2026 Peaks and Challenge rules

SummitX Vertical Challenge Rules

Participants are required to accumulate a minimum of 3825 vertical meters (gain) by midnight, 3 January 2027, to qualify for a medal.

Medals will be awarded as follows:

Individuals:

8848m = Gold = Everest

5885m = Silver = Kilimanjaro

3825m = Bronze = Mt Kenya

Couples/ Pairs:

17696m = Gold

11760m = Silver

7650m = Bronze

Teams 3-10:

Most accumulated meters = Floating Trophy

2nd place = Certificates

3rd place = Certificates

Meters will be awarded for every summit reached by each team member, whether it was done individually or with the team. Teams must submit their Team Name as well as a list of names of team members upon entry or as soon as the group is formed. Each Team member must complete the registration form individually regardless of whether they entered for the Individual Category or not. This is for the Event Organiser’s records and to keep track of points scored.

Schools/ Clubs/ Corporate:

At least 10 entries are required to register a school/club or business

Most meters accumulated = Floating Trophy

2nd place = shield of recognition

3rd place = shield of recognition

For each summit reached by the group, regardless of group size, points will be allocated once and School/ Club will be treated as an entity/ individual. 

The overall winner in each category will be awarded a floating trophy.

 In addition to these categories, there are other awards up for grabs. Some of these constitute a challenge within the challenge, which will be announced in due time. Bonus points will also be up for grabs on some of the group hikes, as determined by the event organiser. These will be once-off bonuses and will be communicated in advance to give everyone a fair chance.

2. Vertical Meters = Gain

 The vertical meters are unknown for some peaks and will be determined on the day of the climb by means of Strava or a similar app. All attendees who summit will be awarded the meters equally. In the event that a participant does not reach the summit gain achieved at turn around point may be submitted. All attempts must be submitted via link provided on the Whatsapp group for a particular climb. No submission = no points

Independent attempts: 

Participants need to reach a total of 5 summits or commit to one multi day event with the group  before they will be permitted to set off on independant attempts. No exceptions will be made. Attempts will be submitted via a link provided after notifying the organiser of said attempt. 

3. The beacon or the highest point, in the absence of a beacon, represents the summit. 

4. Participants will start accumulating points once all relevant forms (including indemnity forms) have been completed. NB! REGISTRATION WITHOUT REGISTRATION FORM SUBMISSION WILL BE UNSUCCESSFUL AND VICE VERSA. Registration form is available on the website on the 'Join Us' page

5. Additional costs will be applicable to cover accommodation/ camping/ conservation fees/ permits, etc. The cost for each group event will be determined separately and ALL bookings must be made in advance via the website or links provided. No EFT or cash payments will be accepted. Some events have limited space and once full, a waiting list will be created. When a cancellation occurs, the person on top of the waiting list will be notified. 

Booking cancellations need to be done 30 days prior to the event in order to be considered for a refund. For any cancellations that are received after 30 days prior to an event, a refund will be subject to the availability of a replacement as per the waiting list. If no such waiting list exists or the minimum quotas have not been reached, the onus will lie with the event ticket holder to find a replacement. No refunds will be given or replacements arranged for last-minute (one week prior) cancellations. 

6. Independant attemptees must liaise with the Event Organiser on dates and permissions of independent attempts at least one week in advance. Some hikes have to be done and arranged through the event organiser as per agreement with the owners of the property. Any breach of this rule is seen in a serious light as it has the potential of bringing the whole event's name and reputation into disrepute and is also a breach of our safety standards (Search and Rescue needs to be notified AT ALL TIMES of any summit attempts). Please also be aware that trespassing is considered a criminal offense and if a summit is attempted without prior arrangement through the event organisers, either by a group or individual, it will lead to immediate disqualification from Summit X. Please liaise with Viana at least one week prior.

7. Group excursions will be coordinated by Hike Leaders but entrants are required to adhere to the rules and participate at their own risk. 

8. Participation in group hikes will be subject to entrants signing an indemnity form prior to the hike. No member/ entrant will be permitted to participate in a group event if the indemnity is not signed. Carpooling is encouraged but drivers are advised to have passengers sign an indemnity prior.

9. Summit X, Hayibo Marketing, and relevant landowners will not be held responsible for any loss or injury incurred. Needless to say, participants are encouraged to stay on the path or with the group and avoid veering off on their own. Participants are encouraged to stay in groups of two or more. Solo attempts are to be avoided and are done at their own risk but can lead to disqualification if negligence brings the event name into disrepute. Safety first!

10. A reasonable level of fitness is required for most of the peaks although some are technical or advanced. The onus lies with each participant to determine their skill and fitness level. 

11. Entrants are responsible for disclosing any health conditions that may impede their attempt of any particular summit and participation can be denied at the discretion of the relevant hike leader.

12. Participants are permitted to compete in their discipline of choice, where applicable. These include Hiking, Mountain Biking, and 4x4. 

13. Some mountains are dog-friendly. All dogs must be kept on a leash for their own safety and for the safety of wild animals. Please be aware that there are baboons on some of our mountains and they can easily rip a dog apart.

14. All trail information, maps, photos, contacts shared, etc., belongs to Hayibo Marketing (Intellectual Property) and is not to be shared with any third party including the media, social media, non-participants or any member of the public.

 Rules may be amended from time to time. Please keep up to date on any amendments posted.