Take on the Trailwalker challenge

This year’s South Downs event is on July 27-28, and the trek covers 100km from Petersfield to Brighton.

The epic challenge was originally started by the Queen’s Gurkha Signals Regiment in 1981 as the ultimate test of teamwork and endurance for new recruits. The Gurkhas still play a major role today, providing the logistical infrastructure behind the scenes. Gurkha teams also compete in the challenge every year and have yet to be beaten with a record of nine hours 50 minutes. The average time to complete the course, which starts at Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Petersfield, is a more realistic 27 hours, with teams walking through the night and finishing at Brighton Racecourse.

Since Trailwalker was opened up to the public in 2002, the event has since grown into a major fundraising event for Oxfam and the Gurkha Welfare Trust. Last year Trailwalker UK teams raised £1.3 million to help fight poverty worldwide through the work of the two charities.

Louise Gebbitt, Oxfam spokesperson said “Trailwalker is an unforgettable experience. Completing the challenging course requires great determination and teamwork whether it’s with family, friends or colleagues. In return you’ll get profound sense of achievement that will stay with you for a lifetime. In addition to this you’ll know that, through Oxfam and the Gurkha Welfare Trust, the money you raise will help to change lives and give hope of a better future for poor communities around the world.”

Now with 16 events in 12 countries and counting, Trailwalker is fast becoming a worldwide phenomenon. Globally, the events have raised more than £60 million for Oxfam’s life changing work around the world. In

2012 more than 22,000 people collectively walked over 2.2 million km (the same distance as walking around the world 55 times) aiming to raise over £10 million.

To register and for more information go to: www.oxfam.org.uk/trailwalker