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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. In 2011 the event will take place in thirteen countries: Australia , New Zealand, Hong Kong, Japan, the UK, Ireland, Belgium, The Netherlands, Germany, Ireland, and of course Canada. Since its inception, the event has raised more than $60 million internationally with thousands of people competing each year. The money raised goes directly to Oxfam’s critical humanitarian and development work around the globe. Oxfam Trailwalker truly is a global hike that changes the world!
About Trailwalker
Oxfam believes that the end of poverty begins with women’s rights. We work with partner organizations in developing countries to tackle the root causes of poverty and in turn, we create self-reliant and sustainable communities. But to do that, we need your help. Join us on a fun, challenging, and rewarding team challenge: Oxfam Trailwalker.
Since 1981, Oxfam Trailwalker has evolved from a grueling military exercise into a truly global movement that effects real change in the lives of millions people living in abject poverty.
The event began in Hong Kong as a military training exercise, and today, it is a global movement. Every year in over fifteen countries, Oxfam Trailwalker is taking place. It’s more than just a fitness challenge, Oxfam Trailwalker is a commitment to change the world, one step at a time.
Like other Oxfam Trailwalkers around the world, teams of four commit to not only raising funds, but also hiking a grueling 100 km in 48 hours. Teams must start and finish the hike together.
This is a huge commitment put forth not only by participants but by their support crews, Oxfam volunteers, on-site EMS and other medical support, and the many people involved in making this event the success that it is.
The money raised from this crucial fundraising event will support Oxfam Canada’s initiatives all over the world. Specifically, the Oxfam offices in Canada are dedicated to supporting long-term development, advocacy and emergency programs in 28 countries. Oxfam Canada’s core programs are located in the Americas, the Horn of Africa, Southern Africa, and South Asia.
Funds raised from Oxfam Trailwalker also goes toward programs that provide emergency support during humanitarian crises as well as response to natural disasters. Examples of this include the current humanitarian crisis in Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia, where hundreds of thousands of refugees are suffering from the worst drought in years. Oxfam was also instrumental in providing relief following the March 11th earthquake in Japan. And Oxfam continues to work on the ground to bring much needed aid to the current crisis in the Ivory Coast and Somalia.
Every year around the world, Oxfam Trailwalker is taking place. It’s more than just a fitness challenge, Oxfam Trailwalker is a commitment to change the world, one step at a time.
Oxfam Trailwalker 4-48-100 (Canada) : July 13-15, 2012
We will again be partnering with the Ganaraska Trail association, but with a new exciting route. The start will be is Wasaga beach, finishing in beautiful Midland. This trail takes advantage of a diverse terrain, new elevations, and very unique features only found in this region.
4 members; 48 hours; 100 km
Sample Training Schedule - Advanced Level:
Week | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thur | Fri | Sat | Sun | Total |
Easy | Hills | Easy | Interval | Rest | Easy | Long | ||
Week 1 | 6km | 8km | 6km | 8km | Rest | 7km | 12km | 47km |
Week 2 | 6km | 8km | 6km | 8km | Rest | 7km | 14km | 49km |
Week 3 | 6km | 8km | 6km | 8km | Rest | 7km | 10km | 45km |
Week 4 | 6km | 10km | 8km | 10km | Rest | 7km | 16km | 57km |
Week 5 | 6km | 10km | 8km | 10km | Rest | 7km | 18km | 59km |
Week 6 | 6km | 8km | 8km | 12km | Rest | 7km | 12km | 53km |
Week 7 | 6km | 12km | 8km | 12km | Rest | 7km | 25km | 70km |
Week 8 | 6km | 12km | 8km | 12km | Rest | 7km | 25km | 70km |
Week 9 | 6km | 10km | 8km | 14km | Rest | 7km | 20km | 65km |
Week 10 | 7km | 10km | 8km | 14km | Rest | 7km | 36km | 82km |
Week 11 | 7km | 8km | 10km | 16km | Rest | 7km | 18km | 66km |
Week 12 | 7km | 16km | 7km | 16km | Rest | 7km | 36km | 89km |
Week 13 | 6km | 10km | 8km | 10km | Rest | 6km | 12km | 52km |
Week 14 | 6km | 6km | 6km | 8km | Rest | 6km | 16km | 48km |
Week 15 | 6km | 0km | 4km | 2km | Event | 100km | 112km |
The above advanced training guide is for participants with a good fitness level, who would like to finish the event in less than 20 hours (avg is 30-32 hrs). Advanced participants will run parts of the trail and take minimal rests.
The advanced program builds up week by week like the other training programs, however it is designed as a suggestion only. Athletes should first consider their current training regime then consult a fitness professional for specific advice.
Try breaking down your training into different sessions to help build stamina and strength. Below are the different types of training and an explanation of how create a balanced program.
Long walks/runs
The key to the Advanced program is the long run on weekends, which builds from 12 kilometres in the first week to a maximum of 36 kilometres. Experienced runners may like to train longer (up to 50 kilometres) though this may not be necessary. Save your energy and concentrate on quality runs during the rest of the week. Consistency is most important. You can skip an occasional weekday session, but do not cheat on the long runs. Your pace should be slow and comfortable, and ideally you will train with your team, on the trail. Use these sessions to confirm what you will wear, eat and drink during the event.
Hill training
Running on hills should be included once a week in the first four weeks. Increase to specific hill-repeat training once or twice per week in the next eight weeks, if you have the necessary conditioning. You can also alternate hill-training with tempo runs and interval training. Hill-repeats are the only way to get the strength required for the many hills you’ll encounter.
Note: Be careful when running downhill because of the increased risk of injury.
Interval training
When training for endurance events, long repeats (800 metres, 1600 metres or even longer) work best. Start including interval training once a week after building your base. Starting with four repeats, increase up to a maximum of eight—depending on the total distance—and run close to threshold level. Be sure to have a good warm up and cool down. Between each effort, you should allow two to three minutes of walking/jogging recovery.
Tempo training
A tempo walk/run is a continuous effort with a build-up in the middle that is close to your maximum pace (much faster than your event pace). Your peak pace for tempo training should be the pace you’d do if you were racing flat-out for 2 hours (instead of 24 hours). The pace build-up should be gradual and the peak speed should come about two-thirds into the workout, and only for three to six minutes. You can do tempo training almost anywhere: on the road, in the bush, on a track or in a park. Tempo runs should not be punishing — you should finish feeling refreshed, so don’t push the pace too hard or for too long.
Cross training
Cross training helps to prevent injuries and makes training more interesting. Consider substituting a running session for a paddling, swimming, cycling or gym activity. Train for about the same length of time you would have walked/run that day.
Tapering for the event
Be sure to taper down during the three weeks before the event so your muscles are rested and recovered. Do your last long walk/run two to three weeks before the event, then cut back your distances. Cut your distances to 50 percent of your training load during the last two weeks and reduce this to about 30 percent during the final week. Two days before the event, walk or jog lightly to stay loose and relaxed.
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