A non-stop, 268 mile race along the iconic Pennine Way.
The Montane Winter Spine is widely regarded as Britain’s Most Brutal endurance race. It’s a non-stop, 268 mile race along the most iconic and demanding national trail in Britain; the Pennine Way. Beginning from Edale in Derbyshire, runners have a time limit of 168 hours to reach the elusive village of Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish Borders. You will climb over 10,000 meters as the route crosses some of the most beautiful but difficult terrain found in England, including the Peak District, Yorkshire Dales, Northumberland National Park, Hadrian’s Wall and the Cheviots. It’s a truly epic challenge that will test your physical resilience and mental fortitude. You will experience the full intensity and ferocity of the British Winter including deep snow, storm force winds and driving rain.
Prepare to take on one of Britain’s Most Brutal endurance races.
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Race Details
- Start: Edale, Derbyshire, UK
- Start Time: 08:00 January 12th 2025
- Distance: 268 miles
- Time Limit: 168 hours
- Finish: Kirk Yetholm, Scottish Borders
- Finish Time: 08:00 January 19th 2025
- Daytime Temperature: 0°C / 10°C
- Night-time Temperature: -10°C / 2°C
- Total Ascent: 10,732 metres
- Total Descent: 10,941 metres
- Daylight Hours in January: 8 hours
- Places Available: 150
Get your Race Information Pack
Find out everything you need to know about The Montane Winter Spine by downloading our free race information pack. It includes all the details about the route, checkpoints, a summary of the kit list and some tips from the experts.
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Watch The Montane Winter Spine Highlights
Get a feel for what it's like to take on Britain's Most Brutal Race.
What's Next
Ready to take on the challenge of The Montane Winter Spine? View the race roster, download your race information pack or take a closer look at the Pennine Way.
Download Your Race Pack
Check Out The Pennine Way
Testimonials
Jack Scott
You need the ability to comprehend the distance and time on your feet, exposed to the winter conditions. But the race runs deeper than that. The sense of feeling I got was the Spine race will do what it wants with you. It's in control. Stay awake, let it evolve and look after yourself. You might have a chance of cracking the code and reaching the wall!
Montane Winter Spine Winner 2024 and Course Record Holder
Testimonials
Claire Bannwarth
The whole course was magnificent. Of course there were some downs, mainly during the night. Thank you for the organisation. It was a really amazing race.
Montane Winter Spine Female Winner 2023 and 2024
Testimonials
Damian Hall
The Spine Race is always one hell of a ride. The historic trail, the drama of winter, the incredible community and the excitement of racing others.
Montane Winter Spine Legend
Testimonials
Hannah Rickman
The Spine race is full of low lows and high highs. Every time the Pennine Way knocked me down, a lovely volunteer, an amazing sunset or a kind stranger always appeared to pick me back up again. There's no experience like it.
Montane Winter Spine 2nd Place Female 2023 and 2024
Testimonials
Eoin Keith
If you run your own race, and optimise your own performance, your best performance will come out.
Montane Spine Legend
Testimonials
James Leavesley
The Spine is a great course, and I've enjoyed it every time I've done it. There is a great family vibe on the race and you are looked after like kings at the checkpoints!
Montane Summer Spine Male Podium 2022
Race FAQs
This isn’t a beginner friendly race. We want you to be safe out there and experience of similar challenges will make you safer.
To enter, you must be aged 21 years or over at the time of the race.
If you have run an ultra over 80 miles, or have previously completed a Montane Spine Challenger event, then this will qualify you for the full race.
If you don’t meet these criteria, your experience can be drawn from other events. Mountain marathons, orienteering events, fell races, or expeditions similar to the Bob Graham Round are looked upon favourably. The more a challenge features mountainous terrain, moorland and elements of navigation the better. Mountain Rescue Team members, mountaineers and Armed Forces personnel will likely all have the experience necessary too.
If you feel you have the experience not mentioned here, include it in your entry form. We are also very happy to advise on what races, challenges or experiences you need to gain entry.
We would always highly recommend that every runner purchases appropriate insurance to cover the costs of your entry fee and your participation in any Montane Spine event should you not be able to take part.
The race has enormous infrastructure costs, most of which are fixed and committed up to twelve months in advance, which unfortunately prevents the option of a full refund. We want to be as fair as possible though, so while your entry fee includes a non-refundable deposit, if you notify us 100 days before the race, you will get a partial refund. Please read the T&Cs before you make your payment.
At each of the five main checkpoints (Hebden Hey, Hawes, Hardraw, Langdon Beck, Alston and Bellingham) Spinners are offered:
- Hot meals (such as pasta or porridge)
- Hot and cold drinks
- Somewhere to sleep (we recommend ear plugs and sleeping masks)
- Toilets and showers (at Hebden Hey, Hawes, Alston and Bellingham)
- Professional medical crew
- Your resupply bag
- Weather updates and race information
- Ample encouragement from friendly, helpful volunteers.
The Spine races are unsupported events, but you are welcome to utilise cafes and pubs along the route for sustenance and shelter. There’s some history of Spiners being offered sustenance by locals, which is a nice touch, so we deem that to be fine. What’s not ok is pacing, receiving planned support or having a private support vehicle follow your progress.
The total cost for The Montane Winter Spine is £1,195.
To secure your place, you can either pay in full when you enter or pay a deposit of £500. The remaining £695 will be due 100 days before race start. See below for the payment schedule.
Payments can be made online using your debit or credit card.
Payment schedule
To secure your place in the race, you will need to make a deposit payment of £500 on entry. The remaining fee is due 100 days prior to race start. Alternatively, you can pay in full when you enter.
You can use your debit or credit card to make your payments online. Stripe Payments hands the steps between you providing your card information and learning that the payment has been accepted. Some of the world’s largest companies, including Amazon and Shopify, use Stripe.
Deposit on entry
Pay a £500 deposit in order to secure your place.
100 days to race start
Remaining £695 is now due.
Official sponsor
