The Everest Challenge aims to get people more active and healthy while also building good old-fashioned office morale.
What is it?
The challenge is to climb the equivalent of Mt Everest in 47 days (how long it took Sir Edmund Hillary) but without the backpacks, altitude sickness and risk of death.
Challengers can share the task with a group or do it alone if fitness and time allow. No equipment is needed, just stairs and a bit of motivation.
To reach the summit (3486m) in the time allowed, participants need to average about 22 flights of stairs a day.
This may sound like a lot but it takes into account everyday inclines as well as stairs. Sport Otago Physical Activity co-ordinator Angela Spears says the challenge is achievable.
It is not hard, but it is not meant to be a walk in the park, either - it's a challenge, after all. You just have to stretch yourself.
About 30 workplaces throughout Otago are taking part so far, with an average of 25 people per office. While targeted mainly at workplaces, it has also been taken up by families and schools. The challenge can be adapted for the elderly or people with disabilities.
The Dunedin City Council is one workplace getting into the climbing spirit. Charlotte Flaherty, of Transportation Operations, says there are four teams on her floor alone.
How it works
Once you have a group keen to partake, contact Sport Otago, which will provide the resources to get started.
Each group gets a chart to track its progress up Everest as well as a brochure to help convert elevation and list some of Dunedin's best stairs.
The chart can go up on the office wall to motivate climbers and also map the targets reached on the way to the summit, such as The Lhotse Face and The Geneva Spur.
The benefits
On the fitness front, climbing stairs can help you lose weight, reduce the risk of health problems such as obesity, heart disease and high blood pressure, and tone muscles.
Exercise in the workplace is also thought to increase productivity and reduce absenteeism, stress and depression, and the team aspect of the challenge is great for office morale.
And, if you start now, you'll be done in time for Christmas.
For more information about the Everest Challenge, contact Angela Spears at Sport Otago, (03) 474-6355.