Grant Lottering is once again set to defy incredible odds with his upcoming Im’possible Tour, scheduled from Friday, 28 February, to Sunday, 2 March. This year, Lottering is leveraging his unparalleled, extreme endurance challenges to raise awareness for mental health among youth, inspiring those facing their own battles to believe that they can overcome adversity.
A Journey of Resilience and Purpose
Since surviving a near-fatal cycling accident in July 2013, Lottering has completed ten Im’possible Tours across the globe, covering an average of 884km per tour. His journey of resilience and determination has inspired millions worldwide, raising R424 per kilometre for charitable causes. Now, with mental health challenges among young people reaching critical levels – currently, 1 in 3 people in South Africa are estimated to experience mental illness in their lifetime – Lottering aims to shine a spotlight on the importance of addressing these issues and encouraging open conversations about mental well-being.
“More and more young people facing challenges that seem insurmountable to them give up and lose hope out of fear of failure or disappointing others,” says Lottering. “Through this tour, I want to show that taking on challenges where failure is possible is okay. We learn and grow the most through our failures and challenges. More importantly, when we face these challenges with support and people who care, and not alone, we can overcome them and turn the odds to be for us, not against us.”
Breaking the Stigma Around Mental Health
According to The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), they receive around 2 700 calls per day from people in need of support or seeking help for their loved ones. “Despite growing awareness, Mental Health is still incredibly stigmatised and considered a taboo subject, especially in older generations. Creating a culture that prioritises Mental Health and changes the narrative from something that shouldn’t be spoken about to something that we encourage people to talk about is imperative, and this change starts with the youth,” says Krystle Kemp, Project Manager at SADAG. “At SADAG, we want everyone to know that there is help and hope, and if someone is struggling, pick up the phone and make that call. No one should feel alone, especially when they need support. Having more real honest, open and vulnerable conversations can work towards breaking the stigma, raising awareness and providing a glimmer of hope for those who need it the most.”
His Most Extreme Challenge Yet
Lottering’s 2025 Im’possible Tour marks his most ambitious challenge yet. He will venture beyond his usual cycling discipline to undertake a massive trail running challenge immediately after a gruelling 24-hour cycle. Lottering will aim to complete the 13 Peaks Challenge in Table Mountain National Park in two days. Founded by South African trail running icon and fellow Laureus Sport for Good Ambassador Ryan Sandes, the 13 Peaks Challenge is a 110 km trail route featuring over 6,700 meters of elevation gain, typically completed over 4 to 14 days.
In an unprecedented feat, Lottering’s marathon Im’possible Tour will start at 6:00 am on Friday, 28 February, with a 24-hour continuous cycle on the legendary Chapman’s Peak Drive between Noordhoek Village and Hout Bay.
In collaboration with Mercedes-Benz Vans, Lottering will face off against his support vehicle, the Mercedes-Benz E-Sprinter, aiming to cover more distance than the electric van can manage on a single charge in 24 hours before beginning the 13 Peaks Challenge trail run at 10:00 am on Saturday, 1 March—an extraordinary and never-before-attempted test of both physical and mental endurance.
This year, Lottering’s efforts will also be supported by RIA Cares, a non-profit founded by RIA Advisory in the USA, which believes in giving back to the communities they serve. Through their involvement in dozens of initiatives globally, RIA Cares is committed to uplifting communities and causes like this one, ensuring impactful, long-lasting change.
By taking on a challenge he has never attempted before – having previously only run a maximum of 3 km – Lottering hopes to send a powerful message to young people facing mental health struggles: that with courage, resilience, and the right support, they can conquer their own ‘impossible’ challenges.
“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,” says Lottering.
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.
