12-05-2025
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.
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