The 8,848 — a 24-hour, two-person climbing relay across three Cape Town gyms
24 hours. Two climbers. Three gyms. 8,848 vertical metres.
On 28 November 2026, Rope Teams of two will set out across Bloc11 Paarden Eiland, Kragsentrale and CityROCK with one target: collectively climb the height of Everest before the clock runs out.
Each team must complete a minimum of 2,000 metres at each gym. Once all three are cleared, the remaining 2,848 metres can be completed wherever your team chooses.
Every successful climb adds to your total.
Every metre counts.
First team to 8,848m wins.
The 8848 is built by Mental around endurance, community and using physical challenge to bring the mind into the present, while supporting conversation around men’s mental health.
- 1. Teams compete in pairs, known as a Rope Team.
- 2. Both team members must remain at the same gym while climbing.
- 3. Teams may repeat the same boulder as many times as they choose.
- 4. Teams have 24 hours to accumulate 8,848 vertical metres.
- 5. Teams may only utilise boulder walls.
- 6. Each gym will have a predetermined wall height.
- 7. All gyms will remain open for the full 24-hours.
- 8. Teams must complete a minimum of 2,000 metres at each gym.
- 9. Once all three gym minimums are complete, the remaining 2,848 metres may be completed at any gym.
In support of
The 8,848 is proud to support Movember. 100% of donations on the day of the event go directly to Movember’s work in men’s mental health and suicide prevention.