Last Saturday half a dozen intrepid walkers plus one stuffed sheep (their mascot, Dylan) gathered at the University Church to start their attempted walk from Oxford to Cambridge in the annual Varsity March which raises funds for the Gatehouse in Oxford, and a second homeless support charity called Jimmy's in Cambridge.
The participants in this event are a mix of current and former students who are members of Cambridge University Rambling Club or Oxford University Walking Club. Amazingly each year a few hardy souls manage to walk the full 132km (82 miles) in around 40 hours over a single weekend. This year a total of 4 walkers completed the whole distance – the event organiser Stephanie, Adam, Nineli and Dylan the sheep. Stephanie has now managed an incredible 19 finishes, a record only surpassed by Dylan the sheep who has 2 more under his belt. But why do they take on such an extreme physical challenge?
Stephanie explains.
“We all like walking and we love a challenge, which sums up the Varsity March. Walking over 130 kilometres is a stretch even for experienced walkers. The added bonus is that we raise funds for two very important local charities which are doing a great job supporting homeless people in Oxford and Cambridge.”
Its amazing that anybody manages to walk the whole distance, particularly this year in the blazing heat, and we'd like to say a massive thank you to all of the walkers, and congratulations in particular to Stephanie, Adam, Nineli and Dylan.
It’s not too late to donate via the event’s JustGiving page so please give generously in recognition of the walkers’ magnificent efforts.
