# Sean Burch

Sean Burch (born June 8, 1972) is an American explorer, mountaineer, Leadership, Wellness, and Executive Performance Specialist, and documentary filmmaker. He is the author of the book, Hyperfitness: 12 Weeks to Reaching Your Inner Everest and Getting into the Best Shape of Your Life (Penguin Random House), and holds 8 World Records within fitness and adventure. He was also the winner of National Geographic Channel’s Ultimate Survival Alaska TV show. Burch is the creator and founder of Hyperfitness, a wellness program, and was named Goodwill Ambassador to Nepal by the country's government. He resides within the Washington D.C. area.

## Film making career

Burch began filming his expeditions in 2003 on Mount Everest as a way to record his solo expeditions in remote regions around the world. His documentary film, The Icefall Doctor on the original Icefall Doctor of the Khumbu Icefall on Mount Everest completed post-production in late 2021. Burch serves as a producer, director, and cinematographer. This film has been featured in numerous film festivals around the world, winning Best Film in the Torello Mountain Film Festival in Spain in 2022 and Best Film Mountains, Sports, & Adventure at Slovenia's largest film festival Festival Gorniskega Filma in 2023.
Icefall Doctors: Guardians of Everest docuseries is currently streaming on VOD.

## Filmography

| Year | Title |
| 2021 | The Icefall Doctor |
| 2023 | Samdo Sherpa |
| 2023 | Everest on Echo |
| 2023 | Icefall Doctors: Guardians of Everest |

## Ascents and Expeditions of Note

* 2000: Wrangell–St. Elias National Park, Alaska, First Ascents (3) of previously unclimbed mountain peaks
* 2001: Shishapangma, Tibet, reached summit with Dan Mazur
* 2002: Aconcagua, Argentina fastest American Ascent
* 2002: East Greenland First Ascents (14) in Gronau Nunatakker region
* 2003: Mount Everest, Nepal
* 2004: North Pole Marathon, first place
* 2005: Mount Kilimanjaro, summit in 5 hours, 28 minutes and 48 seconds
* 2006: First ascents (63) of Mountain Peaks in 23 days, solo, Tibet
* 2009: Winter Ascent of Mount Fuji, Japan
* 2010: Crossed Nepal via Himalaya Range from India Border to Tibet Border
* 2014: First Ascents (23) of Previously Unclimbed Mountains, solo, in Mongolia
* 2016: First Ascents (31) in 21 days, solo, Nepal
* 2023: World's First, solo, Monte Pissis, Argentina, Road-Summit-Road less 18 hours
* 2023: World's First, solo, Ojos del Salado, Argentina, Catamarca-Summit-Catamarca RT 24 hours

## Photojournalism and videography

* (2003) USA Today "Mount Everest Climber Returns Somewhat Intact"
* (2005) Boston Sunday Globe "Fitness Buff Reaches New Heights in a Hurry"
* (2010) Reuters, "Upper Dolpa"
* (2010) Associated Press, "Tibet Border at Humla", Nepal
* (2010) BBC
* (2010) Experience Life Magazine
* (2011) Outside Magazine "It Keeps You Running"
* (2011) Men's Running U.K. "On Top of the World"
* (2011) Men's Fitness "MF Back Story, Sean Burch"
* (2011) Virginia Living Magazine
* (2012) Library of AP Photographs
* (2014) The Virginian-Pilot
* (2016) CNN
* (2016) Deccan Herald
* (2017) WTOP
* (2019) Virginia Living Magazine
* (2022) Warrenton Lifestyle Magazine
* (2023) Washingtonian Magazine

## Philanthropy

Burch works with charities, organizations, and campaigns supporting environmental rights, wilderness preservation, cancer prevention, and health and community development within impoverished and remote areas of human habitation in Nepal. He has collaborated and partnered with The Nepal Trust, the World Wildlife Fund, Love Hope Strength Foundation, ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation, Fujisan Club of Japan, No Kid Hungry and the Himalayan Rescue Association. He has given presentations on global warming for organizations including The Explorers Club. Burch is an on-going Partner with the National Forest Foundation, PHIT America, and America Nepal Society.

## Awards

* U.S. Goodwill Ambassador to Nepal by Nepal Government
* Joint House Resolution #218 - Virginia State Assembly Honoring 1st Virginian to Summit Mount Everest
* Commendation – Virginia House of Delegates Honoring World Record Ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro
* Mongolian National Mountaineering Federation Distinguished Achievement - record most 1st Ascents in Mongolia
* Brand Personality of the Year – Asia Pacific Brands Foundation
* "Year’s Best” Nomination – National Geographic Adventure
* The Record Book, "This Year's Greatest Feat" - Men's Journal
* Adventure Athlete of the Year - Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine
* Gold ADDY Award - Photographer, Roanoke College Magazine Cover
* Gold Medal from King of Nepal for solo summit of Mount Everest