Story

Story 2. Forever Challenge team. “Together we will carry on”

 

 

May 2017, we met a team with relentless energy. Meet the "Forever Challenge" team.

It's a daunting task, but they didn't hesitate to take part. It's especially challenging for them, Kim Mi-sun who is visually impaired and her husband Kim Hyo-'100km in 38hours' geun as well as his friends.
Oxfam trailwalker's 100km competition requires 4 people to team up and complete the race. Needless to say teamwork is crucial. The team completion title is something that's hard to attain.

Despite her disability, her husband is eager to go the distance together. Their friends managed to complete the first Oxfam Trailwalker 100km contest in 2017 together as a team. Come May, in Gurye, the second competition will be their proving ground. Challenge accepted, by the forever challenge team. 
 

No slowing down in 2018 Gurye heats up as they take on this grueling challenge.    

 

Okm : How it all starts

WHO?
The story of Forever Challenge team starts with Kim Mi-sun. Diagnosed with Bechet's disease in 1988 at the age of 29, she was expected to completely lose her vision in 10 years.  To be unable to see, having to adjust to a life of darkness at age 29. It was a hard reality to swallow. Knowing she can only envision what she could see all around her all her life only in her mind, through memories, the pain became unbearable as time passed.        

※ Shining a light during that dark time was her husband※

"It was an extremely difficult reality for me to accept. As I lost my vision my whole world came crumbling down. During those unbearable days, my husband spoke to me.

That he'll be my hands and feet and eyes, to trust and depend on him.…!

I still remember his quivering voice. That's when I found the strength to carry on. I learned about the marathon by chance, then began running with him.”
 

Kim Mi-sun not only took part in the 2017 Oxfam Trailwalker 100km event, she is a well-known figure among runners, having completed more than 300 marathons. But what makes her participation extra special is her courage to take on such a daunting challenge. Her husband Kim Hyo-geun is a hopeless romantic who holds her hand and runs with her in the marathons. The members of her Forever Challenge team: Chun Gap-yeol and Song Eung-seop have become inseparable friends with the couple, having taken part in numerous marathons together.


  When I heard about Oxfam Trailwalker 100km and decided to take part, people around me told me I shouldn't. Because the competition involves mountainous terrain, it could be dangerous for someone with visual disabilities. But when I heard their concerns, it motivated me to prove them wrong. "Who says I can't? I'll show them all." That was my mentality. I felt it would be extra meaningful for someone like me to be a part of it. Oxfam Trailwalker's purpose is to help make the world a better place one-step at a time. I've been the recipient of such assistance and kindness, so I fully understand the meaning of giving. It was a very important and deeply meaningful experience for me. 

 

HOW?
When I made the decision to take part, I told an employee of an association for special sporting activities about it, to start donation funding programs. Word spread fast, and more and more people took part. I was able to collect some 500 thousand won in donation funding quite quickly, just like that. I could see clearly how small kind gestures gather to create an amazing ripple effect. How we can make a difference together.

 

 

38km mark of hell: Fighting the urge to call a chopper

 

My strategy was to find the easier routes and run hard. I can't tackle mountain terrains like other participants due to my disability. Another motto was to pick up the pace when the path is clearer.

I kept on going and going, but the Piagol Valley between checkpoints 2 and 3 was my gravest challenge. It was so steep that I had to be overly dependent on my husband. He was so physically drained, he almost got cramps in his thighs because he had to support my weight. I'd be lost without him.
 

During that grueling moment, near the 30km mark, I was suddenly reminded of a story. Over in Kenya children travel 30km every day just to get fresh water. Picturing the little ones treading rough paths for that great a distance every single day jsut to get water? What a cruel fate.

 

The 74km mark: Battle against drowsiness

 

 

At checkpoint 7, 4 of us decided to take a break. But when you lie down after walking for so long, you temperature drops. Thankfully one of the volunteers lent us some blankets. 4 people tucked into one blanket. An hour of sleep never tasted so sweet. Think about how dirty we must have been after running and walking for 20 hours. But without hesitation, the volunteer gave us the blanket. We were so grateful, and it provided everything we needed at that point. 😊
 

"This is how you show support" I broke into tears covered in that blanket.I still recall that moment vividly.
Just one of many other amazing memories from the trailwalker experience.

 

100km ahead

 

We managed to complete the race in 28 hours and 23 minutes. To be able to complete the 100km trailwalker instilled a new found level of courage. With it, I was able to take part in the Geoje trail run covering 70km in June, then took on a very challenging Seoraksan mountain trail in October with my husband and friends. Of the 14 hours, 7 of it was spent soldiering through the rain. That's what made the accomplishment even more special. All this would not have been possible were if I didn't gain a new level of strength and courage through the trailwalker. I plan to run in a marathon in Taiwan in April 2018. It looks like the 2017 trailwalker challenge propelled me to take on greater challenges.  😊

 

 

---

Another 100km in 2018: Let's spur on greater changes together

 

 

The Oxfam Trailwalker instilled in me a strength I did not know I possessed. The strength and courage to take on bigger and bolder goals. Whenever life's challenges stand in the way, I'm reminded of that experience we shared, and I find renewed strength and determination to carry on.

“The Piagol Valley was so steep. Still, I conquered it. So many who traveled it with me, and so many others who cheered me on. And we helped so many others through it.”

When I was down, I could quickly pick myself up with the help of others to keep on going. I found myself returning the favor to others in similar situations. We kept going like that, supporting each other to keep each other going as a team. The 2018 Trailwalker helped make lasting and priceless memories. I want to experience this feeling all over again in May at Gurye. I look forward to working with my team and help spur on changes.  
I’d love to take part in all Oxfam Trailwalkers held in 18 cities in 12 nations.  
To play my part in helping others, there should be no full stop in such activities.

 

2018 Oxfam Trailwalker & Team 'Forever Challenge'