Trekkers gear up for Dales charity marathon

But the challenge – and the prospect of raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for charity – is motivating those who have signed up to the second annual Trailtrekker event this summer.

The 100-kilometre sponsored walk in aid of Oxfam, on Sunday, June 6, will see as many as 1,000 people turn out to tackle the route in just 30 hours.

One man has a special reason to do well this year.

Peter Tapper, managing director of Top Dental Products in Steeton, had to pull out two-thirds of the way through the route last year with an injury.

Mr Tapper, 52, said: "I twisted my leg on the ground after 24 hours and I literally couldn't lift my right leg any further. I was distraught."

He put the injury down to excessive training after he spent three months walking the 16-mile round-trip to work every day leading up to the event.

But this year – with a new team, after his friends from last year vowed "never again" – Mr Tapper, from Ilkley, hopes to complete the course in 20 hours.

He said: "We'd like to do it in about 20 hours or under – I'd be very pleased with that."

The demanding course, which begins and ends at Aireville School, Skipton, takes in the steep peak of Penyghent.

The physical challenge has also tempted electrician Steve Wilcock and three of his friends to form a team.

The 36-year-old said: "I wanted to do it for the challenge, to do something to get me back in to training and running again.

"Walking through the night, through the dark, watching dawn break in this countryside – that must be amazing."

And while the goal for most will simply be to complete the course, two teams from Omega Signs in Cross Green will be racing each other to raise thousands of pounds for charity.

Contract manager Lorraine Wilkinson set up Team Omega Babes after staff suggested a race between men and women.

Places are going fast – to sign up visit www.oxfam.org.uk/trailtrekker or www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/trailtrekker2010.