From Hong Kong to the South Downs: The History of Trailwalker
Trailwalker is one of the toughest endurance events in the world, born from a tradition of Gurkha strength and grit. But how did a military training exercise become a global fundraising phenomenon?
Where It All Began: A Test of Gurkha Grit
Exercise Trailwalker was established in 1981 in Hong Kong by Brigadier Mervyn Lee. Originally, it was designed as a grueling military training exercise for the Queen’s Gurkha Signals (QGS).
Taking place along the famous Maclehose Trail, the goal was simple but daunting: test the endurance and teamwork of soldiers over a 100km course.
“It is the equivalent of doing two-and-a-half marathons and climbing the height of Mount Everest in 48 hours,” says Major Jeremy Ellis, who helped launch the event in 1980.
From Military Exercise to Global Brand
The event’s popularity soon spread beyond the military:
– 1986: Civilians were invited to join for the first time, with Oxfam Hong Kong coming on board as a co-organiser.
– 1997: Following the Queen’s Gurkha Signals’ relocation to the UK, the first Trailwalker UK took place on the South Downs.
– 1999: The Gurkha Welfare Trust GWT officially joined as a partner, providing checkpoint volunteers and logistical support.
– Today: While GWT and the QGS now run the UK event independently, Trailwalker has become a global brand with races in Australia, Japan, France, India, Korea, and beyond.
Take on the Gurkhas
Trailwalker remains a vital part of Gurkha training. Every year, teams from various Gurkha regiments battle for the coveted first-place trophy. Most professional military teams finish the 100km in under 10.5 hours.
In 2024, winning team Gurkha Allied Rapid Reaction Corps who came through the finish at an incredible time of only 9 hours and 23 minutes! Breaking the 20 year record of 9 hours and 50 minutes.
Trailwalker heroes
The event isn’t just for elite soldiers; it is defined by the incredible individuals who return year after year to support GWT such as:
– Ian Crawford: A legendary supporter who completed a record 19 UK Trailwalkers. In 2017, at age 74, he finished in under 30 hours. His sons now carry on the tradition in his memory.
– Chris Green: At 77 years old, this Gurkha veteran completed his 7th Trailwalker in 2024, having raised over £10,000 for the Trust since 2015.
– John Rymarz: A global competitor who flew in from Australia in 2023 to complete his 19th Trailwalker, adding to a tally that spans Hong Kong and Australia.
Did you know… ?
– In 1999 the cut-off time to complete Trailwalker UK was 36 hours. In 2023 it was 30 hours.
– The 100km route on the South Downs has a total elevation gain of 2,763m – that’s more than twice the height of Ben Nevis!
– The Trailwalker UK course record from 2004 of 9 hours 50 minutes, set by the Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment in 2004 was broken in 2024 by the Gurkha Allied Rapid Reaction Corps who came through the finish at an incredible time of only 9 hours and 23 minutes!
Are you ready to walk in the footsteps of the Gurkhas?
Join us for the next Trailwalker and help raise vital funds for Gurkha veterans and their families in Nepal.