Mitch Hutchcraft completes record-breaking global journey in emotional tribute to late father and fellow veterans
By Charlotte Kensington
A former Royal Marine has summited Mount Everest after completing an extraordinary 8,000-mile triathlon, a challenge believed to be the world’s longest ever ascent of Everest from sea level.
Mitch Hutchcraft, 31, from Ramsey, Cambridgeshire, reached the summit of the world’s highest peak at 07:30 BST on Sunday, concluding a gruelling 240-day expedition that began in September with a swim across the English Channel.
The mission, named Project Limitless, saw Hutchcraft swim, cycle and run thousands of miles from Europe to Asia before beginning his final ascent in the Himalayas.
“It’s more magical than I could have ever dreamed,” Hutchcraft said in a phone call to his team shortly after reaching the summit.
“Although I lost my dad 11 years ago, he was with me every step of the way.”
A Global Journey of Endurance
Hutchcraft’s triathlon began on 15 September, with a 35km (21-mile) swim from Dover to France. He then cycled approximately 12,000km (7,456 miles) across Europe and Asia to Digha, India, before running 900km (559 miles) to Kathmandu, Nepal.
From there, he trekked 360km (223 miles) to Everest Base Camp, before beginning his ascent of the 8,848-metre mountain.
His team have called it the longest sea-to-summit Everest climb ever recorded.
Overcoming the Odds
Hutchcraft, who now lives in Torquay, Devon, has a history of taking on monumental endurance challenges, including rowing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic and cycling 5,000km across North America.
His achievements are even more remarkable given that he previously underwent a full knee reconstruction and was once told the injury would prevent him from even joining the military.
“It’s been tough. Really tough. The most difficult thing I’ve ever done,” he said.
“But I couldn’t be happier and more proud of finishing this epic adventure.”
Hutchcraft served in the Royal Marines for six years, until 2021. The sudden death of his father when he was 20 played a significant role in both his decision to join the forces and pursue his endurance goals.
Raising Funds and Awareness
The journey wasn’t just personal, it was also a fundraiser for SAVSIM, a wildlife conservation charity that supports veterans and individuals suffering from PTSD and other mental health issues.
“For me this is so much more than just a dream to make history,” Hutchcraft said.
“It’s a chance to raise funds and awareness for an amazing non-profit organisation very close to my heart and give back to veteran mental health and wildlife conservation.”
A Dream Since Childhood
Hutchcraft has said the dream of climbing Everest began when he was just eight years old, but he never imagined it would unfold in such an epic way.
“Never in a million years did I think this would be how I’d get here,” he said.
“I just want it to inspire others to believe that whatever they’re dreaming, however small, they just need to get out there and smash it.”
His challenge has been filmed by a production team and is expected to officially conclude once he returns safely to base camp, something his team anticipated would happen by Monday morning.
