Lowvelders set out to conquer 20 mountain peaks in 340 days

2023 is the second year that the Mpumalanga Summit Challenge will test individuals and teams with unique hikes all over the province.

Entrants will be required to climb as many of the 20-plus mountains, preselected by the organisers, as they can in one year.

The objective is to collect as many points in order to qualify for a medal or a trophy in a 340-day time frame.

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This year, couples, teams and schools or clubs will have the option to join the Mpumalanga Mountain Goats’ organised group hikes, communicated via social media, or they can attempt the summit hikes independently, provided that they adhere to the general and safety rules of the event.

Joining in on its group hikes will, however, come at an additional fee.

The 20 peaks included in this year’s challenge are The Three Sisters, Mt Jubilee, Ossewakop, Mt Moodie (Mauchberg), The Peak, The Bonnet, Ship Mountain, Black Hill and Mount Sheba, Mlembe, Skurweberg, Legogote, Bakenkop, Die Berg, Mariepskop, Mt Anderson, Mpakeni and Primkop, Devil’s Knuckles and Jambila, Mt Bekker, Maid of the Mist, and lastly, Bearded Man.

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As soon as entries are finalised, entrants will receive a list with the point value attributed to each hike, enabling them to plan their strategy and itineraries.

Participants are required to accumulate a minimum of 150 points by midnight, January 7, 2024 to qualify for a medal of recognition. Individuals who manage 250 points will qualify for gold and couples or pairs need 500 for their gold. Teams and schools with the most points will lift up a floating trophy at the conclusion of the challenge.

Entries close at the end of April. To enter, visit www.summitchallenge.co.za or go to the Mpumalanga Summit Challenge 2023 Facebook page for more information.