Trailwalker 2003 attracted a record number of participants around the world

Hikers and athletes from around the world will be braving the elements once again this November, for Oxfam Hong Kong's annual fundraising marathon, Trailwalker 2003.

Now in its 22nd year, Trailwalker has received a record-breaking 2146 applications - an increase of 10 per cent over last year. Taking place from 7-9 November, some 950 teams of four will aim to finish the 100 kilometre (62 miles) hilly terrain of Hong Kong's MacLehose Trail in less than 48 hours. There are also 30 "Super Trailwalker" teams, who must complete the trail in 18 hours.

Trailwalker has attracted hikers from Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Nepal, Australia, the United States, Finland, Switzerland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, India, France, Italy, Africa and the Chinese mainland.

The largest fundraising endurance event in Hong Kong, Trailwalker tests perseverance as well as creating a strong sense of community service. This year's target is HK$17 million (US$2 million). Since 1898, more than 40,000 participants have raised over HK$158 million (US$20 million) to support Oxfam's various projects around the world.

Spectacular scenery
 
The trail shows off some of Hong Kong's most stunning scenery, running through eight country parks and over 20 hills in the New Territories. Hikers can enjoy night and day views of rugged mountain peaks, stunning beaches and dense woodlands. Participants return year after year for the exhilaration of completing the challenging event.

"This is will be my second Trailwalker, and to be honest it hasn't been the most relaxing experience! But I thrive on a challenge, and it does become a big challenge to beat your time from the previous year," said New Zealander Derek Callow.

"The team that I am in is key, we carry each other (figuratively!) at some point throughout the training and the race, and we thrive off each others' energy. The landscape is spectacular, particularly to overseas visitors not familiar with that aspect of Hong Kong's countryside. But perhaps the most enjoyable thing is the team dinner afterwards when the stories become more embellished the later the evening goes, but ultimately that is what drives us to race again next year," Mr Callow added.

Officiating guest and also participating in the event this year is Chris Moon, an ex-solider described by the Daily Mail as "a hero for our times" Mr Moon lost both his lower right leg and right arm while clearing mines in Mozambique in 1995.