Volunteers play part in making event a success

However, alongside them another group of largely unsung heroes should also be experiencing feelings of satisfaction for their role in the successful weekend. Around 170 volunteers played a vital behind the scenes at Trailtrekker 2011, helping to support the teams in variety of ways.

From handing out refreshments to helping to guide walkers along the route, the small army of volunteers made the event run smoothly, to the eternal gratitude of the teams and organisers Oxfam.

Tom Holloway, of Oxfam, told the Yorkshire Post: “They give up a lot of their time.

“A shift will last eight hours for a volunteer and a lot of these guys end up working two shifts.

“Everyone who takes part really does enjoy the support they get from them and volunteers really do make sure that the walkers get the most from the event.

Mr Holloway added: “One of the most important roles they play is that in the role of personal motivation.

“If we didn’t have the volunteers we would have to employ hundreds of people to help with the marshalling which would mean Trailtrekker is not as profitable as it is for the charity.”

The unpaid workers were seen all over the course throughout the weekend, helping out with proceedings.

And Mr Holloway did not mince his words when describing the role the volunteers play in ensuring the event’s continuing success.

“We couldn’t do it without them,” he said.

“The teams need so much support on the way round that they need the support group and voluntary staff.

“A lot come from the local area but some travelled here especially to make it happen.”