Today, Qhubeka launched the 2017 edition of its ‘Climbing for Qhubeka’ campaign, which will run from 29 September to 1 September October. For the first time, the campaign will take place globally. Registrations are now open at www.climbingforqhubeka.org.
This is the fourth edition of the campaign, which was first started by Kevin Benkenstein, who decided to do an ‘Everesting’ for Qhubeka. Everesting is when a cyclist chooses a hill and rides it repeatedly in a single ride until ascending the equivalent height of Mt. Everest – 8,848m above sea level.
This year, Climbing for Qhubeka aims to raise sufficient funds through entries and donations to fund 100 Qhubeka Bicycles – by opening up the challenge to supporters around the globe, including those who don’t cycle.
“There is now a choice of challenges available upon registration, including summits such as Chapman’s Peak, Alpe d’Huez and Sani Pass, as well as the traditional Everesting option and a ‘choose your own’ option, allowing cyclists, runners and walkers of all abilities to take part,” Benkenstein explains. “Participants are encouraged to make their home their starting point and let their imagination take them from there.”
Qhubeka is a charity that moves people forward with bicycles, which helps them to access schools, clinics and jobs. “Registration for Climbing for Qhubeka costs 10USD, which includes an event number, a finisher’s flag (on which to write your final elevation gain achieved), information on Qhubeka and the knowledge that you are assisting Qhubeka to change lives using bicycles,” Benkenstein says. “For those who want to join a group activity, events are planned across the country for the weekend of the challenge, from an Everesting on Fort Klapperkop in Pretoria to a trail ride in Pietermaritzburg to an afternoon run on Table Mountain and a walk along Strand Beach on the final day. There is something for everyone, of every ability level and every activity type across the country.”
All Climbing for Qhubeka events will be listed on the Qhubeka Facebook page. “Register, participate, share your fun and make a difference,” Benkenstein says, encouragingly. “We will be getting behind the Climbing for Qhubeka campaign over the next six weeks, so keep a look out for more news on the progress and events for you to participate in.”