Nat Geo Documents Solo Climb of Yosemite’s El Capitan

National Geographic has documented the first-ever free solo climb of El Capitan’s most significant and challenging route, with plans to air a doc special about professional rock climber Alex Honnold and his daring feat on its channels around the globe.

Honnold completed the dangerous mission in 3 hours 56 minutes, while National Geographic photographer, critically acclaimed filmmaker and world-class climber in his own right Jimmy Chin and award-winning documentary filmmaker E. Chai Vasarhelyi filmed the journey alongside him. The historic event was first reported today by NationalGeographic.com and was captured for National Geographic Documentary Films’ upcoming feature film SOLO (working title), produced by Vasarhelyi, Chin, Shannon Dill, Evan Hayes, Walter Parkes and Laurie MacDonald. The climb and preparation have also been documented for an upcoming National Geographic magazine feature.

The documentary is scheduled to premiere in theaters, followed by a global broadcast release on National Geographic channels in 171 countries and 45 languages.

“Alex’s passion to push himself to the edge of what is humanly possible, to continually redefine the limits set for him, encompasses everything we represent at National Geographic,” said Tim Pastore, the president of original programming and production for National Geographic channels. “He is a true explorer in every sense of the word, one who fully embodies the pioneering spirit we have championed at National Geographic for more than 129 years. Alex’s feat is nothing short of historic, and when people see the extreme preparation and indomitable human spirit we captured for our upcoming movie they will truly be in awe.”