Ex-marine to run 700km in 16 back-to-back marathons to encourage the UK to "adopt not shop"
World-record-breaking veteran Mitch Hutchcraft will visit dog rescue centres across the UK to highlight the issues of overcrowding faced by many dog charities.
This November marks six months since veteran Mitch Hutchcraft summited the World's highest mountain as part of the longest ever climb of Mt. Everest in history. He is now launching his next epic challenge - a 700km run from his hometown of Ramsey (the UK's lowest point) to the summit of Ben Nevis (the highest).
The 32-year-old adventurer is undertaking the next mammoth adventure, the Great British Dog Walking Challenge, to raise money and awareness around illegal dog breeding and the growing overpopulation crisis in animal sanctuaries across the UK, while trying to get as many dogs rescued in the process.
Starting on December 3rd, dog lover Mitch will run up the UK with his dog Buddy, who joined him for part of his Everest challenge, meeting up with dog owners and animal sanctuaries across the country, encouraging the nation to "adopt not shop" when considering a new pet.
He will also have his new rescue dog, Teddy, with him, who inspired the journey. Teddy spent four years in a concrete cage on a puppy farm, never had a walk, never even had a name. Treated and kept as livestock for greed. He was just 1 of 28 cocker spaniels rescued on this one occasion.
Still recovering physically from his world-first 13,157km expedition from England to the top of Everest, Mitch will face the punishing 700km in the bitter December weather, where he expects to face freezing rain and snow along the way.
Hundreds of people are expected to join him on the challenge, including several special celebrity guests, including former England goalkeeper Joe Hart and SAS "Who Dares Wins" stars.
A strong advocate of animal welfare, Mitch is on a mission to highlight the growing issue in the UK of overrun dog rescue centres and encourage families looking to bring a pet into their home to consider adopting, rather than shopping for a new one.
"Although I'm still recovering from the Everest expedition," Mitch admits, "I felt the need to put my body on the line again as we are facing a crisis point in the UK when it comes to the thousands of amazing dogs that need loving homes
"Animal welfare has always been a big part of my belief system -" even travelling across Europe, and beyond, on the way to Everest, we stopped in at charities helping animals to first-hand witness the compassion and amazing work they undertake. Yet there is so much more to do.
"It was whilst adopting Teddy, a new four-legged member of our family, that the idea for the run came about.
"Not only to run the 700km from the lowest to the highest point in the UK, but we are undertaking a mission to help the tens of thousands of dogs in the UK without a home, to find a new family.
"This isn't all about raising money. This is about spreading the message that families looking for a pet have an option. It's not about shopping for a new pet, but consider adoption instead."
During his last mission, Mitch swam the English Channel (21 miles), cycled across 18 countries to India (7500 miles), then ran and hiked from sea level in India to the summit of Everest (900 miles).
The challenge took 237 days and was so unprecedented that sports scientists doubted whether it was even possible.
During his eight-month expedition, he had to battle a lifelong knee injury that almost put pay to his military career; a 19 hour long channel swim where he was caught in a storm, losing part of his tongue; near fatal crashes on the bike; his team being held at gunpoint and the elation of being one of the first to summit Everest that climbing season.
About his next adventure, Mitch added, "I am hoping there'll be loads of dog owners who want to come out and join me on sections of the run.
"The more momentum around this we can gather, the more amazing animals currently looking for a new family, we can rehome.
"Everyone can get involved. You don't have to be super fit or run the length of the country, just come and give your support."
To follow Mitch on his adventure, and get involved in the Great British Dog Walk Challenge, simply follow and search on Instagram @_mitchhutch
The views expressed by contributors to this discussion are not necessarily those held by go4awalk.com.
Add your comment to THIS article | Start a NEW Discussion
To contribute to go4awalk.com or to contact us about anything at all - see Talk To Us. For help see Help.
go4awalk.com and go4awalk.co.uk are registered trademarks of TMDH Limited.
Copyright © 2000-2025 TMDH Limited. All rights reserved.
Copyright Terms & Conditions Privacy Statement
A - Z Walks Home Log On/Accounts Photo Gallery Walk Ideas and Collections Fell Facts Hill Skills Walking Questions and Answers Your Stories News Competitions Product Reviews/Gear Tests Walking Gear Guides Peaks and Mountains Peak Bagging Find New Walking Friends Camping GPS Waypoints for Walking Contents Walk Search Talk To Us go4awalk.com Help Free Example Walks Newsletter
