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Volunteer

Trailwalker simply wouldn’t be possible without the support of volunteers, who work together with the Gurkhas across the course to run the checkpoints, and provide vital support at the start, finish, and registration areas.

Your volunteer experience

How was Trailwalker 2024 for you? We’d love to hear feedback from our amazing volunteers – click the button to complete a quick survey.

Start Volunteer Survey

Join Team GWT!

Trailwalker is not just an endurance challenge – it is also a great social weekend out in the beautiful South Downs countryside, and rumour has it that the Gurkhas cook up a great curry! Volunteering at Trailwalker will give you all the excitement of event weekend, plus the opportunity to camp out at your checkpoint together with other volunteers and Gurkhas.

When you register you’ll be able to state your preferred location and volunteer shift times. Whether you’re an early bird from Hampshire or a night owl from East Sussex, with a 30-hour event across a 100km route, we’re sure to offer something to suit you.

Sign up here

What happens next?

Register as a volunteer

Click below to fill in the registration form and select your preferred location and shift times.

Register as a volunteer

Spread the word

Encourage your friends and family to sign up and volunteer with you. Join the volunteer Facebook group and get in touch with your Checkpoint buddies.

Join the Facebook Group

Get Trailwalker ready!

We will contact you at the beginning of September with your final instructions, including your volunteer location, shift times and event information. You can also view volunteer briefing notes below

Volunteer Briefing

Route Map

View the full route across the South Downs.

View the route map

Checkpoint Locations

Download maps and directions for the Start, Finish and Checkpoint locations.

View checkpoint locations

From start to finish, Trailwalker 2023 has been such a fantastic weekend. From the organisation before the event by the GWT Events team, through to the always-smiling, resourceful and generous Gurkhas, and our amazing crew who danced, clapped, sang and high-fived every walker and runner from start to finish… It has been awesome.

Alan Volunteer

FAQs

When do I have to be there?

Trailwalker is a full weekend experience, with volunteer roles available from Friday 27th to Sunday 29th September, but you don’t have to commit to the whole weekend – you could just choose a day or night shift. When you sign up you can select your preferred location and shift time.

I can no longer make it – how do I cancel?

If you are no longer available or need to change your shift time please email trailwalker@gwt.org.uk.

How do I join the Facebook group?

The Facebook group is a great way to keep up to date with Trailwalker news and meet other volunteers. Simply search for “Trailwalker Volunteers” on Facebook and request to join the group.

How many shifts do I have to do?

This is a volunteer role so nothing is compulsory and we are grateful for any time you can offer. If you sign up for the full weekend, you may be assigned two shifts between 5 and 8 hours long.

Will I need to travel between shifts?

Most volunteer roles are at single location. However if you choose to volunteer at two locations, for example Checkpoint 1 and the Finish Line, you will need to arrange your own transport between locations.

Is there accommodation available?

Camping is available at the Start line and all Checkpoints on Friday, and all Checkpoints and the Finish line on Saturday night. Toilets are stationed at each checkpoint, but showers are only available at Brighton Racecourse. There is no camping available on Sunday evening so please find alternative accommodation if you plan to stay in the area.

Campervans are permitted, but some locations are unsuitable for caravans, so please let us know if you’d like to bring one. Be aware checkpoints may get very muddy if the weather is wet.

What do I need to bring?

Make sure you have clothes suitable for both extremes of weather. We recommend bringing a raincoat and a warm jumper as well as a sunhat and sunscreen. Bring some good footwear (boots are a good idea) as you’ll be on your feet in fields!

If you are camping, you’ll need to bring your own camping equipment. Please also bring a water bottle, reusable mug, plate, and cutlery (to reduce waste).

Is food provided?

We will provide lunch and an evening meal on Saturday for all volunteers (with veggie options).  Each checkpoint will be stocked with some breakfast items, tea, and coffee, but you may wish to bring some additional snacks to keep you going.

Can I volunteer with my friend?

Yes! On the registration form please make sure you both select the same location and put the name of the friend you are volunteering with.

Can I request a particular location?

The form allows you to choose a preferred location – we will do our absolute best to ensure that everyone’s preferences are met, however we are unable to guarantee this due to the scale of the event.