Support Crew

Behind every great team is an even greater support crew. Support crew members are the unsung heroes of the event; they will provide your team with unconditional love, dedicated support and endless motivation throughout your journey. You could not complete Trailwalker without them!

Things to consider

Choosing your crew

Ideally, your support crew will include people who understand the nature of the event or have even participated themselves. You will need at least two people in each crew — one to drive and one to navigate.

You may have more than one crew working in shifts over the weekend, but remember that only one vehicle pass will be issued to each team at the briefing night. Vehicles will not be allowed into checkpoints without the pass, so plan accordingly if you do have more than one crew.

Involving your crew

Your support crew is an extension of your team, so involve them in your training walks, fundraising efforts and team meetings. Encourage your support crew members to join you on the trail so they can get to know your team and see first-hand the enormous challenge you’re undertaking.

On the event weekend, communicate with your support crew. They’ll be eager to know how you’re progressing and when exactly they should be ready for you.

Preparing your crew

It’s important to prepare your crew for the event so they know what’s expected of them. They will work very hard and get little sleep so take care of them and they’ll take care of you!

Each team registration pack also includes a Support Crew Guide to help your crew members  in their vital role.

And don’t forget to check out the Support Crew checklists for everything your support crew will need.

Acknowledging your crew

The strongest teams are supported by the strongest crews — without them, the journey would be a whole lot tougher. Let them know how important they are and celebrate your success together!

Important event information

Support crews & retiring walkers

Oxfam Trailwalker is a challenging event and a team member needing to retire at a checkpoint is a reality of many people’s Trailwalker journey. When a team member retires, it is the support crews responsibility to take them from the checkpoint.

What your support crew should carry for you:

• Spare clothing, including:
  • socks
  • shoes, in case a team member’s main pair causes blisters or gets damaged
  • cold or wet weather gear
  • extra technical clothing
• Very warm jacket and blanket/sleeping bag for relaxing at checkpoints
• Extra first aid gear
• Spare torch, batteries and bulb; spare batteries and bulbs for walkers’ torches
• Small walker’s repair kit (spare shoelaces, safety pins, string)
• Team food supplies:
• Gas stove for heating food and drinks – please follow checkpoint guidelines as to where stoves can and cannot be used
• Crockery and cutlery
• Hot food (carbohydrate-rich)
• Snacks (sweet, salty, filling)
• Fruit (bananas and oranges provide excellent energy)
• Water and electrolyte sport drinks
• Thermos for hot drinks  – hot water available at the checkpoints
• Mobile phones
• Spare towels
• Spare eyeglasses/contact lenses
• Camera and spare batteries
• Something comfy for the walkers to rest on – picnic chairs, picnic rugs, inflatable mats or waterproof travel rugs and blankets
• Washing bowl, water and soap
• Rubbish bags

What your support crew should carry for themselves:

• Warm clothes
• Hat and sunglasses
• Food and drinks
• Support Crew Information and Map Book
• Support Crew Vehicle Pass
• GPS