Spencer Matthews embarks on his latest challenge: a brutal new 24-hour Snowdon endurance test powered by O2 Satellite

• Spencer Matthews has embarked on his latest endurance challenge, attempting a relentless 92km route across Snowdon that has never been completed before, with non-stop repeated ascents and descents in 24 hours
• Powered by O2’s brand new satellite connectivity service, O2 Satellite, Spencer will stay connected across remote sections of the mountain where traditional mobile signal can drop out
• New research finds that a third of Brits wouldn’t go on a walk without their mobile phone, while nearly half say lack of connectivity stops them exploring more remote areas

Photos (HERE) and video (HERE) available to download

Credit: Spencer Matthews takes on his latest gruelling endurance challenge, tackling a relentless 92km route on Snowdon, powered by new O2 Satellite technology. Picture date: Thursday 21st May 2026. The challenge is made possible by O2’s new satellite connectivity service, O2 Satellite, which brings connectivity to areas that previously had none.

Spencer Matthews has today embarked on his latest endurance challenge, which will see him tackle a relentless 24-hour assault on Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) across a continuous 92km route that has never been completed before, powered throughout by O2 Satellite, the UK’s first live satellite-to-mobile service.

The challenge will see Spencer repeatedly ascend and descend the mountain over a non-stop 24-hour period, climbing the equivalent height of Mount Kilimanjaro and covering more than two marathons across mountainous terrain, as he pushes through exhaustion, sleep deprivation and some of Snowdon’s harshest and most remote conditions.

This is Spencer’s latest extreme test of endurance – having previously completed an Ironman in Antarctica and a world-record attempt to complete seven full-distance Ironman triathlons across seven continents in just 21 days.

Throughout the challenge, Spencer will be powered by O2 Satellite – O2’s new satellite-powered mobile service which keeps customers connected in places traditional mobile coverage cannot reach. The technology is now live on Snowdon for the first time, bringing satellite connectivity to some of the mountain’s most remote areas and enabling Spencer to navigate in real time, stay in contact with his support team, and access weather updates and live location sharing throughout the challenge.

The challenge comes as new research from Virgin Media O2 reveals Brits are increasingly unwilling to go off grid outdoors. Nearly a third would prefer a mobile phone to the company of a partner or friend on a walk, while more than 70% rely on mobile data when navigating outdoors alone. Just under a half say lack of connectivity stops them exploring more remote areas altogether, while more than a quarter admit they would not trust themselves to navigate unfamiliar terrain without their phone.

The research also suggests maps apps are considered the most essential tool when spending time outdoors, with more than 30% of Brits admitting they would turn back immediately if they lost mobile data on a walk.

Throughout the challenge, Spencer’s support crew will monitor his progress from base camp, tracking Spencer’s live location and monitoring his progress in real time as he moves through remote sections of the mountain. On the route, Spencer will use satellite-enabled connectivity to access maps, check weather conditions and stay in touch via apps including WhatsApp.

The public can track Spencer’s progress here.

Spencer Matthews said: “This is the toughest challenge I have attempted in the UK. Covering more than two marathons and tackling more elevation than Mount Kilimanjaro in 24 hours is going to be absolutely brutal – a very serious physical and mental test. 

“When you’re spending 24 hours in remote mountain environments, staying connected becomes really important. Knowing I’ll still be able to access my route, weather updates, and stay in touch with my team on the ground through O2 Satellite gives me genuine reassurance going into the challenge.”  

Chris Bournes, Commercial Director at Virgin Media O2, said: “People rely on connectivity outdoors far more than they probably realise – whether that’s navigating unfamiliar routes, checking weather conditions or simply letting people know they’re safe.

“Our research shows many people are put off exploring more remote locations because they worry about losing signal. Spencer’s challenge demonstrates how O2 Satellite can help customers stay connected in environments where traditional mobile coverage doesn’t reach, giving people greater confidence to explore further.”

O2 Satellite is the UK’s first and only fully launched satellite-to-mobile service, helping bring connectivity to places beyond the reach of traditional mobile networks.