Reservist attempts to beat record London – Everest – London.
On Monday 2nd May Army Reservist Garth Miller embarked on a unique expedition to Nepal in an attempt to set the ‘fastest known time’ from London to the summit of Mt Everest and back again.
Garth’s ambitious ‘Man V Mountain’ expedition coincides with the Trusts’ 30th anniversary. The Trust itself was set-up following a similarly ground-breaking expedition to the same iconic mountain. Garth hopes his unique endeavour will inspire many more Reservists and Cadets to undertake a challenging expedition and ‘step into the unknown’.
Garth said “I will be attempting to set a ‘fastest known time’ from London to the summit of Everest and return. For the early pioneers of Everest, an expedition to the mountain would typically involve six months away from home. Advancements in technology, equipment and access mean an Everest expedition today is more commonly 8-9 weeks in duration. Taking advantage of pre-acclimatisation strategies, an immense amount of physical preparation and solid high-altitude mountaineering experience, I hope to push the boundaries of what is possible.
“After a very full two weeks back in 🇬🇧 following an epic Ama Dablam climb I’m on the move again. Next stop Everest. Feeling fit, rested and ready.“
The Ulysses Trust Vice Chairman, Philip Neame, is no stranger to Everest himself. The Trust was borne out of his 1992 Territorial Army expedition to attempt the first British winter ascent of Mt Everest. Commenting on Garth’s expedition Phil said, “The Trust’s founding expedition, an attempt at the first British ascent of Mt Everest in winter, broke new ground and launched an upsurge in expeditions by the Volunteer Reserve and Cadets. The nature of this attempt on Everest by Garth Miller also seeks to break new ground. It is good to see the Volunteer Reserves continuing in the spirit of the Ulysses Trust’s founding expedition, and we are delighted to be involved with this exceptional project. I hope he will encourage others to dream boldly.”
You can follow Garth’s progress throughout his journey via our website and social media platforms.
We wish Garth all the very best of luck for this exciting and daring adventure, and a safe (and speedy) return! Below is a video clip taken by Garth in Kathmandu.