I hope you’re all doing well. As we head into a busy stretch for the Spine Race family, I wanted to share our first quarterly update for our volunteers and team. I’ll cover what’s coming up, what’s changing, and what we’re working on behind the scenes.
Thank you, as always, for everything you do. The volunteers and staff are what make Spine what it is.
Summer Spine — June update
- Summer Spine is in great shape and preparations are on track. The event has sold out and we’re seeing strong numbers and growing demand year on year.
- There are no major changes for Summer Spine this year. We’re keeping the format consistent with previous summers.
Team updates & transitions
A few key changes and additions across the core Spine team:
- Lisa Padley is starting maternity leave soon – we wish her all the best.
- Eleanor Claringbold has joined us as maternity cover across operations and media. Eleanor brings great experience and is currently being onboarded and getting stuck into key tasks.
Volunteer leadership updates (thank you & recruitment underway)
Firstly, thank you to everyone who steps into leadership roles and keeps standards high across the course.
- Safety Team Lead: Caroline McCann has stepped down from the role. We thank her for her years of brilliant service, and wish her all the best going forward. We’re recruiting for a Deputy Safety Lead, to work alongside Andy, and have received a tranche of great applications. Summer safety coverage is already in place; the aim is to firm things up after Summer to provide a long lead into next Winter.
- Winter Checkpoint Lead: We’re also recruiting for a new Winter Checkpoint Lead. We’ve received strong applications and will make a decision soon.
- Process & Systems: Nicki Lygo is transitioning into a new role: Race Process & Systems Lead. She’ll be documenting what we do to protect what’s unique and characterful while sharing best practice. Also, Nicki will still be onboarding and working closely with her replacement for the Winter 2027 race.
Spine Foundation — charity launch runway
A big milestone: Spine Foundation is now officially registered as a charity, following a long set-up process.
We’re currently building the governance, operational, and practical frameworks that will ensure it runs effectively and smoothly, with a target of being ready for launch around Summer Spine.
The Foundation exists to help make Spine (and ultra-running more broadly) more accessible, supporting participants with things like race fees, kit, and coaching, and partnering with groups doing great work in underrepresented communities.
We also want to help maintain the trails we depend on, and support mountain rescue teams and the wider systems that keep people safe in wild places.
A note on the wider community
Like many of you, we were deeply saddened and surprised by the closure of Ourea Events. We are thinking of all those affected by this sad news and hope people are able to move forward and stay connected to the trail and ultra-running community. We posted an article on LinkedIn with more of our thoughts:
Thank you (and see you soon)
We’re looking forward to seeing you at Summer Spine. Your contribution, whether you’re on safety, checkpoints, HQ, logistics, or supporting in any other way, is what makes this event so special.
Thank you for the care, professionalism, and spirit you bring to Spine.
Best,
Phil Hayday-Brown
Race Director, The Spine Race
