EverUltra

It’s that time of year once again when the Montane Winter Spine Race comes around and we are once again enamoured by the incredible racers who take on this enormous challenge.

Beginning on January 12, 2025, 150 racers will take on this incredible feat of endurance, traversing 268-miles up the Pennine Way. However, it is not the only race happening. Several races are happening alongside the flagship route, including the Sprint, Challenger North, Challenger South, MRT Challenger North, and MRT Challenger South.

The MRT routes are open only to those active members of the Mountain Rescue. It provides the MRT with an event where team members can compete against each other under the same conditions as the other races.

However these shorter (ha!) distances are not for the faint-hearted, as they take in aspects of the full Spine Race and require almost expert knowledge on navigation, nutrition, and physical and mental resilience.

The first official Spine race occurred in 2012, with only 15 people at the starting line. At that time, no races were utilising the Pennine Way, there was no way to track the runners, and many doubted whether it was even possible to stage such an event.

What is the Spine Race?

The Montane Winter Spine Race (aka ‘The Spine Race’) is a mammoth 268-mile nonstop expedition-style race across the length of the Pennine Way. Known as ‘Britain’s Most Brutal, ‘ the race begins in Edale and finishes in Kirk Yetholm. It traverses around 10,000 metres of elevation and takes in some of Britain’s most technical and tough terrain.

Participants of the full Spine Race must rely on their own navigation throughout the race, and they only have a maximum of 168 hours to complete the 431km. The race takes in some of the most challenging aspects of British trail running, including the Peak District, Yorkshire Dales, Northumberland National Park, Hadrian’s Wall and the Cheviots.

Not only do participants have to face challenging terrain underfoot, but the ever-changing force of the British weather. In previous years the temperatures have dropped well below freezing, with racers moving through snow, high-winds and heavy rain.

Who is Racing in 2025?

There are only 150 slots available for the full Spine Race, and you must show past experience in difficult races to apply. The race is an acclaimed race throughout the world and is visited by many exceptional elite athletes, all hoping to grab a podium position.

The 2025 athlete roster includes, such as Barkley Marathon legend and previous Spine Race winner John Kelly, Kim Collison, and Ironman champion Lucy Gossage. Other recognised athletes include Sam Skinner, Northern Traverse Winners Hannah Rickman and Dave Phillips.

Other mentionable names include: Simon Roberts, Mel Sykes, John Harris, Julie Fewster, Laura Swanton-Rouvelin, Sarah Perry, Martin Schneekloth, James Pattison and Robyn Cassidy.

Course Records

Currently the two course records are held by two of the most prolific ultrarunning athletes in British history.

Jasmin Paris made history in 2024 by becoming the first woman in history to win the Barkley Marathons, a 100-mile course made up of five 20-mile loops through incredibly treacherous terrain set in the heart of Frozen Head State Park in Morgan County, Tennessee, United States.

However before this, she was already exceptionally well known for holding the record for the fastest overall time at the Montane Wonter Spine Race. In 2019, she was not only the female champion but overall champion, coming in at 83:12:23, taking an incredible 12-hours off the previous time.

This was until 2024, when Jack Scott returned from his 2023 second place to storm into first position and knock approximately 10 hours off the course record, coming in at 72:55:05.

Spine Race Course Records (268 miles)

Jack Scott (GBR): 72:55:05

Jasmin Paris (GBR): 83:12:23

Challenger South Course Records (108 miles)

Tim Mann (GBR): 22:53:28

Emma Hopkinson (GBR) 29:39:35

Challenger North Course Records (160 miles)

Joe O’Leary (IRL): 44:37:20

Nikki Arthur (IMN): 52:17:19

Sprint Course Records (46 miles)

Rupert Allison (GBR): 07:28:09

Jessica Johnson (GBR): 10:04:42

MRT Challenge South Records (108)

Tim Budd (GBR): 32:10:00

Steph Dwyer (IRL): 36:59:44

For more information on the Montane Winter Spine Race, click here.