Day 2 of Ultra Walk
On the route
Setting off from South East Water
The Purpose Behind Every Kilometre: Chris' Ultra Walk Preparation
Preparing for the Ultra Walk has involved much more than simply building up the kilometres. One of the trio walkers, Chris Edwards has been carefully considering everything from nutrition and gear to mindset, ensuring he's as ready as possible for the challenge ahead.
A recent consultation with his dietitian provided valuable guidance on how to fine-tune his nutrition and prepare for the demands of the event. While acknowledging that online advice can be hit and miss, Chris appreciated her reminder that sometimes there is useful information to be found amongst the noise. With that support, he's been refining his food plan and building a shopping list to help fuel the long days on the trail.
Practical preparations have also been high on the agenda. Chris has assembled sun-safe long-sleeved shirts, compression gear and spare socks, while anti-chafing products are on the way. He's also weighing up the option of a second pair of walking shoes, recognising that comfort can make all the difference when covering such significant distances.
With support from WaterAid, Chris has largely mapped out the food, drinks and snacks he'll need throughout the walk. Knowing he'll be covering close to 100,000 steps over two days, he's focused on making sure he's properly fuelled, hydrated and prepared for whatever conditions come his way.
Beyond the physical preparation, Chris says mindset has become one of the most important parts of his training.
One of the approaches that has worked best for him is simply slowing down and taking in the world around him. While he may occasionally listen to a podcast, he often finds that the rhythm of walking allows his mind to clear and focus on the present moment.
Rather than dwelling on the physical challenge, Chris has learned to appreciate his surroundings. The training routes have taken him through scenic natural environments and alongside waterways, offering opportunities to reflect while watching others enjoy the outdoors.
For Chris, those moments have become an unexpected highlight of the journey. They serve as a reminder not only of the challenge ahead, but also of the importance of water and the purpose behind every kilometre walked in support of WaterAid's mission.
Your support can help turn every step into lasting impact. By making a donation, you're helping WaterAid bring clean water closer to home for millions of people around the world that need it most.
Why we're walking, running & riding for water this October.
696 million people in the world – almost one in ten – do not have clean water close to home. Every day, women and children walk long distances to collect and carry water for their families.
Passionate supporters from the water sector, Zoe Walsh from Sequana, Chris Edwards from Inside Water and Terry Down from finao are taking on the incredible challenge of completing an 83.3 km Ultra Walk as the water sector's shared hero activation for the Walk for Water campaign. Taking place across 22-23 October 2026, the walk will link South East Water, Melbourne Water, Yarra Valley Water and Greater Western Water through a two-day journey across Melbourne.
We are inviting employees, industry colleagues and WaterAid supporters to join the walk for the full 83.3km challenge or selected legs, or support the initiative through a donation.Ultra Walk's wonderful sponsors
$540
Tiffany
$440
Frank Fisseler
Go Zoe go!!
$400
Anonymous
One step in front of the other
$400
Anonymous
You did it! So very proud of your commitment and endurance xx
$323
Mike Walsh
Great initiative. Have fun
$300
Anonymous
What a great effort on this hot Melbourne day
$269
Chris Edwards
I'm backing myself - will you back me too?
$269
John & Taqnya Murphy
Amazing job Chris!!!
$217
Malcolm Gracie
Stay hydrated bud.
$200
Zoe Walsh
$200
Elliott
Very proud. Doing it for Wanda x
$200
Epoc Enviro
I love water.
$107
Sarah Green
$107
Matt Chamley
All the best and have fun!
$107
Richard Woods
That's a decent step count Terry - good on you mate.
$107
Will Riley
$107
Finao
Good luck!
$107
Simon Hawk
Nice one Terry 🚀
$107
Chris Wildman
After playing a few rounds of golf with you I know how much you like water. Good effort Tezza.
$107
Paul Maguire
Great stuff Terry!!
$107
Chris Edwards
$107
David Middleton
Love this Zoe
$107
Julia Horne
Go Zo! You will smash this walk 🙌
$107
Gregory Yu
Wishing you the best for your walk and your feet. Go Zoe!
$107
Jess B
💪💪💪
$100
Phil Lisle
Make sure you Vaseline your nipples
$100
Alex Micallef
On ya Terry!!!
$100
Katrina & Gussy
You’re amazing Zoe ❤️ we love you x
$100
Ya Brother
$91
Kate Kernaghan
Absolute legend.
$87
Troy Loveday
$81
Jordan Hinck
$60
Team Reid-bridges
Get it, Chris!!
$56
Rachael Nuttall
Awesome effort, well done!
$56
Mark Jones
Well done mate!!
$56
Saf
Amazing dude! Good luck!
$56
Coreena Duncan
Go Zoe Go!
$56
Angus Booth
Good luck mate!!
$56
Tahli
Gooooooo team!
$56
Bev
go you good egg Chris
$56
Caroline Khoo
Nice work Chris, being an advocate and raising money for this cause is so good!
$56
Anonymous
$56
Cat Fitzjohns
Good luck Chris!
$56
Clayton Chin
$56
Sam Skinner
Amazing effort Zoe and Chris, and a great cause!
$56
Sadia
You go queen!!!
$56
Danny Blackwell
Great work team!!
$56
Emilio Gabbrielli
$55
Sonia Clarke
Amazing Zoe - good luck! x
$55
Robin Forbes
$55
Anonymous
$50
Robinson
Go get ‘em tiger
$50
Brooks + Tilly
You got this Zozo!
$50
Michael Mitchell
Well done Zoe!
$50
Rosie
Go Walking Queen
$50
Su Ann Khoo
Well done team! What a great initiative!
$50
Tim Dawkins
Good luck Chris - this is one epic walk!
$50
Maxime Porcheron
GO ZOE AND CHRIS!
$50
Terri Francis
Amazing work Chris! ♥️
$50
Maxime Porcheron
$50
Buddy
Early mornings, endless walks and personal training sessions… I’ve been leading this team for months - you better be taking me! 🐾
$45
Stephanie Cheevers
Go Zoe!! So inspirational!
$40
Clare Adams
Go girl!! X
$34
Neil Sherwin
$34
Mel Thek
You are an inspiration Zoe Walsh
$30
Courtnry Mauger
Well done Zo x
$25
Razor
Great work Tez!
$24
Geoff Crockett
Well done Chris - massive effort
$24
Elo Braskic
$24
Ross Lindsay
$24
Anonymous
$20
Tom B
Keep it up, Zoe and team!!
$12
Rosie Davis
Good luck Chris!
