Mitch to cycle to Digha and run to Kathmandu
Aims to raise funds for mental health and wildlife conservation
Jamshedpur: Mitch Hutchcraft, a former Royal Marine Commando from England, is on a mission to make history through a groundbreaking 12,000 km triathlon that culminates in climbing Mount Everest. The journey, which spans swimming, cycling, and running across 17 countries, aims to raise funds for mental health awareness and wildlife conservation. Mitch reached Jamshedpur on Wednesday, where he shared his inspiring story with young athletes at the Tata Steel Adventure Foundation.
A Dream Born 20 Years Ago
The expedition, named “Limitless,” started eight months ago from a beach in England and has already covered 11,400 km. Mitch began by swimming across the English Channel in 18.5 hours, followed by cycling through countries like France, Belgium, Germany, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Turkey, UAE, and Pakistan. His next goal is to cycle to Digha in West Bengal, then run to Kathmandu, Nepal. From there, he plans to climb Mount Everest, starting from the base camp at 3,200 feet in April, and raise the victory flag on the world’s highest peak.
Speaking to the youth in Jamshedpur, Mitch shared his philosophy: “Pain is momentary, but with hard work and dedication, every goal is achievable.” Having lost his father at a young age, Mitch uses his journey as a way to turn personal challenges into positive action.
Overcoming Unimaginable Challenges
Mitch’s journey has been marked by incredible obstacles. In Serbia, he survived a car accident and was chased by a pack of dogs. He also endured military restrictions in Iraq and cycled across the scorching Arabian desert. Despite having undergone two knee surgeries, Mitch refused to let his physical limitations deter him.
Entry into India also posed challenges. At the Wagah Border, Mitch was denied entry due to e-visa complications. This forced him to take a flight from Islamabad to Amritsar, resulting in a detour of 4,000 km to cover just one meter at the India-Pakistan border.
A Record-Breaking Expedition
The “Limitless” triathlon is the first of its kind in the world. It involves swimming across the English Channel, cycling 10,500 km, and running 1,300 km. The final challenge will be climbing Mount Everest, making it the longest ascent as part of a triathlon.
So far, Mitch has spent 130 days cycling, running an average of 50 km per day. His determination and mental strength have been key to his success. “You don’t need to be a superhuman to dream big,” Mitch said. “With the right mindset, anything is possible.”
Inspiring the World
Mitch’s journey is a testament to resilience and determination. His mission is not just about achieving personal milestones but also about inspiring others to dream big and support meaningful causes. Through his expedition, he hopes to raise significant funds for mental health initiatives and wildlife conservation efforts.
As Mitch continues his journey toward Everest, he leaves behind a powerful message: “Nothing is impossible if you have the mental strength to persevere.” With his sights set on the summit, Mitch’s story serves as an inspiration to all who face challenges in pursuit of their dreams.
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