Project Se7en: Spencer Matthews’ Epic Ironman Challenge 

We’re excited to share that our founder Spencer Matthews is chasing another incredible world record attempt this month to raise funds for men’s mental health.

He will be putting his body on the line for James’ Place by completing 7 full-distance triathlons (each comprising a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and 26.2 mile run) on all 7 continents… 

...in just 21 days.

As well as being a father, entrepreneur and endurance athlete, Spencer is hoping to add “3 x world record holder” to his belt. He already tackled one world record challenge in August 2024 when he smashed the most marathon distances completed on sand in one month (male). He set his first Guinness World Record by running 30 marathons in 30 consecutive days across the Jordanian desert, covering a total of 1,266 km (786 miles) in temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F). 

This time he's attempting another crazy, dangerous an exciting challenge for charity, hoping to smash 2 world records. These will be Fastest Ironman Distance Triathlon on all 7 continents and Fastest Ironman Distance Triathlon In Antartica.

He's setting off on November 13 until December 3rd. You can follow his journey on Instagram and donate to Project Se7en here.

A Cross-Continent Triathlon Challenge 

7 full triathlons, 7 continents, in less than one month.

Each triathlon entails a gruelling marathon run, 2.4 mile swim and 112 mile bike ride as well as the logistical nightmare of getting around the globe. Spencer will be pushing his body to the limits, under savage conditions across each continent of the world. It’s a dangerous and potentially life-threatening challenge that has never been attempted before in such a short time frame.

Starting in London, Spencer will tick off the European leg with a swim in the Royal Docks, a cycle in Regent’s Park and run in Hyde Park. Then, he will attempt triathlons in Arizona, Cape Town, Perth, Dubai, Brazil and Antarctica.

Finishing in Antarctica, Spencer will face the toughest conditions of the challenge. His swim will be in dangerous sub-zero icy water, populated by native animals like leopard seals, killer whales, polar bears and penguins.

Raising Funds For A Worthy Cause

Spencer will be raising funds for James’ Place - a charity that offers free, life-saving therapy to men in suicidal crisis. With suicide being the leading cause of death in men under 35, offering intervention quickly can save lives. James’ Place aims to reach people within 2 working days.

While the NHS does an incredible job, they can’t always see people at speed. However, in cases of mental health crisis, we know that the speed of intervention is a crucial factor in outcomes. Reaching someone quickly can be the difference between life and death, so James’ Place is offering a vital service.

Spencer will be using his platform to bring attention to this issue and raise life-saving funds. Speaking recently, he spoke about the pressures of young men and why the cause is close to his heart:

“I feel that men, young men particularly, are in a bit of a tricky spot nowadays. I think a lot of really influential voices are wrong and quite toxic. As a father of two boys, I'm terrified of them exploring social media and coming across these toxically masculine voices that tell them that they're worthless if they're not a certain way. And I think that having had a journey myself through masculinity, setting an example and working with a charity like James’ Place is really important to me.”

-Spencer Matthews

His Incredible Transformation 

Spencer’s journey is testament to what you can do when you channel your energy into positive pursuits. By his own admission, he could never have achieved or even attempted these incredible goals had he been drinking to the extent he was previously. 

Since 2018, Spencer has been consciously managing his relationship with alcohol and has used sober-curiosity as a tool for personal development. In doing so he has found a love for endurance sports, and an overall happier and healthier lifestyle.

For some people, alcohol adds a layer of experience that enhances their life while taking nothing away. For Spencer, that wasn’t the case. Drinking alcohol took away a lot while not giving much back, and as soon as he removed it he started playing at a higher level in all aspects of life. 

 “Eliminating alcohol for periods of time is probably the most helpful thing you can do in my book. I'm not preaching or having a go at anybody that drinks recreationally. But for me, the difference between having a few drinks and not drinking is enormous. I used to see taking periods of abstinence as a sacrifice, so I’d say, ‘I'm not going to drink for this month in order to feel better’. And now my whole ethos around it is the complete opposite. I can drink whenever I feel like drinking, but I choose not to, because it will hinder who I am and my performance. I've become interested in health and physicality and wellness as part of my very being. So smoking, drinking, late nights don't really fit into what I want to be.”

-Spencer Matthews

The incredible goals he’s reaching for are testament to the growth that has occurred since he assessed his relationship with alcohol. 

Support Spencer 

Spencer is endlessly curious about who his best version is and we love watching him push the limits of what he can achieve. 

He's setting off on November 13 until December 3rd. You can follow his journey on Instagram and donate to Project Se7en here.