When and where does Oxfam Trailwalker Canada take place?
Oxfam Trailwalker Canada is taking place along the Ganaraska Hiking Trail. The event is taking place from July 23rd – July 25th, 2010.
Can we have more or less than 4 people per team?
No. There must be a minimum of 4 people per in order to compete in the event.
Can we complete the event in more than 48 hours?
No. The maximum amount of time allowed to complete the event is 48 hours.
Must we meet the minimum fundraising pledge?
Yes. You must raise a minimum of $2,500 per team. Teams have until August 31, 2010 to reach the minimum fundraising goal. Failure to do so could restrict entry into future events.
How hard is the hike?
The hike is physically demanding, but can certainly be done by anyone with the right amount of training. The difficulty levels range from 1-5 with a level 5 being the most challenging. Please refer to the The Trails section of our website for more information.
How do I train?
The best way to train for this event is to practice on your local hiking trail. Please refer to the Training & Preparation Guide in the Teamspace section of our website for more information.
Is it a race?
No. Oxfam Trailwalker Canada is a team event. You must start together, check in/out at each check point together, and finish together. Some teams will treat the event as a training exercise and will set a timing goal for completing the event. Others will pace themselves to complete the event within the 48 hour time allowance.
What do I need to pack?
It is recommended that you pack a change a clothing, some light snacks, and any resting gear you might need along the way. When you register your team, be sure to recruit a support crew who can meet you along the way to replenish anything you might need. Please refer to the Training & Preparation Guide in the Teamspace section of our website for more information.
Do I need a support team?
It is recommended. We suggest you travel as lightly as possible through the trail and your support team meet you at the checkpoints with food, a change of clothes, night gear, etc.
What should I eat and drink on the hike and when?
It is recommended that you keep hydrated and eat periodically along the hike. Each check point will provide basic food and beverages to keep you going. Please refer to the Training & Preparation Guide in the Teamspace section on our website for more information.
Why do I need to pay a registration fee and what does it go towards?
Each team is required to pay a $400 registration fee. This fee goes towards offsetting operational/administrative costs associated with organizing the event.
Where does all the money raised go?
The funds raised will go to Oxfam Canada an international development agency working with over 100 partner organizations in Africa, the Americas and Asia to tackle the root causes of poverty, injustice and inequality, helping to create self-reliant and sustainable communities, with a specific focus on women. Please refer to the About the Event section on our website for more information.
Has Oxfam Trailwalker occurred anywhere else in the world?
Yes. Oxfam Trailwalker is an international event and takes place in Australia (Sydney & Melbourne), New Zealand, Hong Kong, Japan, Holland, the UK, Ireland, Germany and Belgium. It made its North American debut in Canada (Ontario) in 2009, and hopes to expand into Calgary, Quebec, the US (Boston) and India in the next few years.
How did the event start?
Oxfam Trailwalker began in 1981 as a military exercise for the elite Queen's Gurkha Signals Regiment in Hong Kong, and has since grown into one of the world's leading sporting challenges. In just over 20 years Oxfam Trailwalker has become a major international fundraising event held in countries all over the world.
Can my team complete the event in a relay format?
No. Teams must travel the full 100km’s together. This means teams must check-in and check-out of each checkpoint as a team.
What should we wear?
Non-chafing training clothes. Make sure they are light and comfortable. Be prepared for weather changes between the day and night. Please refer to the Training & Preparation Guide in the Teamspace section for more information.
Are cross-trainers or hiking boots better for this event?
It is up to you. The best thing to do is get training on the trail and find out what is best for you. Some people prefer to have spare shoes so they can switch back and forth during the event.
Will my mobile phone work?
Yes. However, there may be some areas of the trail where mobile phones do not work. We advise that you and a teammate carry phones on two different networks to extend coverage.
Do we sleep during the event?
Some teams do and some do not. You design your own strategy. We would advise you not to sleep for more than 3 to 4 hours at a time.
What facilities are at the checkpoints?
Check-in and check-out desks, toilets, water (cold and boiling), basic provisions (fruit, chocolates, and soup) and first aid facilities. Most checkpoints also give you the opportunity to meet up with your support team. Please refer to The Trail section of our website for more information on what is available at each checkpoint.
Do teams need to pay extra for facilities at each checkpoint?
No.
