Challenger North

This isn’t a beginner friendly race. We want you to be safe out there and experience of similar challenges will make you safer.

Firstly, you must be aged 21 years or over at the time of the race.

If you have run an ultra over 60 miles, or have previously completed The Montane Challenger or The Montane Spine, then this will qualify you for the race.

If you don’t meet these criteria, your experience can be drawn from various sources and is not limited to ultra or multi-stage events. Mountain marathons, adventure races, orienteering events, fell races, expeditions or challenges like the Bob Graham Round or similar are are looked on favourably. Long distance walking is also extremely beneficial and you may find yourself doing a lot of this! The more a challenge features mountainous terrain, cold, moorland and elements of navigation the better. Mountain Leaders, Winter Mountain Leaders, Mountain Rescue Team members, mountaineers, active and former Armed Forces personnel will likely all have the experience necessary, too.

We are also very happy to advise those who feel they don’t yet have the experience level required, on what races, challenges or experiences they could do to gain entry.

We would always recommend that every runner purchases appropriate insurance to cover your participation in a Montane Spine event and the costs of your entry fee, 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 check points (Middleton-in-Teesdale, Alston and Bellingham) Spiners are offered hot meals (both a dinner-type meal, such as pasta, as well as porridge), hot drinks, somewhere to sleep (we recommend ear plugs and sleeping masks), toilets, showers (Alston and Bellingham), medical staff, weather updates, race information and 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 and very difficult to police, so we deem that to be fine. What’s not okay though is pacing, receiving planned support or having a private support vehicle follow your progress.

The total cost for The Montane Summer Spine Challenger North is £500.

To secure your place, you can either pay in full when you enter or pay a deposit of £250. The remaining £250 will be due 100 days before race start. See below for the payment schedule.

Payments can be made online via your debit or credit card.