Ready to be a part of India's Biggest Walkathon for a Cause? Get your friends/ family/ colleagues along, and embark on this journey of a lifetime!

Walk across a beautiful countryside trail around Nandi Hills that will take you through 30 villages, and challenge your physical and mental limits!!

Oxfam Trailwalker, Oxfam's biggest annual flagship fundraiser globally, is being held across 17 splendid locations in 10 different countries. This is the world's greatest team challenge to overcome inequality:

• Form a team of 4
  
• Walk 100km in 48 hours (or 50km in 24 hours)
• Push your physical and mental limits
• Raise funds and change lives
  

Oxfam Trailwalker is India's Biggest Fundraising Walkathon to end inequality in India. Over 500 teams walk 100km in 48 Hours or 50km in 24 Hours nonstop across the most scenic trails in Mumbai or Bengaluru to compete for this original Gurkha challenge. Each team raises a minimum of Rs 80,000 to be eligible for the final walk and fight inequality in India. Register today to experience your life's biggest adventure that will change lives of thousands of marginalized people.

• Began in 1981 as a military training exercise for the Queen's Gurkha Signals Regiment in Hong Kong to test Teamwork, Endurance and Determination.
  
• Over 500 corporates have participated in last 6 years with over 80% repeat participation from Individual and Corporate teams
• High participation from Top C level executives
• Meeting Ground for HNIs, Product Ideas and Company Off-Sites

GOVERNMENT UPPER PRIMARY SCHOOL, SULTANPET, NANDI HILLS TO OLDE BANGALORE RESORT, THARBANAHALLI

Starting from the edge of a beautiful valley of Nandi Hills near the ancient Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple, the trail is all set to give you a pleasant rural experience. The trail takes you through more than 30 villages including checkpoints, farm lands of grapes, vegetable plantations, flower beds and valleys. It is truly picturesque, so don’t forget to get your cameras. With mild ascent and descent at various places, the trail will challenge your endurance but the beautiful environs will keep you motivated.

Start Point to Checkpoint 1 (Distance - 12.4 Km)

Sultanpet High School to Village Temple place, Village Nasikuntehosur

Cumulative Total: 12.4 km

Starting from the Sultanpet at the foothills of the Nandi Hills in Chikkaballapur District, the first 4.2 km walk is on tar road, rest of the path is through the lake bund, village kuchha road which takes you to Village Nasikuntehosur. On the way, you cross villages Channapura, Chikkarapanahally, Sonnapura to reach Checkpoint 1. Trail passes through scenic views of Nandi Hills and lake.

Checkpoint 1 to Checkpoint 2 (Distance - 12.1 Km)

Village Nasikuntehosur to Government High School, Village Melekote

Cumulative Total: 24.5 km.

This stretch is 70% village mud road, 25% uphill forest trek path and 5% village tar road. Trail passes through parts of forest, fields, village broken tar roads and also exposes you to the beautiful views of Skandagiri hills and a lake on the route. Pass through villages Kaaganahalli, Gochanahalli and reach the next checkpoint Melekote.

Checkpoint 2 to Checkpoint 3 (Distance - 12.3 Km)

Government High School, Village Melekote to Government Primary School, Village Karnala

Cumulative Total: 36.8km

This stretch is 100% mud road. Trail passes through soothing views of hillocks and vegetable plantations. A relatively relaxing trail path, it passes through villages Bhomenahalli, Gatakanahalli, Kurvegere and brings you to the next CP.

Checkpoint 3 to Checkpoint 4 (Distance - 11.5 km)

Government Primary School, Village Karnala to Primary School, Village Jayanagara

Cumulative Total: 48.3 km

Between Checkpoint 3 to 4 you pass through small scale brick making factories, poultry farms, and a railway line. This trail is a combination of metal/tar and mud road. 70% of this trail stretch is on mud road and 30% on tar and village road. Pass through villages Laxmidevpura, Gangasandra, Medahalli & reach Jayanagara.

CHECKPOINT 4 & START POINT 50 KM

Checkpoint 4 to Checkpoint 5 (Distance - 11.0 km)

Primary School, Village Jayanagara to Government PU College, Village Konaghatta

Cumulative Total: 59.3 km

The trail here passes through scenic views of Lake Shivapura. The trail is a combination of metal/tar, Shivapura lake bund and mud road. This section takes you through villages Shivapura and Kodihalli to reach CP6 after covering a distance of 11 kms.

Checkpoint 5 to Checkpoint 6 (Distance - 6.56 km)

Government PU College, Village Konaghatta to Government Primary School, Village Dandudasakodegehalli

Cumulative Total: 65.86 km

This is the shortest stretch of the trail and the trail is mostly on mud road. An enjoyable section, the trail passes through village roads, mud paths, forest paths and villages Ancharahalli, Kurubarahalli.

Checkpoint 6 to Checkpoint 7 (Distance - 9.55 km)

Government Primary School, Village Dandudasakodegehalli to Biswanathpura Governement College

Cumulative Total: 75.41 km

Walking through Nilgiri trees plantation, little parts of hillocks with scenic view of Nandi hills and grape plantations. It mostly traverses on mud road, and sparsely on tar road. You will cross villages Sonamanahalli and Koaira to reach CP 7.

Checkpoint 7 to Checkpoint 8 (Distance - 8.29 km)

Biswanathpura Government College to Open space, Village T Hosehalli

Cumulative Total: 83.7 km

The trail is a combination of metal/tar and mud road. Trail passes through village roads, mud path, through villages Pedanahalli and Uganwadi, to finally reach CP 8.

Checkpoint 8 to Checkpoint 9 (Distance - 9.59 km)

Open space, Village T Hosehalli to Government Primary School, Village Kempathimmanahalli

Cumulative Total: 93.29 km

More than 90% of this section is through the mud road trek path. On this section you will pass through villages Bomavara, Upparahalli and Bandaramanhalli reaching the last checkpoint (9) before you can embark on the final stretch to the finish point and complete this journey of grit, passion and determination.

Checkpoint 9 to Finish Point (Distance - 6.71 km)

Government Primary School, Village Kempathimmanahalli to Olde Bangalore Resort, Tharabanahalli

Cumulative Total: 100 km

Bringing much relief to the tired walkers, this is the second shortest stretch on the trail, an entire section of this route is on village tar and between the layout road. Passing through many villages & layout properties – Villages Doddapanahalli, Pujanahalli, Sadahalli, Anwar Laout, Clark Exotica Resort & Spa & Embassy Springs, you reach the conclusion of your incredible journey! And as your team crosses the finish line with tired legs, big smiles and laughing hearts, we will greet you with open arms at Olde Bangalore Resort ,Tharabanahalli :)

HOW TO REACH

For more details see the Road Route map.

Health and Nutrition

Taking adequate health measures during the training and also on the event day are an absolute necessity.

Not being mindful of blisters or chaffing, not having proper nutrition and hydration before and on the day of the event can either lead to your not completing the challenge or even hospitalisation.

Blisters and Chaffing:

• One of the main reasons for not completing the Trailwalker is blisters. So it is better to prevent blisters from appearing than end up with some really painful ones. The best way to prevent blisters is to wear comfortable shoes and moisture wicking socks.
• Keep your feet dry at all times which will also help in reducing friction that causes blisters. Some suggest using petroleum jelly, some don't. Know your feet well and understand what works best for you.
• Recognise the early signs of blisters by checking for hot spots or those warm patches of skin which is caused by rubbing or pressure. Fix these immediately by taping up the area. If you know in advance the weak spots on your feet, you can tape up before the start of the event.
• Chaffing is a discomfort which happens due to friction of skin against skin or clothes against skin. Areas most prone to chaffing are underarms, inner thighs and nipples. You can use hypoallergic tapes, bandaid or anti chaffing lotion in these areas. For inner thigh chaffing, you can wear cycling shorts.

Fuelling up:

• Follow a diet which provides adequate fuel for the body like carbohydrate, protein and fats. These will provide all the fuel or energy and the required stamina during the event to go all the way.
• Depending on your body requirement, create a diet which will help you push yourself during the challenge. Carbohydrates are stored in the body in limited amounts; hence you need to keep replenishing it throughout the day. Bread, rice, starchy vegetables like potato, legumes, honey, sugar, fruits and juices contains enough carbohydrate to take you along through the day.
• Protein builds muscles and is necessary for people who are just starting a fitness regime or are in the early stages of one. Have more of meat, lentils, eggs, milk products and nuts to increase your protein intake.
• Most of us have enough body fat to help us endure the challenge all the way. Yet you might have to add just a bit of dietary fat to assist in all bodily functions during the event. Confectionery, bakery items and fried food will give you enough fat to last the training and also the main challenge.
• It is extremely necessary to fuel up just before the start of the event. Though only a limited amount of carbohydrates can be stored, it is a good idea to load up on carbohydrates three to four days before the event. On the event day, have a good carbohydrate heavy breakfast one to three hours before the start time.
• While on the trail, keep having small amounts of energy giving food every three to four hours -- like banana, muesli bars, oranges, nuts and chocolates. 

Hydrating well:

• Drinking lots of fluid while you train and during the two days of the challenge is as important than the training itself. Lack of proper hydration can lead to early exhaustion, muscle cramps and dehydration.
• Carry enough water in your daypack to last you between checkpoints. Keep sipping water at regular intervals throughout the trail. The idea is to drink as per plan and not wait to feel thirsty.
• Keep a watch for muscle cramps and early fatigue. It's a sign of the body needing water.
• Recovering well: Finishing the 100km challenge is just part of the whole preparation. It is also important to recover well.
• Do not stop your fluid intake just because you have completed the challenge. Keep taking plenty of fluids for two days after the event.
• Have a snack every half an hour after finishing the event which has carbohydrates to boost your energy.
• Avoid drinking alcohol immediately after the event as it hampers your recovery process.

Safety

• The beauty of the Oxfam Trailwalker is that it takes its participants to the countryside. You drive to the outskits of flourishing cities and connect with nature.
• The route of the Oxfam Trailwalker passes through stunning landscapes, internal trek routes and village mud paths.
  
• On one hand, it will be exhilarating to be out there in the open in nature experiencing the joy of walking on a moonlit night; on the other hand, it becomes imperative to keep your attention on your safety and that of your team members.
  
• By registering for the Oxfam Trailwalker, you have accepted the responsibility of your own conduct and the risks inherent in such an endurance event.
  
• Walking the trail: Be mindful of the trail and where you are going at all times. Since it passes through forested area and various village trek routes, it's easy for participants to get lost especially at night.
  
• Always refer to the trail map. Also be extremely aware of the markings on the trail -- white arrow marks on stones, signages along the way which will mark the kilometers along the route and most importantly look out for pink or orange fluorescent ribbons tied on trees and bushes at short distances.
  
• Mind your step: Be careful of where you step because you would not want to end up with a twisted ankle. Wear trekking shoes with enough ankle support. You can also carry trekking poles to help balance yourself.
  
• Safety for women walkers: We make sure that the trails are scouted well before the event. You will be passing through villages and the locals are very friendly and helpful. However, we would advice women walkers especially all women teams to maintain caution at all times.
  
• Night time walk: At night ALWAYS walk together. It is not only safe; being together is a great motivator. Though it's a full moon night which will provide you with ample light, it's very important that each member carry a headlamp or a torch with good power. A torch/headlamp can also get handy in case a member or a team meanders away from the trail.
  
• Snakes and insects: Watch your step while walking through undergrowths and avoid stepping on snakes. Snakes tend to stay away from places with so much human activity. In case you find one on the trail, it's advisable to keep your distance. DO NOT attempt to handle or capture or harm it. They get aggressive only when provoked. Read up on snakes before you arrive on the trail and keep first aid ready with you. There would be night time insects, mosquitoes and flies on the trail due to vegetation. They are more of irritants than harmful and to avoid them carry insect repellents.

Frequently Asked Questions

registration

1. We are having trouble during registration

Having a problem completing the registration process online? Don't worry. Please send us an email at karank@oxfamindia.org and we will get in touch as soon as possible. In case of any queries, please email Friendsofoxfam@oxfamindia.org

2. What are the pre-requisites to registering our team successfully?

To successfully complete your registration you will need to provide:

- Team name (make sure it's unique!)

- Team fundraising target (choose an ambitious target) Minimum fundraising contribution is set at Rs 80,000

- Complete information of all 4 team members

- Names of those whose name you would require the donation certificates on.

3. What is the joining contribution for the event?

Every team of 4 that signs up for the Trailwalker event will need to make a joining contribution of Rs 20,000 (per team). Joining Contributionis also a donation and your team will get donation certificates for the same; thus is non-refundable.

4. Is there a minimum fundraising amount?

Trailwalker is a fundraising event and each team is raising funds to support Oxfam India's work to reduce inequality. The minimum fundraising contribution per team is Rs 80,000 but the teams in past have also gone out to achieve as high as over Rs 14 Lakh per team.

5. Can our team Joining Contribution be counted as a part of our fundraising pledge?

The joining contribution and minimum fundraising pledge are separate. The joining contribution will not be added to the minimum fundraising pledge. Once registered, every team must raise a minimum of Rs 80,000 before the event. Be assured that all the funds raised through the event will be used to support Oxfam India's work on reducing inequality.

6. Can we get a refund for our joining contribution if we wish to withdraw from the event?

The joining contribution for Oxfam Trailwalker India is not refundable; it is deemed as a donation, and upon registering, a receipt along with a donation certificate, will be sent to you via email. 

7. The joining contribution of Rs 20,000 appears quite steep. What is this supposed to cover?

Oxfam Trailwalker is a fundraising event and all the funds raised are channeled through Oxfam India’s projects in fighting poverty and inequality all across the country.

The event itself is organised on the outskirts of the cities of Mumbai/Pune and Bangalore, set along rural areas with beautiful yet challenging terrain. In most cases these areas lack even basic infrastructure and require considerable development, setup and groundwork to accommodate the event and its participants.

We aim to cover the expenses for the event logistics with the walkers’ joining contribution (Rs 20,000/- per team i.e. Rs 5000/- per walker) and any other support we receive from our sponsors.

Also included in this joining contribution are the expenses for welcome kits and informational material sent all throughout the event. We also provide an array of additional services along the 11 checkpoints (Start, Finish and 9 CPs) on the trail, which include basic facilities such as drinking water, portable toilets, first-aid, tea-coffee and resting areas. The Checkpoints also have medical supplies and ambulances whose expenses are also covered under the joining contribution.

8. Is it mandatory to complete the minimum fundraising pledge?

Yes, it is mandatory to fundraise a minimum of Rs 80,000 per team, to be eligible to participate in the walk. Any team which fails to do so, shall not be allowed to participate.

9. Is there a 50km walk this year for both the events?

Yes. In addition to the 100km (to be completed in 48 hours), we are also conducting a 50km walk that teams of four have to complete within 24 hours.

10. Is there any minimum age to participate in Oxfam Trailwalker?

You have to be at least 18 years old to participate in Oxfam Trailwalker. Anyone over the age of 18, who wants to make a difference in the world, is most welcome to enter Trailwalker. However, there is no maximum age. Our oldest participant in India is a 75-year-old woman.

11. Can there be more or less than 4 members in a team?

Trailwalker is a global event and in all editions "teams of four" is the standard format. This format was developed by the Gurkha regiment for their training to ensure that in case of injury, one person can stay with the injured member and two others can go in different directions of the trail to seek necessary help.

12. If I am alone, can I still register?

Yes, you can register as a single person but you must complete your team before the event commences. We are always there to help you in finding a team, if you need us to assist.

13. Can we change a team member after we have registered?

We accept changes in a team in case of valid reasons. If you want to change a team member, you are allowed to do so up until one week before the event start date; no changes will be accepted after that. You can do this by editing your team profile on the Trailwalker website.

14. How will the Trailwalker organisers keep us informed?

The Trailwalker team will be connected to you all the time. The best way to get all the updates on Trailwalker is through our social media platforms.

Trailwalker website and social media: Our website and Facebook page features the latest news, frequently asked questions, trail information, health tips, nutritional advice, details about Oxfam India's work and much more. Please bookmark the website and check it regularly to get the latest information on all matters relating to the upcoming event.

E-News: