Karoline Hanks completes Chappies 'Everesting' Challenge

 Noordhoek’s Karoline Hanks has successfully completed her self-imposed 'Everesting Challenge' — running the equivalent height of Mount Everest, 8,849 m, by repeatedly ascending and descending Chapman’s Peak. 

Over the course of more than 30 hours, she tackled the route 13 times, braving fatigue, icy winds, and the mental toll of repetition — all to raise funds for the conservation-focused Project Noordhoeked.

The effort, she said, was filled with a “complete fruit salad of thoughts and emotions and memories”.

“I need to write it all up still — the groundhog day element, the mind games, fear (sometimes), elation, recognition of the intense privilege, love for that mountain, my community, my friends, my partner, my son. And so much gratitude,” she said.

Ms Hanks, who is the founder of Project Noordhoeked, said the route was brutal, but the mountain gave her gifts in return — from porcupines and snakes to jackal buzzards, fuzzy caterpillars, and “million-dollar sunsets and sunrises.”

She described one of the most moving moments early in the challenge, during lap two, when she looked down from Chapman’s Peak and saw a crowd of volunteers cleaning up Noordhoek Beach as part of a coordinated community effort.

“My heart literally burst,” she said.

“I wanted to be down there too, but I knew that Di Davis, Nic Davis, and my incredible Project Noordhoeked team had it all under control.”

Project Noordhoeked is a grassroots initiative that employs a small team to care for Noordhoek’s beach, wetland, and mountain areas.

Their work includes clearing invasive alien plants, cleaning up litter and dog waste, maintaining the gardens near the beach, and running a growing community compost programme.

They are also responsible for Kakapo, the iconic wire whale sculpture filled with collected plastic.

The challenge was launched in July with a fundraising goal of R80,000. At the time of writing, the project has raised over R65,000 through BackaBuddy and additional direct donations.

Ms Hanks said she is keeping the campaign live for a short while longer to give supporters time to top it up.

The run was not a solo endeavour. 

Ms Hanks was joined for four laps by her son, who she described as a “gentle, quiet, patient presence. Always so proud — ‘You’re like Chuck Norris, Mom!’”

She also shared laps with 'Duracell' Filippo Faralla, who provided unwavering support and “delivered the goods — hot soup, sushi, dry socks, camping chair, and confidence.”

Many friends and supporters showed up throughout the challenge — some cheering, others bringing hot cappuccinos, smoothies, and vegan snacks.

 “Cheryl Ann Carrick, you angel,” she said, naming just one of many who helped in quiet, generous ways.

She also credited Tessa Oliver for keeping her laughing on the trail, and filmmaker Rudi Gremels, who captured the entire feat. 

“Unsolicited. Lovely human and the best hugger,” Ms Hanks said.

Looking back, she said the event pushed her limits but left her filled with pride, not only for the physical achievement, but for the community that rallied behind it.

 “I had great support from my partner and my son — amazing company on the route through the night and also just at my aid station,” she said.

While she has completed tough endurance events before, Ms Hanks said this one was different. 

It took place on her home ground, in one of Noordhoek’s last wild places — a space she is determined to protect from threats like invasive Rooikrans and Port Jackson.

“Invasive alien plants are a massive ecological disaster,” she said. Funds raised through the challenge will go towards clearing a dense section of Rooikrans on Chapman’s Peak, using skilled teams equipped with the right tools and herbicides.

As for doing it again?

“Would I do it again? No, not that particular challenge. I do think I’m going to give Chappies a big miss for a while,” she said.

“But I’m sure I’ll find some other epic run — maybe next year. For now, I need to rest.”

To support the project, visit: www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/karoline-hanks