Montane Winter Spine

The Montane Winter Spine is Britain's most brutal endurance race—a non-stop 268-mile challenge along the Pennine Way from Edale in Derbyshire to Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish Borders. Runners must finish within 168 hours, climbing about 10,732 metres and descending 10,941 metres as they traverse the Peak District, Yorkshire Dales, Northumberland National Park, Hadrian’s Wall and the Cheviots. Expect brutal winter conditions—deep snow, storm winds and driving rain.

Checkpoints at Birchcliffe, Hawes, Hardraw, Langdon Beck, Alston and Bellingham offer hot meals, shelter, medical support and resupply. About 150 places are available; the race is largely unsupported aside from cafes and pubs along the route. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.