Most of you will be familiar with Oxfam. Oxfam holds an annual event in Sydney and Melbourne called the Oxfam Trailwalker. Teams of 4 people have 48 hours to complete a 100 km walk through the beautiful bushland in the Yarra Valley. It’s not a relay, each team member completes the entire event.
It’s a tough event. Not only do you cover 100 km, but the terrain is quite varied, from long flats through to steep, difficult ascents and descents that are punishing on mind and body. The attrition rate is quite high – something like one third of entrants don’t finish. The fastest teams run the entire distance. The fastest finishing time (2009) was about 10 hours 35 minutes. It’s punishing on feet, and not uncommon for people to lose toenails. I’ve seen pictures of running shoes where the toe covering has been cut off to allow the walker to finish…
I have done the Trailwalker twice. In 2008 I was underprepared and had to withdraw after about 64 kilometers. I had been sick with one thing after another for 7 weeks and couldn’t train. So in 2009 the Oxfam and I had some unfinished business. We entered again and the team completed the walk in just under 20 hours. It’s not a feeling I can describe in a few words – amazing elation at completing the event, coupled with severe physical and mental exhaustion. After 2009 I couldn’t wear shoes for about four days and I still have hip trouble a year later.
So this year when entries opened and there was talk of entering, I declared my retirement and promised instead to act as support crew for the 2010 team – the “Flaming Boots” (Mike, Steve, Charles and Buzby, below).
I am delighted to say they all completed the event, in 20 hours and 35 minutes, which is an incredible result given that there were some changes to the trail route that made things a fair bit more challenging in some areas. So Congratulations Bootsters – you are my heroes for the day!
I’ve attached a slide show of some images from the event. Well done to Mike, Steve, Charles and Buz – you are legends in my eyes.
Well done guys. I also did the event this year (my third) so I know how hard it is. A really great and a great time, we clocked 32 hours (Team 371). Give yourselvesa pat onthe back.
Cheers Doug! Congratulations to you too! We said afterwards that it would actually be harder to take longer. 30+ hours is a LONG time on your feet!