Oxfam Trailwalker is a global fundraising programme that spans across 17 locations in nine countries. The 100 km walkathon attracts runners, marathoners and fitness enthusiasts as well as homemakers, CEOs, students, doctors and even cancer survivors. It features teams of four who will have 48 hours to conquer the mammoth task. This year, the India edition will be held from December 13-15 in Mumbai and February 7-9 in Bengaluru. Sakal Times catches up with a few participants of the mega walkathon event.
AVINASH DESHMUKH
Avinash Deshmukh has participated at Oxfam Trailwalker six times. A regular marathoner, last year, Deshmukh associated with Oxfam as a trainer for all participants from Pune. He started his Oxfam journey in Bengaluru in 2013. “I started losing weight six months before the event. I underwent a transformation which enabled me to be more fit for the walk,” Deshmukh says.
He has also been a part of the fastest overall and fastest all men’s team at Oxfam Trailwalker 2017-18. “Coming first was never a target for us. Medals do not define success for us. It is all about understanding each other’s limits as a team,” he says.
Speaking about the 100km walkathon, Deshmukh says, “It’s not really a difficult task. Sure the numbers look big but it’s achievable. It’s all about the mind game. People should really give the event a shot as it is a life fulfilling experience. The landscape of the trail is extremely beautiful and it’s a great feeling to walk together as a committed team. Moreover, it’s not necessary that you have to be absolutely fit. Of course, people must be careful along the course of the trail.”
SUHAS WAGH
Suhas Wagh, Plant Manager of Dura Auto calls the walkathon a challenging experience. “I saw the event as a personal milestone. It’s a tough walk, people are bound to get tired, not just physically but also mentally. The event requires teammates to support and motivate each other. Working as a team is quite crucial in the walk,” says Wagh.
Speaking about the training sessions that precede the event, Wagh says that people train for months in dedication before the actual event. “People decide on a couple of training sessions during the weekend and plan a training schedule for the following week, which they are dedicated to.”
Dura Auto is participating with four teams this year as they see the Walkathon event as a great team-building exercise. “People were eager to participate in this event. All of them wanted to enter the event out of their sheer will. For a 100km walk, you cannot force or coerce people to join, it all depends on the individual. We are certain that next year we will come back with double the strength,” says Wagh.
“It’s imperative that people prepare well as consistency is a key factor in the walkathon. People need to train and prepare their body for the walk so as to avoid injuries. In fact, four people from Dura Auto walked from Pune to Goa as a form of training session. Being healthy is also a factor that should not be overlooked by people,” Wagh says.
ROHISH KALVIT
Rohish Kalvit has undergone serious knee surgery, with a rod inserted in the leg in the recent past. But that has not deterred him. Not only did he go on to complete the 100km last year, he’s been very actively involved in the practice walks this year — sharing experiences and tips with the walkers.
“Truth be told, last year I wasn’t sure if I could actually complete the race. Throughout the walkathon, I went through several emotions. I kept asking myself why I participated in the event in the first place. But once I crossed the finish line, I realised how fulfilling the walk was. That’s why I made up mind that I would participate in the event once again,” he says.
He completed the 100 km last year in 36 hours and 40 minutes. The ligament injury had made him more cautious for the event. “I performed extra exercises for my right knee so that I could prepare my body for the same. I was also careful about treading on uneven surfaces and followed the advice of physiotherapists for my knee,” he recalls.
Speaking about the difficulty of the event, Kalvit says, “People say it’s easy but that’s not always the case. Participants need to practise for the event and should also have ample patience during the same.”
The 100km walkathon is divided into 10km checkpoints. Each checkpoint is equipped with physiotherapists and medical aid. Volunteers also provide participants with fruits and refreshments to help them along their walk.
“People from all ages partake in the event. Meeting so many people and spending two days with nature is a beautiful experience. Last year, while we were walking, the enthusiasm of people around motivated us. Walking together as a team under the soft moonlight and with no phones was an incredible feeling,” Kalvit says.
