Colin Yarker participated in Oxfam Trailwalker in Hong Kong twice in the past, and now supporting Oxfam Japan enourmosly for the preparation of Oxfam Trailwalker Japan in May. The below is an article in Japan from 'Tokyo Weekender'

■Trabilizing! Oxfam Japan Offers a great hiking opportunity by Colin Yarker

Last May, a friend asked me if I was interested in participating in the Hong Kong Trailwalker in November. This was the first time I ever heard of it, and after training together (our most popular training route was up to Mt. Takao and across to Mt. Jinba), we were very apprehensive. Could we complete the course? Would we get lost?

Well to cut a long story short, we had a ton of fun, experienced many great views of Hong Kong, and met lots of great people. The euphoria as we crossed the finish line was indescribable and highly addictive! Not only did we sign up to run again in Hong Kong the year 2006 (see photo), I also became heavily involved in Trailwalker Japan, and will definitely be on the start line in Odawara at 9am on May 18, 2007.

The cross-section of teams in Trailwalker is unbelievable. At one end of the scale are the die-hard runners. At the other end of the scale you have the strollers who stop and admire the views. The time limit is 48 hours, stop and there are no bonus for being first to finish

Over the last six months, I have run the proposed Trailwalker Japan course several times, and each time I marvel at the beautiful scenery that we miss living in Tokyo. It will definitely be harder than a stroll to your local railway station, but Oxfam Japan have done a great job of putting together a course which will ap0peal to almost everyone. If you ‘ve never tried anything like this before, now’s your chance. Find three other people who have the same objectives as you, buy yourselves some comfortable hiking shoes, and start training. Start with regular short walks (30 minutes) around your neighborhood, and build up from there. And don’t forget to send your application form!

You too can experience the euphoria of crossing that finishing line, knowing that the money you raise will help people currently living in poverty to help themselves. See you at the start line!