The Lesmurdie man took part in the event last year, the first time it was held in WA, and was keen to come back to give the 100km endurance challenge through the Perth Hills another go.
‘I enjoy being a role model, as the oldest walker in the oldest team,’ he said.
He said the chance to reconnect with nature also drew him back.
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READ NOW‘We are encouraged to keep together as a team but sometimes there is no one around,’ he said.
‘To prepare for the event, I am about to walk 40km and stay in one of the huts between Perth and Albany. Each has three walls, they are open, it is really roughing it but it I love getting in touch with nature.
‘I have done it before and I went a week and didn’t see one living soul, it is like you are the last person on Earth, it is like nowhere else in the world.’
The retiree recalled the exhilaration last year when he crossed the finish line.
‘People have asked me why I would want to do this again and I have a laugh,’ he said.
‘At the end of the day it is hard work but I remember the feeling of achievement, the buzz, the adrenaline rush as the four of us actually ran across the finish line in the pouring rain, all aches and pains momentarily forgotten.’
Oxfam Trailwalker co-ordinator Carrie Fletcher said the event attracted more than 8500 participants nation-wide each year.
‘It is not a race to see who can finish fastest but instead a test of teamwork; teams of four must start together, stick together and finish together within 48 hours,’ she said.
She said last year more than 1500 people participated in the Perth event and raised more than $1.5 million.
The event will be held from October 10-12. For information or to register a team, visit www.trailwalker.oxfam.org.au or call 9262 8210.