UPDATE (January 2025): Mitch is now well into the second leg of his epic challenge having completed his first – a dramatic 34km swim across the English Channel – in September. He has cycled through Europe and into Asia with the goal of reaching India. The adventurer plans to finish the bike section in Digha, a town in West Bengal, on the Indian Ocean – the closest sea level point to Mount Everest. From there he will continue on foot, running and hiking 1,300km to Kathmandu, before attempting to summit Everest.
RACING 12,000KM TO EVEREST'S PEAK
To scale the world’s highest mountain is a herculean task. The idea of doing so at the end of a 12,000km triathlon to get there is, quite frankly, incomprehensible. But that’s exactly what Mitch Hutchcraft is attempting to do.
Starting this September on the south coast of England, the former Royal Marine Commando will swim, cycle, run, trek and climb across two continents to reach the summit of Mount Everest.
Mitch describes Project Limitless as “the world’s longest triathlon” and hopes to complete it within eight months. If successful he says it will be:
1. The first-ever triathlon to the top of the world
2. The longest climb of Mount Everest in history
In undertaking the biggest adventure of his life, Mitch will raise money for Savsim, a charity which uses animal-assisted therapy to help veterans in the treatment of mental health and PTSD.
His planned route starts with a 34km swim across the English Channel, then a 10,000km bike ride from France to India. He’ll then run and trek a further 1,300km to Nepal, before attempting to climb to the 8,849m summit of Mount Everest.
Sharing many of the values we hold as a brand, we are supporting Mitch in his epic expedition to the top of the world.
Q&A with Mitch about Project Limitless
1. Where does the inspiration come from for this challenge?
It started as an idea while rowing the Atlantic Ocean. I wanted to combine several dreams into one epic expedition. Climbing Mount Everest from sea level and swimming the English Channel were the two dreams, so I found a way to connect them. The result is the first-ever triathlon to the top of the world and the longest climb of Everest in history.
I’m also inspired to try and do as much good for charity as I can and to inspire as many people as possible.
2. Which part of the expedition are you most looking forward to and which are you dreading the most?
I’m most looking forward to the 1,300km on foot in India and Nepal, which will get me to Everest Base Camp. This part of the journey is very much off the beaten tourist track, and we’ll meet so many amazing people on the way.
I’m least looking forward to swimming the Channel because it’s probably going to be the longest and harshest day of the whole expedition. And there’s not much to see while swimming 12-16 hours!
3. How will your background as former Royal Marine help with this epic challenge?
It will massively help in honing the mindset needed to complete such a mad challenge. It will also help bring cheerfulness in the face of adversity and allow me to adapt to any situation. These are vital skills needed if I have any chance of pulling this off.
4. You’ve previously rowed the Atlantic and you’ve cycled across America. How does this new challenge compare?
It’s much longer and very different as it combines so many sports. But the previous challenges were still great multi-week expeditions during which so much was learned.
5. Are you aiming to complete it within a specific time frame?
Eight months is the ‘maximum’ time frame. From leaving in mid-September, we must arrive at Everest itself by April/May next year in time to join the expedition and complete it.
6. What level of support team will accompany you?
A team of two to three people made up of friends and a production team, all in a van. They will join me for most of trip, helping me and filming the journey.
7. How many calories a day will you need and what will be your go-to meals?
It’s hard to say but I will aim for 5,000-8,000 calories per day to try to maintain a healthy weight. Go-to meals will be pasta, rice, other high carb options and protein foods. I’ll also have meal replacement and weight gainer shakes to keep calories up.
8. What’s the biggest challenge you'll face on each element of the adventure?
Swim – The time it will take and the general boredom. This mixed with the cold, the aches and the pains.
Cycle - The extra weight when pulling my 30kg golden retriever along.
Run & Trek – The heat. It will also be my first week off the bike after four months of cycling, so it will be painful as my legs adjust.
Climb – The altitude and the cold. By this time my body will be very rundown and biggest challenge will be just keeping it going at altitude and in the extreme cold.
9. What INOV8 kit will you use and when?
Trail running shoes and hiking boots for whole ‘on-foot phase.’ Lightweight waterproofs when cycling and throughout. Trousers on all mountain hikes and base layers on the Everest expedition.
10. Finally, what three words describe how you’re feeling?
Inspired. Nervous. Impatient.