Six peaks, one mission: So much more than climbing mountains

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GEORGE NEWS - What is known as one of the Garden Route's most gruelling trail-running challenges became a mission of heart and purpose for local athlete Zonika van As, who completed the George Six Peaks Fastest Known Time (FKT) challenge on Sunday 15 June, not just for personal achievement, but to help build a better future for the young children in Pacaltsdorp.

Van As teamed up with local non-profit organisation Empower and its founder, David May, and ran the challenge as part of a fundraising campaign to build a second classroom for Melo's Marshmelos Crèche.

The crèche is run by dedicated teacher Melonique Morris, who currently educates more than 45 children under a basic roof with limited resources.

"I did it for Melonique, a woman who dares to build hope, one child at a time," says Van As.

"We're raising funds to help her create a proper learning space so her children can grow, learn and dream in safety."

Empower, founded in 2022, is a fully registered non-profit company with a mission to break the cycle of generational poverty through strong connections and community upliftment.

The organisation focuses on enabling long-term change through equipping entrepreneurs, supporting sustainable housing and developing income-generating projects.

"I am truly grateful that the Lord has placed someone like Zonika in my path," says Morris.

"She heard about my plans to build a classroom, and without hesitation, she offered to help. I am thankful, happy, and at the same time excited, because now my children will have a classroom. All thanks to Zonika, who reached out her hand."

Melonique Morris and Zonika van As at the crèche in Pacaltsdorp.

The challenge

The George Six Peaks FKT has earned legendary status among South Africa's trail running community. The challenge involves summiting six of the Outeniqua Mountains' most iconic peaks - Vensterberg (1287m), Keurkop (1199m), George Peak (1337m), Cradock Peak (1578m), Tierkop (778m) and Vandalens (911m), in one continuous, self-supported effort.

The route spans approximately 43km with a total elevation gain of more than 3300m. Runners must carry all their supplies and document their progress with GPS data and summit selfies.

Although not a race in the traditional sense, participants often log their best times to be listed in the official FKT rankings.

Those wishing to support Zonika's mission to help Melonique and the children of Melo's Marshmelos Crèche can reach out to her directly via social media on Facebook (Zonika van As) and Instagram (@zonika_van_as).

Jeanne Brink (left) and Mary-Lee Botha were two of the first athletes to complete the challenge. Photo: Kristy Kolberg

Twice the challenge

George trail coach and mountain guide Colleen Browne quietly took on and completed an incredible double Six Peaks challenge over the weekend.

Starting at 14:30 on Saturday 14 June, Browne first tackled the route from finish to start, then turned around and completed it again in the traditional direction, joining the other athletes.

This forms part of her training for the Tor des Géants in Italy later this year. The Tor des Géants is one of the world's most extreme ultramarathon trail races, held annually in the Aosta Valley.

Covering about 330km with a staggering 24 000m elevation gain, runners face a brutal single-stage challenge to complete the course within 150 hours.

An elated Colleen Browne at the end of her double Six Peaks.