Over 25 years ago, the first Oxfam Trailwalker took place in Hong Kong. Meanwhile, there are successful yearly events in Australia, Great Britain, New Zealand and Japan.

During the last weekend of August 2010, this event will take place in Belgium for the third time, in the gorgeous area of the High Fens, with departure and arrival at Eupen. The teams will not only assist in the preparation of this unique hiking experience,  but will also make every effort to collect € 1500 for the projects of Oxfam Solidarity.

 

For a lot of contestants, the Oxfam Trailwalker is an opportunity to pursue sportsmanlike achievements with friends, family or colleagues. For others, it is the ideal beginning of a new and healthier lifestyle. Everyone has a lot of fun with the different funding projects in the months leading up to the event.

Every team has the emotional and logistical support of a rooting team and can appeal to the permanent at any given time. 

All contestants and people who might be interested will be invited personally for an informational meeting nearby. If you wish to receive an invitation, contact the Oxfam Trailwalker Secretariat.

Teamwork

A successful Trailwalker is the result of teamwork. Every team exists of four contestants, doing the 100 km hike together. Everyone can be a team member. The only condition is that every member has to reach the age of 18 at the time of the Trailwalker (August 28-29 2010).

Each team will be supported by a rooting team. They will provide help in different areas. They can help prepare both the team and the different funding activities. Even during the hike they will be vital. On the one hand, they will cheer the team to the finish. Their emotional support will be extremely important, especially early in the morning. It can make the difference between quitting and actually finishing the track. On the other hand, they offer valuable logistical support. They supply the teams with fresh drinking water, a bite to eat, new clothes, chairs, ... Even giving the contestants a save journey home is a part of their job.

Trailwalkers abroad have shown us the importance of the rooting and supporting teams. Getting together a rooting and supporting team is thus a compulsory part of the Trailwalker.

Preparing the hike

Everyone can participate in the Trailwalker and finish it. However, some preparation and training in necessary. Even those in excellent shape need to prepare mentally and work on their endurance. It's equally important to find out how many fluids you need, what you should eat, how to cope with fatigue, which shoes to wear, etc. You can find additional information here and you can also contact the Oxfam Trailwalker Secretariat.

Funding

The minimum amount that has to be collected by every team by the end of August is € 1500. With this amount several projects by Oxfam Solidarity in the South and North will be funded. The money will be collected by the teams and the rooting and supporting teams in the months leading up to the Oxfam Trailwalker. The traditional ways are selling homemade cakes in the neighbourhood and at work, profits of a party, wine tasting, spaghetti and cheese dinners, sponsoring per km by colleagues, a special movie showing, special clothing, etc. We are sure that you can find other original ways. If you lack inspiration, you can always consult our idea booklet.

The sponsoring amount has nothing to do with the actual enrolment fees. A team will be enrolled when the forms are duly filled out and when the fee of € 50 per person is paid.