Trailwalker Frequently asked questions

How much training do I have to do?
Most people can complete Trailwalker, but you do have to train for it. Even if you’re physically fit already, 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.

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 (link to justgiving), sponsor forms, match giving forms, and loads of ideas for events, 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 around £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.

How do I get a team on board?
If the inspiration on this site isn’t enough to get friends motivated, there are lots ways we can help.

Get a brochure (link) and some leaflets sent out to help you spread the word

Check out the Trailwalker Facebook group (link) to ask Trailwalkers like you how they hooked in their team-mates.

Think about different places you could get a team; work, sports clubs, groups of mums, your local gym. They might not have to be super fit right now – just willing to train and fundraise and take on a new challenge. Make sure everyone brings a quality to the team, whether it’s energy, enthusiasm, organisational skills, fundraising ideas, map-reading skill, or an endless stream of good chat.

What is the difference between Trailwalker and Trailtrekker?
Aside from the route, the main difference is the event partners. The Queens Gurkha Signals make this a really special event. You couldn’t ask for a greater force behind you, willing you on and supporting you all the way. The money from Trailwalker goes both to Oxfam and to charities that support ex-Gurkha soldiers and their communities. These are the Gurkha Welfare Trust, and the Army Benevolent Fund.

What’s the route like? (Take a look)
The South Downs route has beautiful, rolling hills that are challenging, but no match for the Trailwalker teams who scale them year after year. Walking stage 9 and 10 at night offers the experience of a lifetime, you’ll see hundreds of the torch lights of twinkling ahead and behind you – as you and your fellow walkers make your way through the darkness. This route has unrivalled access for support crews at each checkpoint, meaning this is an event with a role for everyone: Walking, cheering or even changing socks. We know from experience that you’ll have the time of your life.

What do people who’ve done it before say?
“Utterly fantastic! I was completely overwhelmed by the level of support we received from everyone around the course. The Gurkhas were amazing - they looked after us so well, cheered us on at every checkpoint & road crossing and displayed true professionalism throughout. Everyone just spurred us on ... we never felt like this was something we were doing by ourselves.”

“Blister-inducing, team-bonding slog. A phenomenal experience that was such a monumental challenge both physically and mentally that it will stay with me forever”

“All shapes, all sizes, all walks of life: 100K is a great leveller”

“For 30 hours, together we walked, we talked, we walked, we laughed (a lot), we walked, we cried, we walked, and in the end we ran. I miss my team and cant wait till next year to do it all over again”

Related links

• Watch the Trailwalker slideshow
• Watch the 100km challenges movie