Oxfam Trailwalker 2009, an annual charity event where teams of four are required to complete a 100km hike from Sai Kung to Yuen Long within 48 hours.

Gary, one of the four teammates, and I went to do some last minute shopping at this hiking shop the day before the event. We bought new socks, head lights, heaps of energy gel and power bars. Then we got back to the office, organised everything for our support teams to bring us during the event, then I went home. I got home quite early that night and went to bed much earlier than I normally do, ready for the big day!

After months’ of training, it’s finally the big day, Oxfam Trailwalker 2009! We got there in the morning, around 11:00, registered the team and started taking photos with other teams from the company.

At the starting point

There were so many people at the starting point, everyone were doing their stretches and warm ups. Everyone was very excited! People were counting down the final 10 seconds, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 GO~! Off we went! The first 2 sections were relatively easy and the scenery was beautiful. We enjoyed it so much!

It was already night time when we got to Check Point 2 (CP2) and our support team was already there waiting for us! Other teams of the company have already made it there hours before us. It was so tough for them to be waiting for us in the freezing cold weather! They brought us hot food and other supplies. We spent almost an hour there, then we started walking again.

Our first support team check point CP2

Our support team and us!

By the time we got to the next support team check point, we were really behind. Teddy was starting to suffer from his knee injury and was already struggling at that point. We were all very worried about his condition.

Resting at CP3

Cecily with the 3 of us!

It’s section 4 of the MacLehose Trail after this check point and we have never completely practised this section before. I’ve heard that it’s really long and it’s quite a tough one. Turns out, it was really long! My knee was starting to hurt as well and I couldn’t raise my left leg any higher than 6 cm. Teddy was really struggling to move forward and I stayed with him the whole time, just to make sure he’s okay. The sun was already up by the time we got to the next check point. Teddy was in so much pain and wasn’t able to go up or down stairs anymore. We consulted the physiotherapists there and he decided to drop out. After the physiotherapist told me that my pain was only caused because my muscles were too tensed, I was really relieved. Because I was thinking that I’ve injured my joint. Anyways, it was comforting to hear that I would be okay. But he said that he would be very surprised if I could make it anywhere near the finish line. That’s how bad my condition was at that stage.

Teddy left while the rest of us were having a short nap. It was so cold that although we’re lying in those folding beds, we could not fall asleep. We got up after trying to sleep for 45 minutes and started again. At that point, our support team arrived! They walked backwards from where they’ve parked the car to look for us. They’ve been waiting for hours! Our phones had no reception and they got really worried. Then we walked together and arrived at the next support team check point. Changed our clothes, had lunch (what was supposed to be our breakfast) and added supplies. Gary was also suffering from blisters on his feet and decided to leave with our support team. So from this point onwards, there’s only William and me left in the team.

Our second support team

Very soon, we got to check point 6. We asked our colleague Johnny to join us for a walk. We waited for him to arrive and I had another quick nap at the check point. I was really sleepy then. It was getting dark again as he arrived so we started again. Johnny took my back pack for the entire section 7. It was his first time hiking and we were so happy to have him with us. It made our walk so much easier, we had someone else to talk to and was carrying my back pack. Without him, I’m sure we couldn’t go much further. My left leg was really painful and I was slowing the team down big time. They had to constantly stop and wait for me. Every other step was just so painful!

We finally got to CP7, we quickly went over to the medical tent and asked for help. I started giving my left leg massages by myself. Johnny had to leave coz it was already getting really late. The officers offered him a lift back to the city! They were so nice! William and I spent almost an hour at that check point before we took off again. Because I have been massaging my left leg by myself, I couldn’t feel any pain for the first 15 minutes or so. Then it slowly started to hurt again. But we were very familiar with section 6, 7 & 8, so it didn’t take us very long to finish it. But William’s knee was hurting too bad. Towards the end of it, he had to sit of the stairs and use his arms to go down the stairs. After a long discussion, I decided to leave him and ran to the check point ahead to ask for help. I got to the check point then brought back a team of medical officers. They helped William to the check point and examined him. Our next support team weren’t there so I rang and he was still sleeping! So we had to wait! I had a Chinese massage there at the check point while waiting for our support team. That really helped! It was seriously freezing cold that morning! It was 03:30 when we got there and our support team finally arrived around 05:00. My hands were shaking and were spilling hot drinks all over my hand! Anyway, I had some food that the support team brought and discussed with William whether he will continue or not. He was really in pain and if he had continued, he couldn’t have made it within 48 hours. There’s only less than 6.5 hours to go before the 48 hours is up with 20+ km to go. So he decided to quit and I’m on my own for the remaining 20 km.

It was freezing cold and lonely. I started the last 20 km with another team but they had 1.5 hours more than I do. I had no choice but to leave them in order to catch up. I have not done section 9 & 10 before and was worried that I’ll get lost. But the organisers have done a very good job and made very clear signs throughout these 2 sections. I was walking really fast! At one point, I was doing 1 km in 13 minutes. When I got to the final 6 km, I knew I could make it! I was cheering for everyone that I pass, and they were cheering for me too! Everyone have had a tough hike for the past 2 days!

When I got to the final km, I saw some writings on the ground cheering for me! They were drawn by our support team! It was so nice! I was so happy to see those writings! Finsen was walking backwards from the finish line and was helping me take photos!

The final 100m

Almost there... Almost!

Crossing the finish line!

I finally did it in 47 hours and 2 minutes! So tired! Finsen and I went to the hall where they’re giving out the certificates and I was so relieved that the whole thing is finally over! Cecily twisted her ankle while supporting us and Gary took her to see a doctor, so they weren’t there when I crossed the finish line. They came back with William to celebrate with me just a few minutes afterwards.

Receiving my certificate!

YAY!

The official time... 47h 2m

Willam & Gary came back to celebrate with me!

Gary also bought me lunch from Yuen Long. So after my lunch, Finsen drove me home. Dad and my brother were there when I got home. They both thought that I was crazy, putting myself through this. But they were very proud of me! I quickly had a hot shower then collapsed.

I’d like to thank everyone who supported us, our support team, especially Cecily, Finsen, Carol, Nicole, Annie, Wally, Franky & Johnny! Also, everyone that volunteered at the event! You guys were great! Without your support, this event could have never happened and I could not have completed it! And of course, our sponsor, New Balance for sponsoring our company! Thank you so much!

It was a very tough experience! And I’m very proud of myself for completing the entire 100 km. Do it again next year? Well, we’ll see…

PK Lai