There was an action packed day in Kirk Yetholm as the podium positions on the 268-mile Montane Winter Spine, and 160-mile Challenger North and MRT Challenge North were settled. The emotion and determination to reach the finish line line was evident as many battled the sleep monsters and the desire to continue.
Claire Bannwarth, 1st woman in the Montane Winter Spine is one of an elite few athletes to have ever successfully defended their title, and her 2 wins neatly book-end an astonishing year of ultra running. A close fought battle between Hannah Rickman and Lucy Gossage ensued for 2nd an 3rd position, taking it right to the wire.
We also hear the stories from those that are fighting hard further down the course to make the cut offs, and maintain the hope of seeing the Border Hotel in Kirk Yetholm.