Story: Lesley O’connor       Images: Supplied

In just three days, and with just over two hours of sleep, endurance cyclist Grant Lottering cycled 350km, and did a trail run that covered nearly 100km over 11 peaks. Impossible? No – just Im’Possible.

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For most of us, weekends are times to relax and do as little as possible. But not for Grant Lottering. Last weekend, he cycled 350km, rested two hours, and then ran another 90km over 11 mountain peaks. And he did it all for youth mental health.

After three relentless days of cycling and trail running, endurance athlete Grant Lottering arrived at Signal Hill, Cape Town on 5 March 2025, completing his most formidable Im’possible Tour yet – to an emotional reception.

 After cycling 350 km in 20,5 hours – climbing and descending Chapman’s Peak Drive 36 times – Lottering took on the gruelling 13 Peaks Challenge with barely any rest. 

Or the 11 peaks challenge, really—while the entire route covers 107 km, recent fire damage forced the closure of two peaks. So Lottering and his Nyati-X certified trail guides adapted, completing the remaining peaks in the required order. 

With just over two hours of sleep in three days, he pushed through extreme fatigue and treacherous terrain, once again redefining the limits of human endurance. Put together, it all made for an extraordinary and never-before-attempted test of both physical and mental endurance…an almost impossible challenge.

 The Numbers Behind the Impossible

•       61 hours and 17 minutes of total moving time
•       350 km cycled over 20 hours, with a 6 241m elevation gain
•       92,65 km of trail running over 33 hours and 54 minutes, with 5 852m elevation
•       Just four naps, totalling 2 hours and 13 minutes of sleep

 Adding to the inspiration, sight-impaired Paralympian Daniel Briers-Louw and his guide (his girlfriend) joined Lottering for the final 4km run to Signal Hill, a powerful testament to overcoming challenges, no matter the circumstances.

 Defying the Odds for Youth Mental Health

In 2013, Grant’s heart stopped beating after a horrific cycling crash in the Italian Alps. His injuries were so severe doctors told him he would never cycle again. Twelve surgeries later and nearly ten years of cycling distances over terrain most would consider impossible, he has raised millions for underprivileged children, and inspired audiences in over 13 countries worldwide.

“After my accident I realized there was a purpose, and the only way you’re going to fulfill that purpose is if you truly let go of your life and trust God with the outcome. I am just a guy who fell off his bike, and I am making a difference in people’s lives, in young people’s lives. And it’s part of why I am still here.”

Lottering’s latest Im’possible Tour is about more than endurance – it’s about raising awareness for youth mental health, a growing crisis worldwide.

 “Through this tour, I hope to inspire young people to dream again – to dream big, but believe even bigger,” said Lottering. “Too many young people feel overwhelmed, isolated, and afraid to ask for help. But no one should have to face their struggles alone. With the right support, the odds can be in your favour, not against you.”

 His efforts align with his tour partner, RIA Cares, a global nonprofit dedicated to youth and community upliftment.

Powered by Support

Lottering was backed by a dedicated road crew and trail team, with Mercedes-Benz providing a Vito Tourer as the official support vehicle throughout the challenge.

 “The support was incredible — people cycling with me, running alongside me, and sending messages. That kind of encouragement makes all the difference,” Lottering said.

By taking on a challenge he had never attempted before – having previously only run a maximum of 3 km – Lottering hoped to send a powerful message to young people facing mental health struggles.

 After three days of unyielding endurance, the message is clear: When the odds are against you, they can be turned in your favour – with resilience, support, and the belief that nothing is impossible.

“This journey is not just about pushing my own limits, but showing everyone battling mental health issues that they can beat the odds against them and take on challenges they never thought possible.”

To learn more about Grant Lottering and his Im’possible Tours, please visit www.grantlottering.com. And if you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges—or just needs someone to talk to—contact SADAG by calling 0800 567 567, texting 31393, or visiting www.sadag.org.