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 40 miles, or have previously completed a Montane Spine race before, then this will qualify you.

If you don’t meet these criteria, your experience can be drawn from other events. Mountain marathons, adventure races, orienteering events, fell races, expeditions of challenges like the Bob Graham Round or similar are looked upon 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, moorland and elements of navigation the better. Mountain Leaders, Mountain Rescue Team members, mountaineers, active and former Armed Forces personnel will likely all have the experience necessary too.

If you feel you have skills or experience not mentioned here, include it in your entry form. 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 before the deadline (see Terms & Conditions) of 100 days before the race, you will get a partial refund. Please read the T&Cs before you make your payment.

At Hebden Hey you are offered a hot meal (both a dinner-type meal, such as pasta, as well as porridge), hot and cold drinks, somewhere to sleep (we recommend ear plugs and sleeping masks), toilets, showers, professional medical crew, weather updates, race information and ample encouragement from friendly, helpful volunteers. The logistics team also ensures your resupply bag will be at the checkpoint.

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 South is £395.

To secure your place, this will need to be paid on entry. This contains a non-refundable deposit of £170.

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