Fastest times 100 km
1. The JMs 17:14 (Paraparaumu, Havelock North, and Palmerston North)
2. Capital Connection 17:26 (Wellington)
3. Striders of Disfunction 17:53 (Australia)
Fastest times 50km
1. Lost in Pace 09:04 (Auckland)
2. Proclaimers 09:32 (Auckland)
3. The Walking Westies 09:34 (Raglan)
Oxfam Aotearoa’s Fundraising Director Ange Janse van Rensburg said:
“Completing Oxfam Trailwalker is an amazing achievement for the teams and something they will remember for the rest of their lives. The fastest 100km team was an incredible group called the JMs who hailed from all over the country and finished at a time of 17 hours and 14 minutes. It is such a thrill to watch the first team cross the finish line and the energy from spectators, friends and whānau was electric.”
Participants in teams of four took on either a 50km or 100km trail across the stunning Taranaki region, from New Plymouth city to Lake Mangamahoe and everywhere in-between. Teams started early Saturday morning and had 18 hours to complete the 50km trail or 36 hours to compete the 100km trail.
“The weather really turned it on for the event over the weekend. Clear skies gave way to the stunning view of Mt Taranaki all weekend,” said Janse van Rensburg. “Even though we had such terrific weather, this year’s event was still a real challenge through tough terrain, which certainly put the teams through their paces. The warm welcome received from New Plymouth was fantastic and will have certainly helped spur teams on through the wee hours of the night. A huge thank you to the New Plymouth District Council, Venture Taranaki and the local community for their support.”
Second to cross the 100km line was Wellington team Capitol Connections local, finishing in 17 hours and 26 minutes. Team Leader Dennis said that it was the team’s encouragement of each other that helped them get through the low points and push them to the end.
In third position, Australian team Striders of Disfunction, who crossed the finish line at 17 hours 53 minutes.
The first team to cross the 50km line was team Lost in Pace, in 9 hours 4 minutes. In second place, the Proclaimers who came in at 9 hours 32 minutes. And third placed was the Walking Westies who crossed the line at 9 hours 34 minutes.
Executive Director of Oxfam Aotearoa, Jason Myers said:
“The teams participating in Oxfam Trailwalker are taking part in something very special. The money raised will go towards Oxfam’s vision of a just, inclusive, sustainable world for everyone, now and for future generations. This means supporting communities to prepare for and survive the immediate threat of disaster. It means helping people rebuild with strength and security – so they can ultimately thrive in the future.
“Oxfam confronts the root causes that keep people poor, and makes sure those on the frontlines of the climate crisis have what they need to adapt. We stand with all those facing inequality and discrimination to make sure that everyone has equal rights and opportunities, and that economies work for all, not some. I can speak from personal experience when I say that this is a life-changing challenge, and every step is worth it.”
Once the teams have recuperated and recovered, teams will continue to fundraise until the cut-off of 1 May 2023.
As of today, Oxfam Trailwalker has so far raised $482,050. Donations to teams for Oxfam’s lifesaving work can be made at oxfamtrailwalker.org.nz
