K2, at 8,611 metres above sea level, is the second highest mountain in the world, after Mount Everest at 8,848 metres. It is located on the China–Pakistan border between Baltistan in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of northern Pakistan, and Dafdar Township in Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County of Xinjiang, China.

Did you know K2 is so called because it was labelled K2 by the Great Trigonometric Survey of British India. Other mountains were labelled K1 etc, but later had their names changed to the local name, but K2 had no local name so stayed as K2.

It is known as the Savage Mountain because it is so dangerous to climb – it has the second highest fatality rate, second only to Annapurna.

So here’s the challenge: 
To virtually accumulate 8,611m (28,251ft), in elevation gain (using stairs preferably!) over the next 8 weeks. As we are all now in a national lockdown, what a great way to get that exercise in!

Challenge start date:  Monday, 11 January 2021

Challenge end date: Monday, 8 March 2021

Rainbow Trust Children's Charity enables families who have a child with a life threatening illness to make the most of precious time together; providing expert practical and emotional support, where they need it, for as long as it is needed. £26 will provide one hour of care, enough time to entertain a seriously ill child so that their parents can have a break.