Prepare your Oxfam Trailwalker 2026!
Posted on April 29 2026
OTW is a Special Fundraising Event
The 100k OTW event was established in 1981 by Brigadier Mervyn Lee in Hong Kong as a training exercise by the Queen's Gurkha Signals, part of the Brigade of Gurkhas of the British Army, which was at the time based in the British colony. It's one of the largest fundraising sporting events in Hong Kong, in 1986, teams of civilians could take part, and Oxfam Hong Kong was invited to co-organize the event. This link to the Gurkha regiment explains the deep connection the event has with the Nepalese teams that regularly compete and dominate the results.
Oxfam Trailwalker is a Challenging Team Event
Participants form a team of four:
- to complete the 100km MacLehose Trail within a 48-hour time limit
- to encourage each other along the way, facing every difficulty together
Preparing for the Oxfam Trailwalker Hong Kong 2026 isn’t just about fitness—it’s about building a routine that helps you handle distance, weather, navigation, logistics, and your own energy management. This guide focuses on race preparation so you can arrive at the start line feeling confident and ready.
How to Kick Butt at Trailwalker?
This is what worked for us. It’s taken me six tries at Trailwalker to get the almost-perfect race, and these were the key tips.
1. Team Selection is Key. Good communication and thorough understanding among team members are essential to avoid any disputes due to differences in expectations.
2. You’ll need a good Three-month Training Block. Last season’s fitness is a distant memory and you maybe packed on a few pounds over summer. Being the weak link at Trailwalker is a sufferfest - don’t be “that guy”. Get out on the course with your team mates and build that bond.
3. It’s a Team Race so RUN as a TEAM. Never leave anyone trailing behind and don’t let Jeff set the pace. Remind your team mates to keep eating and drinking. Leave the egos at the start line and communicate honestly and regularly. The guys were just unreal on race day - we all called it back at some point, and we all immediately slowed it down, no questions asked. Work out a training schedule with teammates and set training targets for the team according to the team’s training progress.
4. Come up with a realistic schedule, then slow down the first 50K. Respect the weather, and slow down the first half some more if it’s especially hot or humid, or anyone is struggling. You’ll lose minutes pacing well at the start but ship hours later on if you blow up. If stuff goes wrong, throw the plan out the window, and adjust.
5. It takes a village. If you can, bring some mega support. Put together a support team and ensure other preparations as well as the supporting plan and schedule are in place. If support members or friends join any of your practices, be sure that they are sufficiently prepared as well to ensure their safety and that they can enjoy the walk.
What to Wear and Carry?
- Plan what you are going to carry and what others will carry, then take turns carrying your shared items.
- It is most important that you carry sufficient water and warm clothes.
- Plan what to wear, remembering that the weather can change dramatically during the event. You will need warm clothing to change into, especially if your clothes become wet.
- Even in November, daytime temperatures can reach as high as 30°C. A hat or an umbrella and sunglasses are essential for protection from the sun.
- A reliable hiking pole can be very helpful for long walks like this.
- Water provides ideal rehydration but occasionally, a sweeter energy drink makes all the difference to a deflating spirit and tired legs. Lightweight, high-energy bars, or pieces of fruitcake are also helpful. However, fatty and high-protein foods should generally be avoided.
- Knee and ankle bandages are useful for preventing injuries to muscles, ligaments, and joints.
- Basic first aid will be provided at CPs. It is recommended that you also bring your own first aid kit and medicine in case of injuries or emergencies on the trail.
- Prepare proper headlamp, especially Tai Mo Shan foggy condition. Ensure your light works and batteries are fresh. Fog increases “micro navigation errors.” Use team roles (lead/spot/check map)
*You are strongly advised to purchase your own insurance prior to participating in the event.
Mind Your Feet
- Wear a pair of good hiking boots or running shoes. Make sure your feet are well adapted to them before the event by wearing them on practice walks.
- Experienced walkers have found that double socking helps enormously. Some walkers recommend wrapping the feet with adhesive bandages while others suggest that you massage your feet with Vaseline prior to walking. Try these during your training sessions and pick what works best for your feet.
- A pedicure a week before the event will help you avoid toes injuries when going downhill.
- Changing socks as often as possible can help prevent blisters. Never try to remove a blister; instead, place a plaster over it.
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