It hurts but it’s worth it

By Melissa Meehan
MORE than 650 teams of four took part in Oxfam Trailwalker Melbourne on the weekend of 11-13 April.
Their challenge was to walk or run 100 kilometres within 48 hours.
This year’s trail followed a similar route to last year, starting at Jells Park in Wheelers Hill and finishing at Wesburn Park in the Yarra Valley.
A number of teams from the Yarra Valley took part in the challenge helping to raise $1,668,600 for the charity, including teams from the Shire of Yarra Ranges tip, Wandin footballers and many more.
Yarra Ranges Tip Chicks team member Suzie Pietras said that she really enjoyed the experience of the challenge but was unable to complete the 100km.
“It was a wonderful experience but, unfortunately, at the 93km mark I wasn’t able to push my body any further,” Ms Pietras said.
Oxfam Trailwalker coordinator Tamsin Loy said this year’s Melbourne Trailwalker was very successful.
“This year we have broken all records,” Ms Loy said.
“Not only have we had 87.2 per cent of participants and 435 complete teams of four cross the line but the teams’ supporters and donors helped us raise $1.54 million to date, helping Oxfam overcome poverty and social injustice around the world.”
Neighbours actor Ryan Moloney, one of the 2672 participants, set off at 7am on Friday morning and crossed the finish line 26 hours later.
“I have huge blisters and am more exhausted than I have ever been in my life” he said, “but when it stops hurting, I’ll realise it was all worth it,” Mr Moloney said.
Kathy McLinden, national trailwalker coordinator said that she was pleased that weather conditions did not hamper the trail this year after problems experienced last year and in 2006.
“There were 853 amazing volunteers covering 1100 shifts over the weekend who always had a smile and words of encouragement for the walkers,” Ms McLinden said.
“For Oxfam Australia, the safety of our participants is paramount and we cannot thank Parks Victoria, the CFA, the Victoria Police, WICEN, MAS, DSE, Event Medical Services and the SES enough for their extraordinary efforts over the weekend.”