Pune: The inaugural Everesting challenge in India was successfully held at Sinhagad Fort, combining adventure, fitness, and a mission to promote historical and environmental conservation. The event was organized by Simple Steps Fitness in collaboration with the Maharashtra Tourism Department and Maharashtra Forest Department.
The competition aimed to raise awareness about the fort’s historical and archaeological significance, underscore the ecological value of the surrounding forest, and encourage responsible tourism. It also sought to boost public involvement in the preservation and conservation of the fort.
The event saw enthusiastic participation from athletes across Pune and other parts of the country. Around 75 participants, ranging from school students to senior citizens, took part in the physically demanding challenge. Facilities such as meals, restrooms, and foot massages were provided at the Patanjali Atmabodh Wellness Center.
Everesting is a globally recognized endurance event where participants repeatedly ascend a hill or mountain to achieve a cumulative elevation gain of 8,848 meters, equivalent to the height of Mount Everest.
Competition Format
The event was divided into four categories:
Everesting Solo: Participants had to complete 16 loops.
Everesting Team Relay: Teams had to collectively complete 16 loops.
Half Everesting Solo: Participants completed 8 loops.
Half Everesting Team Relay: Teams collectively completed 8 loops.
The competition also featured a "Fun Run" to encourage people to experience the beauty of Sinhagad Fort under the moonlight.
Results
In the Everesting Solo category, three participants successfully completed the challenge:
Apoorv Mehta: 39:06:20 hours
Pushkaraj Kore: 43:11:54 hours
Medha Jog: 43:12:23 hours
In the Half Everesting Solo category, three participants succeeded:
Umesh Dhopeshwar: 21:00:31 hours
Umesh Konde: 21:04:16 hours
Aparna Joshi: 24:36:24 hours
Kiran Tike, who registered for the Half Everesting Team Relay, completed the challenge solo in 21:11:31 hours.
Ashish Kasodekar, founder of Simple Steps Fitness, expressed his ambition to elevate this competition to the international stage. Shama Pawar, Deputy Director of the Tourism Department, emphasized that this initiative aims to inspire youth and promote physical and mental endurance among Indians.