Newsletters

There's only 7 days to go ... so if you're not registered yet, or you haven't paid your rego fee, what are you waiting for? Sign up with your friends and family and get out onto the trail for some fresh air and final prepararation walks. Don't forget to update your Teampage, tell us a bit about your team and then use the Email template to get those donations cranking.

50km sound scary? Form a relay team and walk part of the trail with friends

Grab your kids and walk the family friendly legs
(7.5km or 15km)

Take the challenge, get your 'grrrr' face on and tackle
the full 50kms

Are you walking in memory of someone who has been lost to suicide?

If so, we will be providing yellow ribbons that you can attach to your clothing or back-pack to signify that you are walking in memory of a loved one. Yellow ribbons are recognised internationally as the symbol of suicide prevention.

• BIZCOOL 100% Breathable Quick Dry Polyester Sports single jersey knit
• Snag resistant fabric
• Contrast twin stripe from shoulder to sleeve cuff
• Contrast curved panel from raglan curve to back of tee
• Side splits
• Rapid Evaporation of moisture - Easy care

• 4 Panel, pre-curved Peak
• Breathable fabric
• Adjustment Strap

• Pre-Order your hats and shirts for pickup at the START

If you would like a free DVD with promotional information to use in your church, community group, gymnasium, school or other gathering then simply request one here. The DVD contains a library of video clips, Powerpoint slideshows, sample newletters, artwork and more.

If you were at last year's event you might have noticed an orange flash wizz past you, as you and your team were trudging your way through the 50km course. That 'flash' was none other than the incomparable, Brian Glover. BG has the following notches in his belt - 134 Marathons, 57 Ultra Marathons - and all completed since he turned 54 (he is now 71 years young). Respect!

We welcome big hearted Brian back to GtEM for 2013 - say gidday if you see him about at the START.

When walking section 3 of the trail, you are told to head up and out of Doongalla via Channel 10 track (which exits Doongalla Homestead from the top car park) - this is point (1) on the mapbook. Point (2) states that you will meet Dandenong Creek Trail at which point you will head right. Unfortunately, due to severe track damage, this section of the trail is closed to the public. It will be open for May 11. Go to the Trail Updates page to check out the suggested detour in place in the meantime.

This year's walk is again supporting Focus on the Family Australia and their teenage suicide prevention program, 'Born Survivors'. They tackle the challenging issues of teenage suicide, binge drinking, drugs, pornography, depression, bullying and teenage sexuality head on. They focus on academic and research excellence and their major programs undergo ongoing validation by independent experts. They concentrate on preventative education to help parents and teens recognise and stop crises before they happen.

Aussie Disposals help us with discounted event supplies and prizes to reward our hard working fundraisers. In recognition of all your hard work, the top 3 individual fundraisers will win donated prizes totaling $600. Visit one of the 39 stores or shop online ...

Restox are great supporters of the event supplying us with paper cups, paper bags and other helpful products. If you need office supplies, washroom products, cleaning chemicals, tissues, toilet paper, soaps, cups, bags, copy paper, CDs, stationery, the list goes on ... then get in touch with the good folks from Restox on (03) 9755 3566.

We get our racing bibs from Ablazeprint. They specialise in race numbers and race bibs for all forms of sporting events and they have one of the fastest turnarounds we've seen from suppliers! So if you need bibs for your next event, try these guys out.

Be Prepared!

The temperature can drop dramatically in the Dandenong Ranges and a change in weather conditions can see the temperature plummet. If you are unable to warm yourself you may suffer hypothermia. Symptoms can include fatigue, shivering, muscle spasms, clammy skin, stammering and hallucinations. If you become hypothermic (1) change into dry clothes, (2) cover your head, face, neck and body with warm clothing, (3) consume hot drinks and high calorie food to maintain body temperature. Seek help by contacting the phone number printed on the rear of your event bib if you are suffering this condition. Watch the weather conditions and be prepared for poor weather - carry wet weather gear and warm clothing.