EXERCISE TRAILWALKER started out as a military training exercise in Hong Kong in 1981, organised by the Queen’s Gurkha Signals. Taking place along the famous Maclehose Trail, the exercise sought to test the endurance and teamwork of the Queen’s Gurkha Signals' soldiers over a long and arduous course. A few years later in 1986, Trailwalker was opened to civilian participation.  When the Queen’s Gurkha Signals moved from Hong Kong to the UK, Trailwalker came too.

Today, the 100km event takes place across the South Downs, with hundreds of civilian teams taking part every year, raising vital funds for the Gurkha Welfare Trust.

It is the ultimate team endurance event.  Setting off from Queen Elizabeth Country Park and stopping at 9 checkpoints along the route to meet their support crews, participants aim to complete the course in under 30 hours.  They receive a hero's welcome at Brighton Racecourse, and are treated to the much coveted Gurkha Curry! 

Trailwalker still forms part of the Gurkha's training exercises, and is also a much-loved cultural event in the UK Gurkha community's calendar. Teams from the Gurkha regiments battle it out for first place, typically completing the course in under ten and a half hours. Serving soldiers also work alongside volunteers to man the checkpoints, cheering teams on and ensuring the whole event runs safely and smoothly.