Bengaluru: Touted as the biggest event for a cause, Oxfam Trail Walker India got a brilliant start at the beautiful Nandi Hills in Bengaluru over the weekend. The 9th edition of the event witnessed over 1600 participants comprising over 400 teams with people from different age groups and backgrounds.
The theme for this year’s walkathon is ‘Equality 4All’. Oxfam Trail Walker saw participants take on a trail challenge as a team of four to cover a massive of distance of 100 kms in 48 hours and 50 kms in 24 hours. All this is in support of the projects by Oxfam India on education and health for all, women’s rights and to fight discrimination in the six poorest states of India.
The fastest team to finish the 100kms race was the all men’s team called Heart and Soul Runners, who completed the race in 20:10:11 hrs and came first in the race.
Interestingly, Bengaluru was where the first edition of Oxfam India Trail Walker took place in February 2012. As many as 80 teams participated in the event that year. Over the last eight years, this annual event has become bigger, better and a brand of its own.
Amitabh Behar, CEO of Oxfam India says, “There’s always a special connect with Bengaluru. This city is where it all started for Oxfam India and I am so overwhelmed by the love and support that we have received from everyone who come out to support us every year. We as an organization feel so motivated to push ourselves to do more for our people in need. I would also like to congratulate the fastest team Heart and Soul Runners who finished the race at such a short time, it’s just incredible.”
Oxfam Trail Walker India attracts athletes, fitness enthusiast, homemakers and CEO’s and CFO’s of corporate companies. Many from other Asian countries have flown to Bengaluru to be part of this event.
Over the years, Oxfam Trail walker has successfully developed into a top-notch international fundraiser. It challenges walkers in 17 cities across nine countries including Australia, Belgium, France, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Spain and the United Kingdom.
