One Oahu resident is attempting a mental feat for mental health: ‘Everesting’ Hawaii’s Koko Crater, except he’ll aim for the height of the Mauna Kea volcano. That’s 33,500 feet from sea floor to summit.
On August 24, Nicolas “Nico” Escobar will go up and down the Koko Crater stair trail 37 times in a row, in an “Everesting” style in order to raise money for a mental health charity. Though, we have to say, “volcano-ing” sounds just as cool.
Nico Escobar grew up in San Gil, Colombia, so it’s no surprise adventure has become the centerpiece of his life. As a child, Escobar and his siblings were encouraged by their parents to spend time outdoors; their weekends were spent hiking, fishing, cliff jumping, and fossil hunting.
After years of hearing his father tell stories about running, Escobar finally decided to give the sport a try. On a drive to their grandparents’ farm, his dad dropped him and his cousins off on the side to run to the nearest tienda. That run forever changed the course of Escobar’s life.
“When we arrived, my legs didn’t want to stop moving,” Escobar said. “I still don’t understand it, but somehow my body wanted me to keep going. So, I did, alone, until I arrived at the house. I have been addicted ever since.”
Koko Crater ‘Everesting’ Attempt
Why the Koko Crater?
