THE JLF TREK
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS/

How do I register for The JLF Trek?

Registration is simple. Visit The JLF Trek event page on our website and sign up via the ‘Register’ button. If this is your first JLF event, you will be asked to create an account. If you already have an account, login to register using the link on the registration page or the icon on the top menu bar of our website. The registration process takes you through the steps to set up your personal profile, a fundraising page for yourself or a team, and importantly requires you to read and accept the terms and conditions of the event.

Can we take part as a team?

Absolutely! Registering as a team is a popular option for many people.

To register a team, nominate a team manager to register for the event first. During the registration process the team manager can set up the team. Once the team is set up, other team members can register and elect to join the team when they register for the event.

If you decide to start or join a team after you have registered, you can make changes to your registration through your account profile.

  1. Log in via the icon on the top menu of our website.
  2. Under ‘registrations’ select ‘start team’.
  3. Enter the team name, upload a team photo and words for the team fundraising page.

Is there an age limit on entry to The JLF Trek?

Entry is permitted to ages 14 and over. (Participants between 14 – 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.)

Am I fit enough to do The JLF Trek?

The JLF Trek is an endurance event designed to challenge you physically and mentally. A medium to high level of fitness is required but with the right preparation and attitude you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve. Whether you complete the full two-day event or a shorter section, this event will leave you inspired and ready to take on the world.

Please make sure you prepare well in advance and get your body used to long distance walking on varying elevations and surfaces. Once you are registered you will have access to our 8-week training guide to help you prepare.

If you have a pre-existing injury or illness, please seek medical advice before commencing registration.

How do I log in to my profile?

You can log in to your profile by clicking the person icon on the top menu bar of our website and enter the username and password created when you registered for your first JLF event. Your username is your email address, which is unique to your profile. If you have forgotten your password, you can reset it on the log in page by clicking ‘Forgot your password?’.

How can I make changes to my personal or team fundraising page?

Log in to your profile account to make changes to your personal or team fundraising page. The team manager is the only person who can make changes to the team fundraising page.

How do I fundraise for The JLF Trek?

As soon as you register for The JLF Trek you will receive a link to your fundraising page via email. Kick start your fundraising by sharing the link with family, friends, colleagues by email or on social media.
You can hold a fundraising event for your trek on any day, at anytime and anywhere before your trek. It could be a neighbourhood street party, bake sale, a morning tea at your workplace, a movie night or a lemonade stall – whatever takes your fancy – but you will be raising funds to help eliminate bowel cancer.

To download our fundraising guide click here

What does my registration fee cover?

The JLF Trek is a fully supported event. Your registration fee covers part of the cost of staging the event, including safety and management, food and drinks at checkpoints, bus transfers and the finish line celebration. It is not a donation and is not tax deductible.

Coach transport (if applicable) to your nominated start line is included in your registration fee. Please refer to your hike guide or the trek homepage for specific times and dates.

Why is there a minimum fundraising target?

Your registration fee covers a large part of the cost of The JLF Trek, it is not a donation. Fundraising is vital to the Jodi Lee Foundation and the work we do to raise awareness about bowel cancer and save lives. The JLF Treks are our major fundraising event and each year the events sell out. The minimum fundraising target is a guide to help all participants work together to achieve our overall target for the event. Some of you will smash this and some might not get there. We just ask that you give it your absolute best shot, as every dollar raised really does help.

Where does the money go?

We rely on the generosity of donors to fund initiatives that raise awareness about bowel cancer and the importance of early detection. A small portion of all donations covers our administration costs. For more information, please refer to our Annual Review published on our website.

Where do I stay for the weekend?

We always consider local accommodation options when we are deciding where to hold The JLF Trek each year. You are responsible for making your own accommodation arrangements. If you would like to make a weekend of it, you will find some wonderful places on websites like AirBNB or Booking.com.

When and where does the event briefing take place?

Thursday 12 October 2023
Daylesford Town Hall
76 Vincent Street, Daylesford
Bibs and hat (if ordered) collection 5pm – 6pm
Briefing 6pm – 7pm

Where do I get my event bib?

Thursday 12 October 2023
Daylesford Town Hall
76 Vincent Street, Daylesford
Bibs and hat (if ordered) collection 5pm – 6pm
Briefing 6pm – 7pm

What happens if I need to pull out of the event?

Please email us at [email protected]

Will the event be cancelled if the weather is bad?

Be prepared to trek in sunshine and in rain. You can check local weather forecasts via the Bureau of Meteorology. If extreme weather is forecast, we may have to cancel the event to keep you safe. 

View our extreme weather policy information here

How do I find the Trek route?

It is compulsory to have the Ride with GPS app installed on your mobile phone, with the hike maps downloaded before the start. This is a free service if you follow the links we provide a few weeks before the event to the Jodi Lee Foundation account.

You will trek along existing trails that are identified with existing trail markers. We add bright pink JLF Trek markers to help you locate the trail where it may deviate.

What happens if a change needs to be made to the trek route?

At times, we may need to change or amend the trek route to keep you safe. This may be due to extreme weather conditions, changes to the trail or track we are accessing or other factors outside of our control. Our goal is to find you the best route along some of Australia’s finest hiking trails and for you to finish in daylight hours. Sometimes the locations that suit our start and finish lines or checkpoints are affected or altered because of circumstances outside of our control. We endeavour to advise you of these changes where possible.

The trek route may vary from the maps provided, but it will be marked accordingly and our volunteers will direct you to follow the route as marked.

While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of distances and maps, we have found that every app provides a slightly different result. Accordingly, we cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions, or for any loss or damage suffered by anyone as a result of the publication of maps or guides, or as a result of reliance on the information provided.

What should I wear?

Walking shoes or boots, trail running shoes or sneakers are recommended, and make sure they are well worn in before the event. We suggest you wear leggings or hiking pants and pack layers as it is usually cold in the morning and afternoon but can warm up during the day.

Avoid cotton: cotton doesn’t breathe, and is probably the worst fabric you could choose for hiking. When cotton gets wet it is cold and clammy and will not dry. Merino wool is best as it absorbs sweat and allows the moisture to evaporate, keeping you nice and cosy. Merino wool helps you stay cool in the heat and warm in the cold.

Be prepared to carry what you wear. We cannot be responsible for your belongings during the event.

Are there compulsory items I need to carry?

Yes, you must carry the following items:

  • Event bib which must be fixed on your clothing or backpack so it is visible at all times
  • Minimum 750ml water bladder or bottle which can be refilled at each checkpoint
  • Basic first aid kit (blister pads, sunscreen, bandages, pain relief)
  • Personal medication (EpiPen, Ventolin etc)
  • Emergency space blanket
  • Mobile phone, downloaded with the Emergency+ app and Ride with GPS app

These items are not compulsory, but we recommend you carry:

  • Wet weather gear
  • Spare socks
  • Vaseline or body glide for your feet
  • Spare plastic bag for wet clothing
  • Small torch and whistle
  • Cuffs or gaiters
  • Food that you specifically require, in addition to the catering provided at checkpoints or for your specific dietary requirements

How do I get to the start line?

Please refer to your hike guide, or the ‘About the Trek’ page on the JLF website for specific details and times. Depending on your registered distance the event will either provide a coach transfer to your start location, or you will be trekking directly from your suggested carparking location.

What should I expect at the checkpoints?

You will be greeted by our event management team and volunteers where, for safety reasons, you will be required to sign in. Services are provided at the checkpoints as follows:

  • Toilets, often portable because of the remote locations we trek through
  • Basic first aid provided by St John who are there to help you with blisters and the like
  • Transport back to the finish line if you need to withdraw from the event
  • Water to refill your water bottles
  • Light catering, including gluten free and vegan options for participants who have pre-identified these requirements during the registration process

What if I have specific dietary requirements?

When you register, please let us know if you have specific dietary requirements and we will do our best to accommodate you at the checkpoints and finish line celebration.

How long do I have to complete The JLF Trek?

All participants must reach the finish line in daylight hours. To do so, you must pass through each checkpoint by the nominated closing time which is published in the Trek Guide approximately four weeks prior to the event.

What if I am injured or unable to complete the distance?

For your safety, we ask that you always trek with at least one other person. If you are unable to complete the distance for any reason, speak to our event management team at a checkpoint and you will be transported to the finish line.

As we often trek through remote locations with limited vehicle access, it is important that you do not continue past a checkpoint if you have an injury or other health concerns, or are otherwise worried about your ability to make it to the next checkpoint.

St John Ambulance volunteers are located at each checkpoint to provide first aid.

If you do find yourself in trouble between checkpoints, contact our command centre on 0456 169 640 or emergency 000 or 112 for assistance. These numbers are printed on your event bib and in the Trek Guide which you should print or save on your mobile phone. Use the Ride with GPS or Emergency+ app to give your exact location details and wait for help to arrive.

What toilet facilities are available on the trek route?

Toilet facilities are usually available at the start and each checkpoint location.

What can I expect at the finish line?

On Saturday, you will be treated to a celebration at the finish line which runs until approximately 6.00pm, complete with food, drinks and live music. You can buy tickets for your family and friends to celebrate your achievement with you. Tickets will be available closer to the date, we’ll email you a link to purchase tickets.

Participants and ticket holders will receive two free celebratory drinks and delicious catering.

Will my mobile phone work?

Mobile coverage depends largely on network coverage which is not always possible due to remote locations or blackspots. We ask that you download the “Emergency+” app which will provide your GPS location in the case of an emergency. It is compulsory to download the Ride with GPS app, pre-loaded with Trek route maps.

When mobile coverage is limited, phone batteries deplete quickly. Trekkers are encouraged to bring a portable mobile phone charger.

Do I need insurance?

While we undertake all possible measures to ensure your safety, you are responsible for your own health and wellbeing in the lead up to and during the event. The event STRONGLY recommends you have ambulance cover. Please note that in the event of a medical incident whereby emergency medical transport is required, Ambulance SA / VIC will charge the individual participant for this service.

Is alcohol permitted?

Alcohol is not permitted on the trek route or on transport to/from the trek route. At the finish line celebration, participants and ticket holders will be provided two free alcoholic drinks.