'I'll just have to vasbyt!': Runner to scale and descend Chapmans Peak 14 times in unique fundraiser

Karoline Hanks joins Amy MacIver (in for John Maytham) on CapeTalk's Afternoon Drive.

Next month, Noordhoek resident Karoline Hanks will tackle a unique endurance feat — running up and down Cape Town's iconic Chapman’s Peak 14 times.

The aim is to match the height of Mount Everest, at 8,849 metres of elevation.

Hanks is doing the 'Chappies Everesting Challenge' to raise funds for Project Noordhoeked, a grassroots organisation she runs along with another local resident.

This conservation effort is 'quietly' transforming Noordhoek’s beach, wetlands, and wild spaces all while creating employment opportunities.

Hanks explains that her epic 14 runs up and down Chappies will be done 'all in one go'.

"That's the whole concept of Everesting. It's in one effort and you're not allowed to sleep."

Karoline Hanks

"It's 112 kilometres and I've just got to 'vasbyt'. The elevation is a little daunting but I've done this kind of thing before."

Karoline Hanks

Hanks estimates that the challenge will take her around 40 hours - one full night and one full day.

The runner gives the assurance that she knows the trail very well and will be equipped with a torch and lots of batteries.

A support team will be based at the trail head, and a few people have offered to accompany her on the ascent.

She has warned the volunteers that she 'tends to be quite monosyllabic' on runs like these!

Along with reaching the equivalent height of the summit of Everest, Hanks hopes to raise at least R80 000 to help secure the future of Project Noordhoeked.

If you'd like to support this endurance queen, visit her BackaBuddy page.

To hear more from Hanks, listen to the interview audio at the top of the article