Adventurer and Mount Everest record-breaker Mitch Hutchcraft has completed a remarkable charity challenge, setting another World Record by running 16 back-to-back ultra marathons, covering 720 km, from the lowest point in the UK to its highest peak, Ben Nevis.
Listen to our interview with Mitch prior to his challenge here
The 32-year-old set off from Holme Fen (2.75m below sea level) near his hometown of Ramsey, Cambridgeshire, on 5th December, reaching the summit of Ben Nevis on 20th December after 16 consecutive days of running, battling freezing rain, snow, exhaustion and bitter winter conditions.
The challenge was inspired by Mitch’s rescue dog, Teddy, who spent the first four years of his life confined to a concrete cage on a puppy farm, never taken for walks and never even given a name.
Teddy was one of 28 cocker spaniels rescued in a single operation and his story motivated Mitch to shine a light on the realities of illegal dog breeding and the growing crisis facing animal rescue centres across the UK. Recent figures from the RSPCA suggest that the number of dogs in its care this July was double the number from July 2020*.
Speaking from the finish line on Ben Nevis, Mitch said, “I am exhausted but incredibly proud to have completed this challenge for such an important cause.
“Sixteen ultra marathons back-to-back, with no rest days, in wet and freezing conditions was brutal and once again pushed me to my limits.
“My legs were heavy, my energy was gone, my head was gone but I felt I had to put my body on the line because the UK is at crisis point when it comes to these incredible dogs needing loving homes.”
He added: “This isn’t just about raising money. It’s about awareness. Families are being duped into thinking puppies have come from ethical origins, but they do have a choice. Before buying a puppy, please reach out to a rescue centre and please, consider adoption instead of shopping.”
The challenge attracted hundreds of supporters along the route, including endurance world record holder Mark Beaumont, members of the public and their dogs who joined Mitch on sections of the run.
The challenge has also gained and virtual support from high-profile figures including Ben Fogle who said, “incredible challenge for an incredible cause”; England goalkeeper Joe Hart who messaged “fair play, absolutely mega! You and the people coming with you are raising plenty of awareness. Keep doing it and I look forward to joining you for the next challenge”; Ally McCoist OBE who sent “Great effort, top lad!”; and Ollie Ollerton star of SAS: Who Dares Wins who said “hats off to you LEGEND! It’s incredible what you’re doing mate, I’m so proud of you. May you inspire many”.
Earlier this year, Mitch completed Project Limitless, a world-first expedition that saw him swim the English Channel (21 miles), cycle across 18 countries to India (7,500 miles), then run and hike from sea level to the summit of Mount Everest (900 miles), being the first to summit of the season. The 237-day challenge was so unprecedented that sports scientists questioned whether it was even possible.
Despite still recovering from his world-first 13,157km expedition from England to the summit of Mount Everest earlier this year, Mitch undertook the challenge to raise both funds and awareness for rescue dogs and the pressure being placed on sanctuaries nationwide.
During the challenge, Mitch and his team comprised of filmmakers Benjamin Cook and Oliver Frampton, visited 5 dog rescue centres across the UK.
Rescue centres reported record numbers of young dogs arriving with behavioural and health issues and increasing cases where a dog’s history and origin cannot be traced. Creating a rising strain on already overstretched charities.
Industry estimates suggest that only 15–20% of dogs in the UK come from licensed breeders, meaning the majority are bred through unlicensed or illegal organised crime operations, where welfare standards are often extremely poor. The illegal puppy trade is estimated to be worth at least £160 million annually, with the true cost paid by the dogs and families themselves and by rescue centres left to pick up the pieces.
Lauren Smith from Dogs Trust Glasgow added: “The most advisable thing we could recommended is for members of the public to reach out to your local rescue charities if you’re not quite sure how to proceed with your adoption journey.
“We’ll be there to help guide you through the process every step of the way. We might not have a dog quite like what you’re looking for, but we will be able to give you advice or sign post you to the right place.
“We always recommend families reach out ADCH who are an umbrella organisation for reputable rehoming organisations. To be part of the ADCH a rehoming centre would have to operate to a high standard of animal welfare, so you can be sure that anyone associated with them are reputable and trustworthy.”
A lifelong advocate for animal welfare, Mitch was joined during parts of the journey by his dogs Teddy and Buddy. Along the route, Mitch met dog owners, volunteers and rescue workers, encouraging the public to “adopt, not shop”.
Mitch hopes the momentum from the Great British Dog Walk Challenge will help more rescue dogs find homes and encourage long-term behavioural change across the UK. He added: “The more light we can shine on what these dogs go through, the more people we can encourage to consider the incredible animals waiting in rescue centres.”
To find out more about adopting or re-homing a pet, visit https://adch.org.uk/ or search for your local animal rescue centre and check they have registered charity or CIC number.
Listen to our interview with Mitch prior to his challenge here
