The grass always looks greener on the other side. Comparison and competition are the ugliest twins. Instead of weighing, there is a great joy in celebrating the achievements of our youths. It is essential we speak of unity, practice selfless administration and have faith in our youths
Trailwalker UK 2014 – Gorkhalichorriz Team at the Finishing Point.
Trailwalker initially started as a training programme for the Queen’s Gurkha Signals in 1981 in Hong Kong. In 1986 Oxfam Hong Kong were the co-organisers of the event along with the Queen’s Gurkha Signals and it was from this moment onwards that civilian teams were also able to participate in the event.
Trailwalker team consists of four members who go through several checkpoints as a team and try to finish the 100km route. In the UK, Trailwalker is held across the South Down starting at Queen’s Elizabeth Park and finishing at the Brighton Racecourse. The event is hugely
popular and attracts runners and walkers from all walks of life and from around the world.
Our team consisted of Jayashila (Nanu), Roshni bhaini, Bina sis and I and we called ourselves the Gorkhalichorriz. Our thanks to a certain friend for coming up with such a fabulous name as it was taking us ages to come up with a suitable one. We were inspired by our brothers as they had done the grueling challenge last year. Even being part of the support crew last year was an amazing experience and that was what really inspired me to do the 100km Trailwalker with my friends. The charity associated with Trailwalker was also close to our hearts as it involved raising money for the Gurkha Welfare Trust and Oxfam.
The training phase was rather challenging as we had to juggle with our university and work commitments. It was difficult for us to squeeze training time in our busy and hectic life but determined as we were, we did manage to train for some days every week. Despite living miles apart in the UK, we also managed to train few times a month as a team by either meeting up in Portsmouth or in Kent. Initially, we found it hard going as we were all huffing and puffing even after doing only an hour of walking, but the more we trained, the fitter we got. A few weeks before the event day, we participated in the Gurkha Charity Walk held in Kent as an extra training and besides, it was also a charitable event in honour of our VCs.
Friday 25th July was when it all kicked off. Gorkhalichorriz along with our big Support Crew travelled to the Queen’s Elizabeth Park in Portsmouth and thus the adventure started. Baba being an ex Gurkha Signals soldier meant we came across lots of familiar faces and there was a lot of catching up to do. After the registration, we had to face the task of setting up our tents; but thanks to our dearest brother, it was all sorted out without any major drama. Although food was provided for the night, we had come well prepared with scrumptious bhaat and momos which our mummies had lovingly prepared it – now what can defeat that!
Gorkhalichorriz at Checkpoint 4.
Saturday 26th July saw the morning of Trailwalker arrive The Start Point was buzzing with huge cheering crowds and thousands of other participants. As the bagpipe played and the start horn sounded, all the participants eagerly set off. Being typical girls and well known for our lateness, we started the race 10 minutes late rather than at the starting time of 8:00am. May be it was our nerves on the day that played a trick on us! We were quite nervous at the beginning, but as we started to cover the distance and met other participants on the way and shared jokes, laughter and songs with them, we finally began to calm down and take things in our stride. We found this a fascinating adventure especially after meeting a charming British gentleman en route who entertained us with his classic Nepali jokes, songs and dances - did not expect this at all! The more distance we covered, the hotter it got with the sun glaring down on us and we all suffered some minor sunburn. No matter what, nothing was going to stop us now from finishing the challenge. We knew this was not going to be an easy ride and we did face some quite serious problems along the way suffering from back pains, sprained ankles and blisters but for me it was muscle cramp. This did not dent our hope and resoluteness but rather made us more determined to keep going. At every check points we were welcomed with music, encouragement from our Support Crew and our loving families who met out our every needs - food, water, and change of clothing. We are really grateful to our brothers, sisters and mummies for walking besides us to few of the checkpoints and giving us words of encouragement and instilling in us the determination to finish the course. Joy knew no bounds when we finally crossed the Finish Line – hurray! We did it!
We will forever cherish the unforgettable moments we experienced in Trailwalker 2014. Once again, we express our big ‘Thank You’ to our amazing Support Crew, our lovely friends and loving families for their help and support during our training and the final day. Without them, we would have not succeeded in completing the course. It was a huge challenge and we did it. We managed to raise more than £1500 and we thank each and everyone who helped us raise it for such a worthwhile cause. We completed the course in 28 hours and 58 minutes and it was worth every step. Although the Trailwalker 2014 chapter has sadly come to an end for us, who knows, we may perhaps do it again as Gorkhalichorriz in five to ten years time!!!
With lots of love and good health
Sujata Gurung - Kent
