The UKRunChat podcast. Mitch Hutchcraft, The Great British Dog Walk. 700km for Rescue Dogs: "Adopt, Don't Shop"
In this episode, we speak with former-Royal Marine and world-record–breaking adventurer Mitch Hutchcraft, who completed the longest climb of Everest in historyearlier this year. Now, just six months later, he’s taking on a new mission — and this time, it’s all for the dogs.
Starting 3rd December, Mitch will run 700km / 16 back-to-back marathons from the UK’s lowest point in his hometown of Ramsey in Cambridgeshire, to the summit of Ben Nevis. Along the way he’ll visit multiple dog rescue centres, meet hundreds of owners, and highlight the urgent need to adopt, not shop as shelters across the UK reach breaking point.
The challenge was inspired by Teddy, Mitch’s new rescue dog who spent four years in a concrete cage on a puppy farm before being saved. Mitch hopes to shine a light on overcrowded sanctuaries, illegal breeding, and the thousands of dogs still waiting for a home.
In this episode:
- Mitch’s world-first 237-day Everest expedition
- Teddy’s rescue story
- Why UK dog shelters are overwhelmed
- What 700km in December will look like
- How people can join Mitch on the route
- Plans for a documentary + special guests
- How you can support the adopt-don't-shop message
Follow & support Mitch:
Instagram: @_mitchhutch
Live tracker + route: via link in his bio
Petition for improved dog breeding laws coming soon
Photo credit: Mitch Hutchcraft