06:00
Age 18 & over
Sign up £65-£300
Fundraise £300
The ultimate team endurance event.
With the Gurkhas by your side, Trailwalker is a unique opportunity to put mind, body, and camaraderie to the test. Following the historic paths of the South Downs Way, you’ll trek or run 100km through some of the most beautiful countryside in England.
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Teams have one aim: to make it to the finish line at Brighton Racecourse within 30 hours.
The course follows the South Downs Way, taking in steep hills and stunning views.
The fastest teams battle it out to become Trailwalker champions. The course record is an incredible 9 hours and 23 minutes.
The Queen's Gurkha Signals provide support. Teams pass through nine checkpoints approximately every 10km.
Each team carries a GPS tracker so they can be tracked live across the course.
Arrive to a hero's welcome with the Gurkha pipers, a medal and a delicious Nepalese Gurkha curry.
Teams are required to have a Support Crew who will meet them at every checkpoint with food and drink, spare kit, encouragement and blister plasters!
Last year 270 teams took part, raising £320,000 for the Gurkha Welfare Trust - helping provide vital support to Gurkha veterans and their communities in Nepal.
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Assemble a team of four plus at least two support crew. Whether you choose to walk with friends, family, or colleagues, register today and make 2025 the year you become Trailwalker strong!
Trailwalker is a monumental team challenge that requires mental and physical preparation, but don’t worry – you'll be supported all the way. Alongside training, fundraising is a fantastic team-building activity!
After registering in person on Friday, you and your team will set off early the next morning. Along the 100km route, there are 9 manned checkpoints where you’ll meet your own support crew. The trail ends at Brighton Racecourse, where you’ll receive status as a Trailwalker.
One or two people (ideally two)
Support crews meet their team at each checkpoint along the route. They carry extra kit (ie. wet weather gear and warm clothing), provide additional food, replenish water supplies, and most of all, motivate and encourage their team. It will be an epic adventure and a big achievement for the crew too, as they support you physically and emotionally for the full 100km.
The vehicle must be no larger than a 12-seater minibus (2.5m × 5.5m). You’ll need enough space for the whole team (in case of drop-outs) as well as for the support crew and equipment.
Empower your team and make a difference - why your business should join Trailwalker:
Are you searching for an unparalleled team-building experience that creates a lasting impact? Trailwalker is your opportunity to engage employees in an inspiring challenge while supporting a great cause.
This challenge is more than just a test of endurance; it’s a physical and mental test that fosters camaraderie, resilience and problem-solving skills – invaluable attributes in the workplace.
Demonstrate your commitment by supporting a well-respected charity.
A unique team challenge that will foster lifelong memories and a sense of shared achievement.
Opportunities to promote your company’s involvement in a charitable event through online and offline channels.
Funds raised from Trailwalker help us provide vital support to Gurkha veterans and their families in Nepal.
A 100km walk is achievable for most people, but you will need to dedicate time to train, especially as a team. Most teams will plan long weekend walks alongside some shorter evening sessions plus you will receive a Trailwalker training guide.
Queen Elizabeth Country Park
Gravel Hill
Horndean
Hampshire
PO8 0QE
UK
Free camping at the Queen Elizabeth Country Park and Brighton Racecourse is included.
The route is displayed on the map above.
Trailwalker covers some of the most beautiful countryside in England, following the historic paths of the South Downs Way over rolling chalk hills and past stunning sea views.
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A fundraising target of £1200 per team (£300 per person) is recommended.
Trailwalker teams fundraise for The Gurkha Welfare Trust which provides vital support to Gurkha veterans, their families and communities in Nepal, enabling them to live with dignity.
The team of dedicated staff journey into the hills of Nepal to deliver essential financial and medical aid to the most vulnerable pensioners. They also work with local communities to provide access to clean water and education.
An online fundraising page will automatically be created at the point of registration, and we will provide lots of hints and tips along the way to help you reach your goal.
You don’t have to wait until the Trailwalker finish line to enjoy a Gurkha curry! Host a Nepali curry night, and ask for donations in exchange for a ticket to your exclusive supper club.
Invite your friends, family, and colleagues to a local pub or community centre for a quiz night. Test their general knowledge, and include a special Nepali-themed round for double points!
Sell your unwanted items via an online platform or at a car boot sale, and de-clutter your home at the same time! Nothing to spare? Ask local businesses to donate items for a raffle or auction.
could fund 1000 metres of pipeline needed to bring clean water to a community, improving sanitation.
could provide a pension for one year, a lifeline for many vulnerable Gurkha veterans and their widows.
could pay to build a school, complete with classrooms, a library, and toilets. The aim is to complete two projects of this scale every year.
Early bird entry fee
£65.00
Valid to 30/03/2025
Entry fee
£75.00
Valid 30/03/2025 - 07/09/2025
Minimum sponsorship
£300.00
Team entry fee
£260.00
Valid to 30/03/2025
Team entry fee
£300.00
Valid 30/03/2025 - 07/09/2025
Minimum sponsorship
£1200.00
Train as much as you can – on your own, with your team or with friends. Even if you are already fit and active, you need to get used to the time on your feet. I highly recommend getting a good pair of walking poles – helps keep you steady on the rough trail and a godsend when you’re tackling the big hills. Remember to take lots of photos – it’s an experience you’ll never forget!
Heather Hitchins, Trailwalker 2022 - GWT Platinum Jubilee Team
Have good walking/trail running shoes and if you’re getting new ones, make sure you break into them well before the event. Train on the routes where you will most likely be walking through the night, so you’re familiar with the path. Have good communication with the rest of your team and your support crew before and throughout the walk. Checklists for each checkpoint helps a lot, so your support crew know what you expect.
Anju Gurung, Trailwalker 2019 – Team Spitfire
Set a realistic target – to get the whole team to the finish in under 30 hours is a massive achievement. Anything quicker is a bonus! Work out a plan based on the time to complete each stage, at a steady pace that everyone is comfortable with, and don’t forget to include rest time at checkpoints. Expect to slow down after 50km and remember the weather may play an important part.
Chris Green, Veteran of 8 Trailwalkers 2015 to 2023 – The Pukka Burhos
Choose your team, initiate your fundraising, and start your training early. Build your training up slowly and steadily, and make sure you train with your support team at least twice before the event!
Piers Lawson, Trailwalker 2019 – Team 24 Hour Dal Bhat Power & Trailwalker 2022 – GWT Platinum Jubilee Team
We are all married to current or ex-Gurkha officers. We really understand the important work that GWT does in Nepal and are all passionate about supporting you. It’s been a pleasure to fundraise, and hope we can nudge our total up a bit further before the weekend!
Team Memsaheb Madness, Raised over £6000 for Trailwalker 2023