Frequently asked questions

General questions

• When is Trailwalker?
  The event takes place from Friday 20 September to Sunday 22 September 2019.
• What is the average completion time?
  Around 27 hours.
• What is the course record?
  An amazing 9 hours 50 minutes, set by the Queen's Own Gurkha Logistics Regiment in the military category in 2004. It's going to take some beating! Other records include:

  • Civilian male team: 11:26 by Intonation 1126 in 2010.
  • Veterans (40+) team: 11:27 by Lost in Wanchai Boys in 2008.
  • Mixed team: 12:15 by Team Jersey in 2012.
  • Female team: 13:34 by Lycra Legs in 2015.
• How can I join the Trailwalker Facebook Group?
  You can join the Trailwalker Facebook Group here! It's really useful for training, fundraising and general information about the event.
• Can we be a team of two, three or five?
  Trailwalker is a team endurance challenge. All Trailwalker teams need to have four walkers. This is also for your own health and safety on the challenge.
• What does a team leader do?
  The team leader will sign up the team and act as the main point of contact between Oxfam and your team.
• How fit do I need to be?
  With the right training and preparation 100km is achievable for most people. Whatever distance you take on you will need to dedicate time to train, especially as a team. Most teams will plan long weekend walks alongside some shorter evening sessions. It’s important that you practise on different terrain too, so you may need to factor in some travel time.
• We all work full time. Will we have time to train?
  Most Trailwalkers work full time and make it over the finish line. Training is often about quality not quantity – you just need to be organised and plan your training walks in advance. The more you can train with your team the better.
• What kit will I need?
  Good walking boots are the most important item; you need some that are comfortable and well worn in. You’ll also need waterproofs, and suitable clothing for all weather conditions. Socks, water bottles, layers and some personal medical supplies are also required – all of which can be picked up from any good outdoor store. Once you’ve signed up, we’ll provide you with a full kit list and give you lots more advice in the build up to the event.
• How do I find a team?
  Most teams are made up of friends, colleagues or family members. If you’re having difficulty putting together a team, visit our Facebook group ‘Trailwalker UK’ and post what you’re looking for, eg ‘someone wanting to complete the challenge in the Brighton area’. Quite a few teams have come together using the Facebook group in the past, and by the end of the challenge they’ve become lifelong friends.
• How old do I need to be?
  The minimum age for Trailwalker participants is 18 on the day of the event.
• When’s the deadline to enter a team?
  The deadline to enter is 16 August 2019. If Trailwalker is close to reaching capacity we will let you know via email.
• Is there a waiting list if Trailwalker sells out?
  If you have registered your interest in Trailwalker, but the event reaches full capacity, we will send you an email to let you know if any extra places become available.

Support crew questions

• What does the support crew do?
  Your support crew are a vital part of your team. Their role is to meet you at each checkpoint along the route. They will provide you with additional food, replenish you water supply, top up your snacks and most of all, motivate and encourage you to keep going and reach the finish line. They will also carry your extra kit like wet weather gear and warm clothing for the night sections.
• How many people should be in the support crew?
  We recommend at least two; one to drive and one to navigate. If you have space in your car for more people we recommend bringing extra people. You will then be able to split the time into shifts to allow the support crew to sleep. Remember that if one of the team is not able to continue they will need to get in the car so allow room just in case.
• Is it compulsory to have a support crew?
  Yes. All teams attempting all challenges must have a Support Crew. Trailwalker is a serious challenge where you'll be experiencing some very tough conditions, you'll need their support. Please refer to our terms and conditions to find out more about the Support Crew's role and responsibilities. Please refer to our terms and conditions to find out more about the Support Crew's role and responsibilities.
• What type of vehicles can the Support Crew use?
  Just one Support Crew vehicle per-team is allowed at checkpoints. A vehicle pass will be issued at event registration which allows the Support Crew vehicle access to checkpoints. The vehicle must be no larger than a 12 seater minibus (2.5m × 5.5m). You’ll need enough space for the whole team (in case of drop-outs) as well as support crew and the equipment.
  
  We must enforce these rules as there is limited access to checkpoints, often via small country lanes – the event relies on the goodwill of local landowners and communities.
• Can support crew have food at the start, Checkpoint 7 and the finish?
  There is enough food for 2 support crew members at all of these locations.
• Do support crew need to register on the Friday night?
  No. But we highly recommend they do as they need to collect their support crew vehicle pass and it's very useful to attend the health and safety briefing on the Friday night.
• Do support crew need to complete the medical form?
  No, only the walkers need to complete the medical form.

Before the event

• 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. picking a preparation session.
  
  The team leader will also receive a Welcome Pack, and subsequently printed copies of our Training and Fundraising guides, the Map & Event guides and the Support Crew guides. They will then need to distribute these printed guides among their fellow team members.
  
  Every team member will receive all-important emails, as long as we have the right email addresses, so please ensure that your team's details are up to date in your team login area.
  
  We will also host all resources online as soon as they are available, so all team members will have access to these electronically.
• How do I change my team details?
  Your team leader will need to go to the team login area to update a team's details.
  
  It is important that your team details are up to date to ensure that all team members receive vital event information from us. If you are having trouble with this, please contact us directly on 0300 200 1244.
• When's the deadline for making team changes?
  You can make changes to your team up to 30 August 2019. It is extremely important that we have the most up to date information so that we can send vital event communications to all participants. After this date, all changes must be made at registration.
• What happens if we pull out?
  Unfortunately each year we have a few teams that need to pull out from Trailwalker prior to the event, often due to injury. To avoid risk of injury we strongly advise that you pace yourself in training and increase distances steadily. Further information is available in our training guides. The entry fee is non-refundable or transferable.
• What is the communications plan leading up to Trailwalker?
  You will receive a monthly email with information that you need to know about Trailwalker, training, your fundraising and where the money is going. In the immediate lead up to Trailwalker, you will also get weather updates if it is forecasted to affect event weekend.

Fundraising

• How much do we need to raise?
  All teams must have fundraised at least £1000 on the Friday before event weekend and that money must have been received by Oxfam to be eligible to participate. Teams that fail to do so will be unable to start the event without the prior approval of the event organisers, in accordance with our terms and conditions.
  
  You will need to raise the amount that you have pledged by the fundraising deadline on 30 November 2019. The minimum fundraising pledge is £1400 – working out at just £350 per team member.
• What happens if we don't reach our pledge?
  Teams who do not manage to reach the minimum pledge by the fundraising deadline on 30 November 2019 may be refused entry into future Oxfam sponsored challenges if legitimate reasons cannot be provided.
  
  Oxfam and The Gurkha Welfare Trust rely on fundraising events such as Trailwalker in order to continue fighting poverty worldwide. For this reason we do ask that participants reach the fundraising pledge that they commit to when they sign up. Trailwalker will most likely be the hardest challenge you’ll ever take on. You’ll be surprised by how much your friends and family will support you. Events are a great way to fundraise – pub quiz, cake sale, sweepstakes. We know it can be tough, but remember if you break it down by team member, it’s just £350 each. Follow the tips and advice that we provide you with along the way and it is more than possible to achieve. The vast majority of teams smash their fundraising target, year on year.
• Can we increase our fundraising pledge?
  Yes! If it looks like you're close to reaching your pledge then we do recommend increasing it - this will encourage sponsors to support you until you reach your goal. By increasing your pledge you will also be entitled to additional fundraising rewards from Oxfam.
  
  You can increase your pledge by calling the team on 0300 200 1244. You can do this 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.
• What is 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 increase our fundraising pledge?
  Yes! If it looks like you're close to reaching your pledge then we do recommend increasing it - this will encourage sponsors to support you until you reach your goal. By increasing your pledge you will also be entitled to additional fundraising rewards from Oxfam.
  
  You can increase your pledge by calling the team on 0300 200 1244. You can do this 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.
• Can I fundraise jointly with another team?
  Yes. We will be tracking the performance of each team, so if you plan on joint-fundraising it's vital we know so we can correctly allocate your fundraising to your team's record.
  
  Please contact us on 0300 200 1244 or email events@oxfam.org.uk to let us know if you are joint fundraisers.
• How do I set up an online giving page?
  Set up a JustGiving page for Trailwalker. Your individual JustGiving page will be set up for you once you have completed your registration. Each team member will have a page created, you can think link them to an overall team page if you wish, allowing you to see your accumulated fundraising total.
• Can I use an online giving site other than JustGiving?
  We recommend using JustGiving as previous Trailwalkers have said it's the best for them, but you can also set up an online giving page through Virgin Money Giving or BT MyDonate.
• How can my sponsors Gift Aid their donation?
  If they sponsor you through an online giving page, they will be given the option to Gift Aid their donation. If they sponsor you offline, they will need to tick 'yes' to Gift Aid and provide the necessary details on the sponsorship form, which can then be sent to us.
• Is Gift Aid included in my total?
  No.
• How do I pay in my offline sponsorship?
  Please send cheques / Charities Aid Foundation vouchers to:
  
  Trailwalker
  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, the Gurkhas 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 goes to Oxfam. The grand event total is then split with The Gurkha Welfare Trust after the fundraising deadline.
• Can I use the Oxfam logo to help with my fundraising?
  Yes, you can download our logo from our website. Please read the terms of use before you use the logo.
• Can I get some fundraising resources and materials?
  Yes, of course! Please email events@oxfam.org.uk and let us know what you would like to receive from the following; balloons, treasure maps, collection boxes, posters, fundraising booklet.

Training

• 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 your endurance, and our online training guide is there 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.
• Is there a GPX route I can download
  Yes - you can download a GPX file of the route here. Please also ensure you use your maps and are able to locate yourselves in case of emergencies. There are directions in the Map & Event Guide, and you’ll require Ordnance Survey Landranger Maps 197 (Chicester & the South Downs) and 198 (Brighton & Lewes).

Event weekend

• When is registration and when will I need to arrive?
  Teams will need to register at the event on Friday 20 September at the Queen Elizabeth Country Park in Petersfield. All team members must be in attendance in order to register. There will also be a mandatory safety briefing held on the Friday which all members of your team will need to attend.
  
  Further information about event registration will be released nearer the time.
• Can friends and family meet us at the checkpoints?
  Friends and family are welcome to cheer you over the start and finish line. However, only your Support Crew will be able to meet you at the checkpoints. They will need to display their Support Crew pass for their vehicle to gain access.
• 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 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 think carefully about what you leave with the Support Crew - if the weather changes drastically 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. Trailwalker 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?
  Please refrain from bringing dogs on the course with you. The South Downs way will be busy throughout Trailwalker weekend with fellow walkers and the general public enjoying the path. We wish to keep it as clear as possible.
• Can we have another car pass?
  As access to checkpoints 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. Remember, the Support Crew vehicle must be no larger than a 12 seater minibus (2.5m × 5.5m).
• 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 en-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 (the Event Control contact details will be on your Map and Event guide). 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 this.
• Is there parking available at the start?
  Yes, there is parking in a field at Queen Elizabeth Country Park. This is open from 4pm on the Friday. All cars must be removed from the event car park by midday Saturday. After that, you can arrange parking elsewhere with QECP.
• Do I need to book camping at QECP on the Friday night?
  No, you just need to come and register. Camping is free for participants and support crew.
• Can I bring a camper van?
  Yes. You will need to leave your camper van in the car park at QECP on the Friday night. You cannot park in the camping area. All vehicles must be gone from the start point car park by midday Saturday. You can also park in the car park at Brighton Racecourse.
• Is there camping available on the Sunday night?
  No. You may wish to stay in the area before leaving on the Monday. Don't drive home tired.
• What food is available over event weekend? What if I have dietary requirements?
  On Friday night, there is a hot meal at the start point. On Saturday there is a cooked breakfast at the start and a hot meal provided at Checkpoint 7 and the finish line. On Sunday there is a cooked breakfast or hot meal at the finish line, depending on what time you arrive. Hot meals are usually pasta or curry. There are vegetarian options available at all food stations. If you are vegetarian, please email events@oxfam.org.uk to let us know so that we can plan accordingly. For other dietary requirements, please do ensure that you have food and refreshments throughout the course.
• Where can I find my start time?
  Start times will be revealed 1 month before Trailwalker begins.You will receive an email with a link where you can check your team name.
• What is available at the checkpoints?
  There are toilets, first aiders and hot and cold drinks at all checkpoints. There is also car parking for your support crew to meet you there. You will need to check in with your tracking chip at every checkpoint.
• Are there showers at the start and finish?
  We have showers at the finish, not at the start.