The Montane Spine Races are challenging events. We want you to be safe out there, so we do require a certain level of experience to enter.
Some things will automatically qualify you to enter. Please note, we do fact check applications even if they qualify automatically.
If you don’t automatically qualify, then your entry will be vetted by the Race Director to ensure you have the relevant skills to participate in the race safely.
Here is the criteria that will automatically qualify you for each race:
Montane Spine Sprint North and South
- Completing a marathon or ultramarathon
Montane Spine Challenger South
- Completing an ultra over 60 miles
- Completing a Montane Spine event (this includes any Sprint, Challenger, or full race event)
Montane Spine Challenger North
- Completing an ultra over 60 miles
- Completing a Montane Spine Challenger South event
Montane Spine Race
- Completing an ultra over 80 miles
- Completing the Montane Challenger North or South event
What if I don’t automatically qualify?
The best way to guarantee an entry is to complete a qualifying Spine Race Event. However, we can consider experience from other areas. Please make sure you include details of these in your application.
Here is a list of things that are likely to be looked upon favourably:
- Mountain marathons
- Adventure races
- Long orienteering and fell races, or challenges such as the Bob Graham Round
- Multi-day expeditions or self-supported challenges in remote terrain
- Relevant recent (within the past 2 years) experience gained through the military, mountain rescue or similar.
The more a challenge features mountainous terrain, moorland and elements of navigation, the better.
Please note – the things listed above won’t necessarily guarantee you an entry – this is at the Race Director’s discretion.
