By Mahdi Al Khayari
British adventurer, Mitch Hutchcraft, 32, who successfully completed the longest climb of Mount Everest in history and the first triathlon to the top of the world, a journey which had also included a previous pit stop in Oman, was in town again recently for a speaking engagement.
Project Limitless
The globetrotter, who completed Project Limitless, a triathlon from the English Channel to the summit of Mt Everest, spoke to Black & White where he detailed his limitless mission and vision for this daunting, staggering and mind-boggling adventure and why he embarked on it.
“It was more magical than I could have ever dreamed it would be,” Mitch, a former Royal Marine, has been quoted of as saying in the media after completing the project in May, this year. Mitch embarked on this extraordinary 237-days expedition, spanning swimming, cycling, trekking and climbing all the way to the summit of Mount Everest in September 2024.
Living example of determination
Throughout this journey, Mitch said he faced immense physical and mental challenges. But what separates this extraordinary adventurer from others is that he transformed every obstacle into a driving force to achieve unprecedented feats. His story serves as a living example of determination and dedication in pursuing dreams, inspiring others to push beyond the limits of what they thought was possible. Mitch noted that he hoped to inspire people to realise their dreams and what they are capable of. “…I just want it to inspire others to believe that whatever they are dreaming, however small, they just need to get out there and smash it,” he is further quoted of as saying.
Longest climb of Everest
Mitch completed the 13,157-kilometer expedition over eight months non-stop. He swam from England to France, covering 35 kilometres across the English Channel. Following this, he cycled from France to Muscat and then continued toward Karachi and then on a bicycle to India covering a total of 11,900 km. From India, he ran and hiked 1,300 km and climbed the summit of Mt Everest. This monumental feat set two world records: the longest climb of Everest in human history and the first-ever triathlon to the top of the world.
Sultanate, his favourite
The expedition took a toll—he lost 18 to 20 kilogrammes over four months, cycling roughly 10 hours every day across 18 countries. Yet, Mitch cherishes the friendships and experiences made along the way, particularly in Oman, he said adding that the Sultanate has become one of his favourite countries. Now, he dedicates his life to motivational speaking worldwide, with appearances in schools and universities, alongside an upcoming book and Netflix documentary slated for international release. Here in Oman Mitch spoke about his adventure at The Diplomatic Club in September, this year.
Adversity into power
Mitch cites his father as his greatest inspiration. Losing him at 19, Mitch promised to make him prouder than he ever dreamed. That promise led him to the military, the commandos, rowing across the Atlantic, cycling across America, and achieving multiple world records. Growing up with ADHD, he faced significant struggles, nearly being expelled from school. He learned to turn adversity into power, using doubt and grief as motivation to push further.
Future plans
Looking ahead, Mitch plans a 700-kilometer run in the UK, completing 16 marathons back-to-back, and finishing his book within the next two months. Next year, he will tackle the Seven Summits—climbing the highest mountain on every continent from the ocean, starting with Everest, ascending 1,300 kilometres from sea level to summit immediately after swimming and cycling long distances.
Happiest moment
The happiest moment of his life was summiting Everest this May 11, after 27 years of dreaming and promises. Throughout his journeys, his main fuel was simple biscuits, though he burned 6,000 to 7,000 calories daily, often eating only 4,000. Mitch faced life-threatening moments countless times but was supported by his 23year-old cameraman, who documented every step with 15 terabytes of footage. The expedition included dog chases, accidents, being knocked off a bike in Iraq, and even humorous near-gunpoint encounters in Serbia.
Redefining possible
If Limitless was a movie, Mitch would call it Redefining Possible, also the title of chapter one of his book. The underlying message: only you know what’s possible. Everyone has their “Everest”—whether climbing a mountain, starting a business, or walking five kilometres. The key is taking the first step; once you do, anything is achievable.
Nine Pillars
His book, Limitless: Nine Pillars to Unlock Extraordinary Human Potential, is being published by HarperCollins and will be accompanied by a book tour, speaking engagements, and a documentary. The release is scheduled around May or June, 2026, coinciding with Father’s Day in the UK—a meaningful tribute to his father, who ignited the fire that fuels Mitch’s extraordinary journey.
Hardest part
The hardest part of the expedition was day one, swimming the English Channel—an 18.5-hour nonstop swim in stormy conditions, with his tongue dissolving from saltwater and his shoulder failing. He collapsed afterward, unable to move for four days. After six days, he began the 12,000 km bicycle ride. Throughout, he employed strategies like breaking challenges into manageable chunks, counting strokes or breaths, and using “strategic pain management” to remind himself that all pain is temporary and there is always light at the end of the tunnel.
Despite disbelief from others, particularly in India and Pakistan, the people Mitch met along the journey restored his faith in humanity.
Hidden beach
In Oman, after cycling over 8,000 kilometres, he found a hidden beach with turtles and shared two hours under the stars with local residents—a moment that perfectly captured the spirit of adventure, connection, and discovery that defines his life. The expedition also included rowing across the Atlantic Ocean in a five-meter boat for seven weeks. Surrounded by dolphins and bioluminescent waters, under a sky illuminated by shooting stars, it was like a dreamlike experience for Mitch.
Importance of belief
Belief was crucial. With less than five percent of the funds required to finish, he quit his job and raised $200,000 over six months while cycling 10 hours a day and seeking sponsorship. Overcoming these odds and defying doctors’ warnings after two-knee surgeries, Mitch proved that determination, positivity, and dedication can make the impossible possible. His father’s mantra, tattooed on his body— “Every man dies, but not every man really lives”— kept him going even through the most gruelling moments.
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