Winter Spine
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Montane Winter Spine
The Montane Winter Spine is a series of winter trail races held along the Pennine Way. The full Spine event is a nonstop, 268 mile course that starts in Edale, Derbyshire and finishes in Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish Borders. Runners have a maximum of 156 hours to complete the route.
The course crosses the Peak District, Yorkshire Dales, Northumberland National Park, Hadrian's Wall and the Cheviots, with a total ascent of 10,732 metres and a total descent of 10,941 metres. January conditions are described with daytime temperatures around 0°C to 10°C, night-time temperatures around -10°C to 2°C, and approximately eight hours of daylight in January.
Entry requires applicants to be aged 21 or over and to have relevant mountain, moorland or long-distance experience. Qualifying evidence includes a mountain, hill or moorland ultra over 100 miles, previous completion of a Montane Spine Challenger event, or similar expeditions and races such as mountain marathons, orienteering or prolonged fell running. Mountain Rescue Team members, mountaineers and Armed Forces personnel are typically considered to have suitable experience.
Main checkpoints include Birchcliffe, Hawes, Hardraw, Langdon Beck, Alston and Bellingham. Checkpoint services include hot meals, drinks, sleeping spaces, toilets and showers at some locations, a professional medical crew, resupply bag handling, weather updates and race information. The races are classed as unsupported events, although use of cafes and pubs along the route is permitted. Pacing and planned private support vehicles are not allowed.
The published entry fee for the full Montane Winter Spine is £1,345. Entrants may secure a place with a £600 deposit and pay the remaining £745 100 days before the race. Payments are accepted online by debit or credit card. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
