Capetonians love a good hike up Table Mountain. But while some enjoy the thrill of summitting one of the most iconic mountains in the Western Cape, others use their sweat and aching feet to help those in need.
If you’ve ever hiked Platteklip Gorge, you know how brutal it can be, and that’s simply taking it on once. This year, 135 hikers are lacing up their hiking boots and climbing Table Mountain via Platteklip Gorge multiple times for charity.
Since 2009, the Cableway Charity Challenge has been an annual event that sees a number of brave individuals climb Table Mountain, sometimes summiting this majestic beast multiple times in one day, and all in the name of raising funds for various organisations.
Due to the pandemic, the event has transitioned from a one-day event to one that lasts the entire week. The event took place between 7 May – 15 May with some renowned trail runners showing off their skills by joining in on the event, while others took on the mountain for the first time.
No matter their fitness level – veteran or novice hiker – everyone was there for one reason: to raise money for three charities. Nature Connect, Home from Home and Ons Plek were the selected charities.
Chris Hale, a geography teacher at Bishops Diocesan College, managed to summit the gorge 48 times! Broken shoes, perhaps broken feet, but Hale definitely did not have a broken spirit. The aim of the event was to raise R1 million for these three incredible charities. So far, they’ve managed to raise R850 000, with the hikers still eager to make their target. If you’d like to help this fantastic initiative reach its goal, show some support here.
Also read:
Picture: Instagram / @aileentravel