Top 10 Moments of 2019

By 29029 Everesting

December 31^st, 2019

10. Mona Patel

In 2018, Mona, her boyfriend George, and daughter Anaya joined us at the inaugural 29029 Utah. While she fell short of her goal to reach Mt Denali, it was by no means a failure. Determined, she came back to Vermont in 2019 with one goal, to reach 29,029 feet. Mona's single-minded focus and determination were incredible to see. She hiked through the night, enduring the snow, wind, and rain, to push herself as far as she could possibly go. And in turn, left it all on the mountain!

While she didn't reach Everest (this time). Mona inspired every person she encountered over the weekend. She takes it all in her stride. When quizzed about how it feels to live as a beacon for inspiration, Mona said. "I hope that I give people the courage to climb the mountains they face in their own lives. There is nothing special about me, I'm merely someone who embraces life, and I'm grateful for the good and hard times alike. The beautiful byproduct of my efforts and journey is that they have an impact on so many others. If I can do it, so can you."

Read Mona’s 29029 feature story to learn more about this incredible human.

9. Christine and Frank Egan

Following 29029 Vermont in 2018, Christine Egan and her husband Frank had unfinished business. She was proud of their effort and armed with the knowledge of what was in store, she knew they had more to give. They embraced a rigid training program to prepare them physically and mentally to reach Everest. No matter what came their way.

Christine and Frank hiked in sync, with one goal in mind. "It's 17 summits or bust. I want that Red Bib." she declared. Tapping in to the energy and love of her fellow participants, Christine and Frank set a steady pace from the beginning. Through sleep deprivation, and near exhaustion they continued. Even the elements couldn't deter them from climbing 29,029 feet. As the sun set on Stratton Mountain during day 2, with their three kids awaiting their summit, Christine and Frank emerged. Victorious. Reaching 17 summits, minutes before the 36-hour deadline.

Those who saw the joy and love of the Egan family embrace will not soon forget it. This was the completion of a goal, one year in the making.

You can read more about Christine’s journey to 29029 in her feature story.

8. Adam Jorgensen

Adam Jorgensen, we applaud you. You came to 29029 Vermont with a clear goal, to complete one hike. You battled through injury, with perseverance and determination. The mark on the Ascent Board is a symbol of your ongoing journey. Remember the smell of the burning wood when moments of doubt creep in. We can't wait to see you get your Red Hat in Utah next year.

Take a look back at 29029 Vermont Day 1 and Adam’s heroic journey.

7. Positivity Gondy

The 29029 community lends itself to positivity; it’s also a community that prides itself on supporting and lifting others. Anonymous messages left for someone else gave rise to motivation and the inspiration to keep moving forward. The Positivity Gondy was a new addition for 2019 and will be back in full force in 2020. What positive message would you leave given a chance?

Take a look back at Vermont Day 2 and see how the Positivity Gondy added to an already incredible day.

6. Lin Harris

Lin Harris came to 29029 Utah with 13 index cards clipped to her backpack. Each card was dedicated to someone who deeply inspires her.⠀

She used those 13 names to find a greater purpose within. Any time she felt resistance or the temptation to let fatigue take over, she knew that her drive to honor those names was more significant.

Lin declared that “When it got hard, cold or quiet I thought about the person I dedicated that climb to. I thought about their perseverance and I knew I could make it with one step in front of the other. It motivated me so much.” Who would you dedicate your climbs to?

Take a look back at the memories from 29029 Utah to see more of the incredible images and stories that unfolded at Snow Basin this year.

5. Cecilia Leung

Darkness fell on Stratton Mountain on Day 2 of 29029 in Vermont. One participant remained on the hill. Cecilia Leung had been hiking for over 35 hours in an attempt to reach 29029 and complete her 17th summit.

With Coach Chris Hauth dedicated to ensuring her success, they made progress, one step at a time, until moments before the final cutoff, Cecilia emerged from the darkness, relieved and overjoyed.

If we could bottle the feelings that were expressed on the top of the mountain, at this moment, it would be the most potent elixir ever created.

The clock kept ticking, and you kept moving, right to the final bell. Cecilia, we salute you.

4. Kyle McClung

Given the option to end on twelve ascents, or to try for one more Kyle McClung stopped momentarily before making a decision that would have a profound impact on himself and many others.

He descended the mountain, refueled, and attempted to ascend faster than any previous summit. This time, he wasn't alone. 29029 co-founder Marc Hodulich sprinted down the mountain, and coach Brent Pease met Kyle on his way up, with one clear goal; To get to the summit before the 36-hour cutoff. What transpired during that climb was truly magical. Kyle McClung learned that he could do more than he ever thought he could. For the contingent of spectators and fellow participants who eagerly awaited his arrival, they discovered that the human spirit is something that you should never bet against. The story of what happened at the top of Snowbasin resort in the final minute of the 2019 edition of 29029 Utah will never be forgotten.

Thanks to Kyle McClung, we all know that in life, when given a choice, we should always take one more lap and leave it all on the mountain.

Read the beautiful account of 29029 Utah Day 2 here.

3. Human Achievement

Number 3 on our list of magical moments for 2019 is the sense of achievement that each and every participant walks away with.

From day one, 29029 has been a challenge that is you versus you. It provides every participant with an opportunity to leave the weekend feeling proud.

There are two acceptable outcomes at 29029. You achieve your goal, or you give everything you have in pursuit of that goal. Whatever the outcome, the spirit of human achievement is on full display.

In her recent 29029 feature story Susan Porter said it poetically, "Of course, everybody is on their own journey. But the collective goals of the 200 people on that mountain creates one big journey, and it lifts everybody up. It's a community of people who may have had success in their lives. They may have achieved amazing things as athletes, or in their business or personal lives. Yet, everyone is on a level playing field. No one is better than anyone else.

The mountain doesn't care what you've done. We all take the same trip over and over and over again. There's no getting around it. You're treading in the footsteps of the incredible people around you. And that shared energy and determination leads to shared triumph. It's an amazing place to be."

2. In memoriam: Chris Devero

Chris Devero participated in the inaugural 29029 Vermont in 2017. He completed 14 of 17 summits and was determined to return in 2018 to finish the challenge. Chris was diagnosed with brain cancer in August 2010 and had spent many years fighting the disease. He lived by the motto "Get Busy Living," which included participating in 29029 and other endurance challenges.

Unfortunately, his progressive form of cancer returned in 2018, and his health declined significantly. He pleaded with his friends Matt Montgomery and Sam Zurawel to experience 29029 for themselves, which they did, both participating in Vermont in October 2018.

In December 2018, Chris passed away as a result of his cancer.

To honor Chris' memory and to celebrate his life, Sam, Matt, Chris' wife Katy, and four of his best friends came to Stratton this year to complete the remaining three hikes that Chris had left to finish his own journey to 29029 feet.

On Oct 19, 2019, Chris' friends came together once last time at the summit of Stratton Mountain to say farewell to an amazing friend and an inspirational member of the 29029 community. May you rest in peace, Chris Devero, knowing that you are loved and cherished.

1. The 29029 Community

Our final memorable moment of 2019 is all about YOU. The 29029 community.

Individually, you achieved incredible things, not only on the mountain but in the many months leading up to the event. Collectively, the numbers are staggering.

As a group, you hiked more than 9000 miles and climbed more than 10 million vertical feet.

You branded The Ascent Board 5,213 times.

407 of you reached at least one of the seven summits, and an astonishing 280 of you hiked in the coveted Red Bib.

69% of you reached 29 029 feet.

What the numbers don’t represent is the connections that were made, the countless memories that exist, and the moments of self doubt that you were able to overcome. Every single one of you was transformed by your 29029 experience, and we can’t wait to share the mountain with you in 2020.