On Friday, July 23rd at 9 a.m. a magnificent mass of almost 500 runners, joggers and hikers charged up the slope at Snow Valley near Barrie as the Oxfam Trail Walker event began. Teams of 4, intent on going 100 kilometres in less than 48 hours started their trek to Orillia in a mass start that was witnessed by another 200 or so supporters, volunteers and Oxfam workers. In less than 48 hours, part or all of 111 teams had crossed the finish line and much of the trails used had already been restored to the same or better condition.
In reality, months of planning by organizers, volunteers and participants had taken place to make the event a success. A route was set, volunteers recruited, roles assigned and information was provided so that teams of 4 participants could enter, raise the donations required to participate (at least $2500 per team) and recruit their support teams. It is worth noting that the participation of 118 teams more than doubled the entries from last year when 47 teams participated in Canada for the first time.
In addition to raising over one third of a million dollars for Oxfam, a worldwide relief agency, it raised awareness of the Ganaraska and other trails. Participants were mostly in their 20s and 30s but at least one was older than 75 and all worked to complete the distance in under two days. In doing so they and their support teams came to realize what good fortune we have in Ontario with the trail system that exists.
Organizers and volunteers from across Ontario made plans and set the route before the event began and engaged in a massive effort to organize and prepare for the registration, support and safety of the participants. Coordination between public and private resources such as police, EMS, trail associations, schools, ski hills, campgrounds and municipalities took advantage of the strong network of services we have in Ontario.
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