He Swam, Biked, and Ran 12,000KM to Everest: Will Mitch Hutchcraft Be the First Summiteer of 2025?
In the spring of 2025, as climbers from around the world wait for their moment to attempt Mount Everest, one man is already in position to take the lead – not just in altitude, but in ambition. Mitch Hutchcraft, a 38-year-old British adventurer and former Royal Marine, is nearing the final step of an extraordinary mission: a 12,000-kilometer human-powered triathlon from sea level to the highest point on Earth.
Photo: Mitchell Hutchcraft instagram
“…It’s been a dream of mine since I was 8 years old to climb Everest, ever since I saw it in a book, and now, 24 years later, I’m finally stood at the bottom, looking up. Hopefully in a few days, I’ll be stood at the top looking down...”
The Man Behind the Journey
Mitch Hutchcraft’s name is one that will soon be known across the world, not just for his climb up Mount Everest, but for the extraordinary feat that brought him there. Mitch Hutchcraft, a 38-year-old British adventurer and former Royal Marine, has embarked on one of the most grueling expeditions ever attempted: a 12,000-kilometer human-powered triathlon that has taken him across oceans, continents, and mountains.
But why? What drives a man to swim across the English Channel, cycle more than 10,000 kilometers through Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, and then run almost 1,000 kilometers to reach the base of the highest mountain in the world?
For Mitch, it’s not just about breaking records – it’s about resilience, purpose, and legacy. This incredible adventure, called 12,000 KM to Everest, is his way of raising awareness for veteran mental health and wildlife conservation through the charity SAVSIM.
Photo: Mitchell Hutchcraft instagram
From the Sea to the Sky: Mitch’s Epic Journey
Mitch’s journey began in May 2024, when he swam the 34 kilometers of the English Channel – a physically demanding test of strength and endurance. But that was just the start. After the swim, he embarked on a 10,000-kilometer cycling journey, crossing Turkey, India, and Nepal, before running a staggering 900 kilometers across India and Nepal, from the coastal city of Kolkata to Kathmandu, where he prepared for the Everest climb.
Throughout this entire journey, Mitch faced incredible challenges, including extreme heat, exhaustion, and the physical toll of such an unprecedented feat. But these challenges were a part of what fueled him – the belief that pushing through adversity could not only inspire others but raise funds for a cause close to his heart. Mitch’s goal? To raise £500,000 for SAVSIM, a nonprofit that supports veteran mental health and conservation projects.
The Everest Challenge: Mitch’s Final Leg
After months of grueling travel, Mitch’s next challenge was the biggest one yet: Mount Everest. This was not just another mountain – it was the final step in an unprecedented journey. To achieve his goal, Mitch didn’t just have to conquer Everest; he needed to do it with the world watching.
Mitch is attempting to summit Everest with the support of Elite Exped, a guiding company led by Nirmal “Nims” Purja, the legendary mountaineer behind 14 Peaks and Project Possible. This world-class team, known for their efficiency and speed, was involved in the early rope-fixing efforts on Everest, meaning they are among the first climbers allowed to summit after the route has been secured. With Elite Exped, Mitch is poised to make his summit bid as soon as weather conditions permit.
Why Everest? Why Now?
For Mitch, the Everest climb symbolizes more than just a physical challenge. It’s the culmination of years of hard work and personal sacrifice. As a former Royal Marine, Mitch learned the importance of pushing beyond one’s limits. His experience in the military taught him how to survive through adversity, how to persevere when the odds are against him – a mindset that has helped him through every mile of his journey.
But beyond the personal test, Mitch is deeply motivated by his desire to give back. The death of his father when Mitch was just 20 years old left an indelible mark on his life, and it inspired him to join the Royal Marines. It was during this time that Mitch saw firsthand the challenges faced by veterans, and he made it his mission to use his physical abilities and experiences to help others.
As he prepares for the final push up Everest, Mitch shares his journey with his followers through social media and regular updates, hoping to inspire others to dream big and take on challenges that seem impossible. His motto? “No dream is too distant”.
Photo: Mitchell Hutchcraft instagram
Could Mitch Be the First to Summit in 2025?
As of May 10, 2025, the rope-fixing team successfully reached the summit of Everest, opening the route for climbers. Mitch, along with Elite Exped, is now in position to make a summit attempt – potentially becoming the first non-Sherpa climber to summit Everest in 2025, just after the rope-fixing team.
This would mark an incredible achievement for Mitch and the 12,000 KM to Everest project, but it would also highlight the culmination of a life lived with purpose and perseverance. From his father’s passing to his service in the Marines, every step of Mitch’s journey has been about overcoming obstacles and showing the world what’s possible when you never give up.
One Man. One Mountain. One Message.
As Mitch Hutchcraft stands at the edge of Everest’s summit window, he’s not just climbing for glory – he’s climbing for every veteran who’s battled in silence, for every dreamer who’s been told “you can’t”, and for every wild place that still needs protecting.
If he succeeds, he won’t just be the first summiteer of Everest in 2025 – he’ll be the first to prove that the path to the top of the world can begin at sea level, powered only by grit, purpose, and an unbreakable human spirit.
From the waves of the English Channel to the winds of the Himalayas, Mitch’s journey reminds us: the only limits that matter are the ones we choose to break.
Stay tuned. The summit is just ahead.
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