- By Shivangi Sharma
- Thu, 24 Jul 2025 12:38 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
The “Everesting” challenge is a grueling endurance feat that pushes participants to the edge of physical and mental limits. Whether done on a bicycle or on foot, the challenge involves repeatedly ascending and descending the same hill until the total elevation gain equals that of Mount Everest, 8,848 meters (29,032 feet). For many, it’s the ultimate test of determination. For Slava Leykind, a successful millionaire and beloved family man, it proved fatal.
At its core, Everesting sounds deceptively simple: pick one hill, and go up and down until you've accumulated the vertical equivalent of Mount Everest. But there's a catch, it must be completed in a single continuous activity, typically within 24 to 36 hours, and no sleep is allowed.
To officially qualify for the Everesting Hall of Fame, participants must:
- Climb the same route repeatedly, without switching trails.
- Track their activity through GPS or fitness apps.
- Avoid sleep during the challenge.
The concept is overseen by Hells 500, an Australian cycling collective that first introduced the challenge and still maintains global records and verification. The challenge gained momentum during the COVID-19 lockdowns, when organised sports events were canceled, and endurance athletes began seeking personal challenges. Since then, thousands have attempted Everesting, including elite athletes and everyday fitness enthusiasts alike.
Participants can burn upwards of 10,000 calories and endure extreme fatigue, muscle breakdown, and mental strain due to the repetitive nature of the climbs.
Slava Leykind’s Tragic Attempt
On July 2, Slava Leykind, a 43-year-old New York City financier, died while attempting the Everesting challenge at Snow King Mountain in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The event involved hiking up the steep mountain 19 times to reach the required elevation. After each climb, participants rode a gondola down to the base before beginning the next round.
Leykind, a father of three and managing partner at CG Sawaya Partners, was hospitalized in Idaho after the attempt and passed away days later. Born in Minsk in 1982 and raised in the US from 1988, Leykind was a graduate of the University of Michigan and had built a successful career in finance. But as his family noted, his most cherished role was that of husband and father. “Despite his significant professional success at a young age, Slava’s role as a husband and father was his greatest achievement, passion, and pride,” his obituary read.