Montane Summer Spine
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Event overview
The Montane Summer Spine is a non-stop, expedition-style race along the Pennine Way. The main event covers 268 miles from Edale in Derbyshire to Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish Borders with a time limit of 156 hours. The course includes a total ascent of 10,732 metres and a total descent of 10,941 metres. Organisers list 150 places for this event.
Summer conditions on the route can vary. Daytime temperatures are given as around 5°C to 25°C and night-time temperatures around 0°C to 10°C. In June there are about 19 hours of daylight on the route.
Format, entry and logistics
The race is classed as unsupported. Runners may use cafes and pubs on the route for food and shelter, but planned pacing, private support vehicles or organised pacing are not allowed. Resupply bags are moved between checkpoints by the logistics team. There are five main checkpoints named Hebden Hey, Hardraw, Middleton-in-Teesdale, Alston and Bellingham. Checkpoints provide hot meals, hot and cold drinks, sleeping areas, toilets, showers at some sites, professional medical crew and race information.
Entry requirements include a minimum age of 21. Qualified experience for the main 268-mile event includes completing an ultra over 80 miles or previously finishing the Montane Challenger North or South. Other long-distance, mountain or navigation experience is considered. The full entry fee is £995, or a deposit of £398 with the remaining £597 due 100 days before race start. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
