the weekend. Having one crew for the day and one at night works well.

Is it compulsory to have a support crew?

Yes. All teams attempting all challenges must have a support crew. Trailtrekker is a serious challenge where you'll be experiencing some very tough conditions, you'll need their support.

FULL SUPPORT PACKAGE: We are offering 25 teams access to the 'Full Support Package' where no support crew is needed. Find out more.

Can you send information to all of us, not just the team leader?

The team leader will receive a few dedicated emails when a decision is needed on behalf of the team (e.g. choosing a start time / picking a preparation session / invitation to a team leader conference call.)

Everyone will receive a copy of the 'Fundraising and Training Guide' and 'Maps & Event Guide' and along with a fundraising pack.

Every team member also receives all-important emails - as long as we have the right email addresses!

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.

When's the deadline for making team changes?

You can make changes using the online form up to 11/05/12, after that all changes must be made at registration.

What happens if we pull out?

We can defer your sign-up fee to the following year but any funds already submitted either on-line or by post will go to this year's event.

How much do we need to raise?

Whatever amount your team has pledged. The minimum team fundraising commitment is £1,400.

What happens if we don't reach our pledge?

Teams who do not manage to reach their pledge before the fundraising deadline may be refused entry into subsequent Oxfam sponsored challenges.

Trailtrekker will most likely be the hardest challenge you'll ever take on - sponsors are going to be impressed!

But don't think sponsorship is the only way. Try to break the target down - the minimum is only £350 per team member. A sweepstake, some sponsorship and a small event will easily cover that. Once you get started you'll realise just how easy it is - most teams raise over £2,000!

Can we increase our fundraising pledge?

Yes. This is done via a form on the Trailtrekker website (available early 2012) or by calling the team on 0300 200 1244.

What's the latest date we can increase our pledge?

You can upgrade your pledge anytime up to the fundraising deadline but look out for emails reminding you of key dates relating to certain rewards (e.g free t-shirts / photos from the event).

Can we fundraise jointly with another team at our work?

Yes. We will be tracking the performance of each team, so if you plan on joint-fundraising WE NEED TO KNOW. Contact us on 0300 200 1244 or email events@oxfam.org.uk

Is gift aid included in our fundraising total?

No.

When will we need to get the money in by?

By the end of August 2013.

How do I pay in my offline sponsorship?

Please send cheques/Charities Aid Foundation vouchers to:

Oxfam GB
Oxfam House
John Smith Drive
Cowley
Oxford
OX4 2JY

Be sure to include a note with your name and your team name so we can allocate the funds to your team.

Can I fundraise jointly for another charity?

Unfortunately not. Oxfam put in a lot of time and hard work to ensure you have the best experience at Trailtrekker so we require that all the money you raise is for Oxfam exclusively.

The total shown on the fundraising leaderboard is wrong.

If this is the case, please get in touch and we'll investigate. Remember that funds from your online giving page can take up to two weeks to arrive and totals displayed are based on sponsorship RECEIVED by Oxfam.

Can I use the Oxfam logo to help with my fundraising?

Yes. Please read our branding guidelines before you use the logo.

How much training do I have to do?

The more you train - the easier you will find the challenge. But you shouldn't be on your own. Get a team together and train with them. 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 Trailtrekkers 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.

I'm pregnant, (I have a medical condition) can I still participate?

Please consult your doctor. Trailtrekker is a very physically demanding challenge that will require you to push your body (and mind!) to the limit.

Will you be holding any pre-event information sessions?

Yes. We will be organising several Preparation Sessions in early 2013, designed to pass on expert knowledge and answer any questions your team may have.

We will also hold a number of teleconference calls to give team leaders the opportunity to ask questions they might have in the lead up to Trailtrekker.

What maps do we need?

OS Landranger 98 and 103

Can friends and family meet us at the checkpoints?

Only if they are part of your support crew and therefore have a support crew pass for their vehicle. Friends and family are welcome at the Start and the Finish.

Do we have to bring all the kit on the kit list?

It is vital that you bring all of the essential items on the kit list. You will be required to sign a kit list disclaimer form at event registration and there will be kit checks on the course.

Do we need to carry all equipment with us?

The kit list in the Training & Preparation 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 & Preparation 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!

Can we make our own arrangements to meet up with our support crew en-route?

Please only meet your team at checkpoints. Trailtrekker relies on the goodwill of the local community. Many of the roads around the route are small country lanes, so to deal with the volumes of traffic relating to the event we need support crew vehicles to stick to route and meet you only at checkpoints.

Can I sleep on the way round?

This is not recommended. Experience has taught us that people who stop to sleep, usually don't manage to get up again to complete the event.

Can I take my dog?

Trailtrekker takes place on public rights of way so you're very welcome to take your dog - maybe not the whole 100km though?

Can we have another car pass?

As access to check points is limited; we cannot provide any teams with more than one car pass. Support crews with more than one vehicle will need to rendezvous away from the course to transfer the car pass.

What happens if someone has to retire from the event en-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.