British adventurer sets record with epic Sea-to-Summit journey to Everest
Mitch Hutchcraft’s 13,000-kilometer expedition combines extreme endurance and a mission for charity, inspiring millions online.
Aga Adventures
In an extraordinary display of endurance, British adventurer Mitch Hutchcraft summited Mount Everest on Sunday, completing a record-breaking 13,000-kilometer journey that began at sea level in England.
According to his expedition organizer, Aga Adventures, Hutchcraft reached the summit at 7:20 a.m. Nepali time, guided by renowned climber Gelje Sherpa.
Gelje Sherpa, recognized as the youngest member of the 2021 winter K2 expedition and a seasoned high-altitude rescuer, has established a stellar reputation in the mountaineering community. In 2023, after successfully summiting all 14 of the world’s peaks above 8,000 meters, Sherpa joined forces with British climber Adriana Brownlee—the youngest woman to conquer all 14 eight-thousanders—to co-found Aga Adventures. Now in its second year, the company successfully organized this historic expedition.
Hutchcraft, 31, a former Royal Marine from Cambridgeshire, launched his ambitious expedition—dubbed "Project Limitless"—in September 2024. His journey began with a 34-kilometer swim across the English Channel, followed by a grueling 12,000-kilometer cycle through Europe and Asia, reaching Digha, India. From there, he endured a punishing 900-kilometer run to Kathmandu, Nepal, before trekking to Everest Base Camp and initiating his ascent of the world’s highest peak.
His journey set a new world record for the longest ascent of Everest starting from sea level, a feat driven by a dual mission: to push the boundaries of human endurance and to raise £500,000 for SAVSIM, a charity supporting veterans' mental health and wildlife conservation.
Hutchcraft’s adventure has captured widespread attention on social media, especially TikTok, where his regular updates have inspired a growing global audience. His daily dispatches have showcased his resilience, highlighting both breathtaking landscapes and relentless challenges.
According to Nepal's Department of Tourism, 456 climbers obtained permits to ascend Everest from the Nepalese side during this spring season. The United States and India each accounted for 83 climbers, China for 64, and the United Kingdom for 29. The first wave of climbers began their summit bids on Saturday after Sherpa teams installed fixed ropes to the summit.
Mount Everest, straddling the border between Nepal and China, can be climbed from either side. This season, most expeditions have operated from the Nepalese side, while the Tibetan side has seen limited activity.
Hutchcraft’s achievement is a testament to human determination and purpose. His journey from the shores of England to the top of the world stands as a remarkable story of grit, resilience, and inspiration.
