Successful start to Everest challenge
THIS year’s Everest Challenge is now well under way, with walkers keeping spirits high despite recent dreary weather.
The route takes walkers up Le Val des Terres, down George Road past the Dorset Arms, and back down to Havelet. The goal is for people to complete 115 laps of the circuit, which is the equivalent height gain to climbing Mount Everest.
Sonya Zabiela is completing the challenge as an individual alongside her friend Natasha.
‘I was shut in with Covid over Christmas so I was desperate to get some fresh air,’ she said. ‘My friend mentioned it to me and I thought its a good way to get rid of some Christmas pounds – and the money is going to great charities. It is definitely a challenge.
‘You have to keep up with it otherwise you fall behind. I find it a lot easier to do it with a friend.
‘I have done 23 laps so far, we are hoping to get it done within the month.
‘We do three laps each time and sometimes five.’
Hannah Spittal, who is completing the challenge by herself, has completed 39 laps so far.
‘I recently finished my job at the hospital and I want to get fit,’ she said.
‘What better motivation than doing it for charity?
‘At times it’s a struggle, it’s been a bit wet and windy so it’s been tough.’
She said that a lot of her motivation comes from wanting to raise money for the Guernsey Down Syndrome Group.
All funds raised by this year’s challenge will go to the Smile for Georgie Foundation, which will in turn be giving 30% to the Guernsey Down Syndrome Group.
‘The money raised is going to great charities,’ said Natalie Le Noury, who climbs the hill with her baby about four times per day.
She either pushes her baby in a pram or carries him on her back, with her daughter in the pram.
‘It’s about 25 extra pounds, which is a bit of a hindrance.
‘I wanted to get fit after having a baby and it’s been really good motivation to get out.
‘I have to time the walk around naps,’ she added.
Other walkers have chosen to do the challenge as part of a team.
Alice Falla is taking part in a team with friends, who have completed 36 of the 115 laps so far.
‘I normally do five laps per day and 10 on Sundays,’ she said.
‘By the end of it I’m knackered.
‘I was put off by the weather on Saturday so I missed that day but some days I find the rain good because it cools me down.’
n Visit the Val des Terres Everest Challenge 2022 page on Facebook for information on taking part.
