It was an early start for 11 women on Saturday morning as they ramped up their training program for the 100s and 1000s Women’s Walk to raise $100,000 for a new playground at the Esperance District Hospital.

The women started their walk at 7am along the foreshore to the end of Castletown Quays and back to the Taylor Street Tea Rooms for a well-earned coffee.

And yesterday another group of walkers set off for the Gibson Soak Hotel on a 25km trek to build their fitness levels for the 100km walk that will be held over four days from September 29.

Spokeswoman Lois Saunders said 55 women have signed up for the campaign which has been organised by the Rotary Club of Esperance Bay to raise $1000 each.

She said they have been working on their own fitness levels as well as taking part in group activities.

“A fair portion of the women have now raised their $1000 and most others are well on their way,” Ms Saunders said.