Latest news with #MahirDevMaharaj
The Citizen
12-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
On top of the world: Richards Bay runner tackles Mt Everest
On top of the world: Richards Bay runner tackles Mt Everest Richards Bay's Mahir Dev Maharaj recently returned after conquering an Everest Base camp trek, and shared his journey with the ZO. Mahir (27), who works in innovation-focused businesses, became passionate about endurance sports in 2023 through running. 'It's become a way for me to challenge myself and grow both mentally and physically,' he said. Last year, on his first proper hike, his group spoke about doing Everest Base Camp this year. 'I got excited and felt like this was the kind of opportunity that doesn't come around often, a chance to go with a diverse and motivated group, so I committed,' he said. Mahir joined the 14-member group Team North: South, consisting of six hikers from the north coast, seven from the south coast, and one from Johannesburg. To prepare, they hiked Tugela Falls in March to adjust to elevation. Mahir also ran the South32 Hippo Marathon on 5 April as a Comrades qualifier and will be doing his second Comrades this year. 'I mostly relied on the running fitness and hoped it would carry over to trekking,' he said. The group started hiking on 16 April, arrived at base camp on 22 April and returned to Lukla on the 25th. Although an 11-day hike was planned, they ended up doing a 10-day trek, due to their first flight being cancelled and missing a day. 'The nights and early mornings were the coldest, definitely close to -20 C degrees. 'Stepping outside with the wind chill felt terrifying. Thankfully, our trek was filled with sunny days, but were surrounded by ice at base camp,' says Mahir. 'The altitude was the biggest challenge. 'We lost a day early on, which meant missing an acclimatisation stop, and that led to nausea and a tough time eating. We had to drink three to five litres of water a day and force down food to keep going. 'It got harder the higher we climbed. 'I never tipped into full altitude sickness, but I was definitely fighting the edge. 'Getting to base camp took real effort.' One highlight was trekking with Sherpa Chetten (27), an assistant guide who stayed upfront with Mahir and his friend for most of the trek. 'His pace pushed us and we fed off that challenge. The best moment was during the descent from base camp – we were running downhill and, for once, Chetten asked us to slow down. We'd finally moved faster than him. That felt good! 'There was never a thought of giving up. 'I always knew I would make it.' While he said it hadn't been a lifelong dream, having accomplished this he now includes summitting Everest on his bucket list. Speaking about her son's accomplishment, Lorna Maharaj said it was a 'storm of pride, fear and awe'. 'What moved me deeply was the camaraderie, the connections built in the harshest conditions. It reminded me of the power of human spirit and unity. 'It truly warmed my heart to see Mahir embraced by such a remarkable community, one that stood together, step by step, toward a common summit,' she said. Don't have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here: HAVE YOUR SAY Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. For news straight to your phone invite us: WhatsApp – 060 784 2695 Instagram – zululand_observer At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
26-04-2025
- The Citizen
Richards Bay climber rocks Mount Everest
ASCENDING the highest peak in the world, Richards Bay resident Mahir Dev Maharaj reached Everest Base Camp on Tuesday — 5 364m above sea level. Mahir (27), a Zululand Multi Sport Club member, is part of the 14-member group Team North: ALSO READ: Moderate injuries in N2 single-vehicle accident South, consisting of six hikers from the north coast, seven from the south coast, and one from Johannesburg. The group began their 11-day Mount Everest trek last Tuesday and reached Dingboche by Easter Sunday. That was day five of their trek and they sighted an avalanche on a distant mountain. One of the Nepalese mountain guides was seen carrying an impressive weight of 93kg on his back. 'I'm biting my teeth!' said Mahir's mother, Lorna Maharaj, who waited anxiously to hear of their safe arrival at base camp — knowing it would be a tough climb and the air dangerously thin. 'As a mom, I really have great relationships with both my sons. I have a lot of faith in Mahir – I was biting my teeth but I know he will succeed. 'It's been really tough and rough!' she said about the journey so far, but added that she was incredibly proud of what he had conquered. 'I had faith in him to do this – when he sets his mind on something, he succeeds.' For health reasons, the group made an informed decision to not go further, to Kala Patthar (5 644m above sea level) and began their descent on Wednesday. 'Reaching the top of the world – it's a wonder to able to stand that tall. Mahir is always reaching for the stars, his endurance and determination have fuelled him to aim high. 'What makes me proud of my boys is that they are living their dreams,' said a proud Lorna. Don't have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here: HAVE YOUR SAY Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. For news straight to your phone invite us: WhatsApp – 060 784 2695 Instagram – zululand_observer At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
