American Sets 7th World Record Enduring Extreme Challenges to Raise Awareness for Child Hunger

WASHINGTON - Dec. 15, 2014 - PRLog -- Explorer Sean Burch (Virginia, USA) has set a new official world record for the most first ascents of mountain peaks in Mongolia history.

Burch, who has endured frostbite from previous record expeditions on Everest and in the North Pole, trained more than a year for this extreme challenge, using methods such as ice baths, arctic and Hyperfitness® training.  “Burch not only broke the record, but climbed in one of the coldest months of Mongolia, which is a first as well,”stated Bekbolat Bugibai, Director, Bayan-Ulgii, Mongolia.

“My fingertips are black and hard, I have frostbite on my toes, and could not feel my hands for the last 10 days. I am just happy to have endured the expedition,” stated Burch. “The record is an added bonus.  I was in continual survival mode due to the extreme conditions.”

Burch reached the summits of 23 previously unclimbed high-altitude peaks, breaking the former record of 4 ascents by a Mongolian climber.  Burch endured vertical gains totaling over 80,000ft, temperatures below -35°F, hypothermia, frostbite, avalanches, crevasses, falling through ice rivers, blinding wind, and snowstorms.

Burch used local Mongolians for logistical support, including camel herders to establish three base camps within the highest mountain region in Mongolia. “I congratulate and certify Sean breaking the record by an amazing 19 peaks,” stated Gana Olanbayar, Park Ranger, Sagan Gol, Altai Tayan Bogd National Park.

The Mongolian government’s National Park Service and Mongolia National Mountaineering Federation have officially recognized Burch’s world record. “We confirm Sean’s record of 23 peaks,” said J. Bayanantsagaan, General Secretary, MNMF.

Burch worked in partnership with the No Kid Hungry Program- USA, in an effort to raise awareness, educate, and stop child hunger in America.  “We’re excited to have your support, and thank you for sharing your voice to help make No Kid Hungry a reality,” posted Team NKH on Twitter.  “The primary reason I climbed during November was for people during the Thanksgiving holiday to think of the one in five children in America who struggle with hunger daily. We need to take care of America’s children, and the No Kid Hungry program is a terrific way to assist in doing that,” Burch said.

Burch, winner of National Geographic Channel’s Ultimate Survival Alaska television show, has previous world records on Kilimanjaro, Everest, the North Pole, and others. He was awarded Goodwill Ambassador to Nepal by their government for aid work in their country. He is currently developing a TV show, is a mental fortitude speaker, and is author of the highly acclaimed self-help and fitness book, Hyperfitness: 12 Weeks to Conquering Your Inner Everest (Penguin Group USA).

Expedition photos and video are available.  Burch’s partnering sponsors for this event include Iridium, Roanoke College, IceBug USA, Amazing Grass, PAI, and RBH Designs.

ABOUT SEAN BURCH (www.SeanBurch.com)
Sean Burch, the author of HyperFitness®, is best known for winning National Geographic Channel’s Ultimate Survival Alaska TV Show.  Burch took first placein the North Pole Marathon, climbed Mt. Everest solo, ran up Kilimanjaro in less than 5 and a half hours, and crossed the country of Nepal in world record time, among others.  His previous world records include:

Fastest Crossing of Nepal (Completed via Himalaya range): 49 days, 6 hours, 8 minutes

Fastest Winter Ascent of Mt. Fuji, Japan: 4:05:42

63 Summits of Unclimbed Peaks in 23 Days, Solo, Tibet

Fastest Ascent of Mt. Kilimanjaro: 5:28:48

Fastest Time for Northern Most Marathon (First Marathon and wearing snowshoes)

Jump Rope at Altitude – 26,181ft.

ABOUT NO KID HUNGRY

The No Kid Hungry campaign connects kids in need with nutritious food and teaches their families how to cook healthy, affordable meals. The campaign also engages the public to make ending child hunger a national priority.

Anne Houseman
Associate Director, Consumer Communications
Share Our Strength
Washington, DC 20005
Tel: 202.478.6513

ahouseman@strength.org

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Julee White

Testarossa Entertainment

Chicago, IL 60611

(310) 467-6468

Julee@testarossaent.com