No Turning Back: Seven Friends, 2,700+ Steps, and One Brutal Mountain

Can you imagine walking up 2,768 steps? That's basically the equivalent of climbing the Empire State Building. It's the equivalent of climbing up the Eiffel Tower- twice. It would be like climbing the Washington Monument three times; the Statue of Liberty FOUR times! Well, seven friends and workout partners from Kentucky are about to head to Colorado to stare those stairs in the face.

WHAT IS THE MANITOU INCLINE?

They're going to attempt the climb the Manitou Incline in Colorado Springs. The incline has become a popular destination for thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies around the world. It was built in the early 1900s as part of a railway system. Today, it's one of the most grueling and physically-punishing 'hikes' in the United States.

HOW HARD IS THE MANITOU INCLINE?

Here's a look at the official stats! Take a deep breath. You may be gasping for air from just reading this.

As I mentioned, the Manitou Incline has over 2700 steps. The average grade of the climb is roughly 45%. However, parts of the 'staircase' sport a grade of 68%. It's so steep, climbers will gain 2,000 feet of elevation in just under a mile. That's insane and Heather Yeiser, one of the group of local friends attempting the climb, says, "The altitude is what scares me most."

She adds, "In some places, it's so steep you have to crawl."

Here's Exhibit A!

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Heather and her workout partners have certainly committed to training for the big trip.

She says, "We've been doing the Stairclimber and incline treadmills and leg strength-training." Heather admits, "You can't train for the altitude though." She jokes, "I guess I could put a wet rag over my face while I train."

Heather's going to be joined on this incredible journey to Colorado Springs by Sheila Irwin, Angie Peters, Linda Long, Julie Hill, Yuli Soto-Garcia, and Travis Newton.

Sheila, who says the Manitou Incline is a 'bucket list' item for her, is quite confident. She says, "I'm going to make it up no matter what."

Heather has no doubts. She jokingly shared, "Sheila will leave us behind. She always promises not to, but she does."

The group met at Iron Jungle Family Fitness in Owensboro. Heather says, "The majority of us have been doing 5am classes together for a couple of years and we've become the best of friends."

Well, on Thursday, May 14th, the spirited seven are going to put that friendship, and their will, strength, and endurance to the test. They're flying to Colorado for a Saturday, May 16th climb. Yes, the Manitou Incline awaits! And, we'll wait to see if they can make it all the way to the top.