The Pennine Way. A trail etched in history, a rugged backbone stretching across England. In winter, it lines the route for the Montane Winter Spine race, a testing ground for the toughest of the tough. This year's race delivered conditions that pushed even seasoned veterans to their limits, with sub-zero temperatures and waist-deep snow adding an extra layer of intensity to an already legendary challenge.

A Frozen Start:

The scene at Edale was one of nerves and anticipation. Saturday morning dawned with a bone-chilling -9°C for the Challenger South starters, followed by -3°C for the Full Spine entrants on Sunday. This wasn't just cold; it was a deep, penetrating cold that promised to test the resolve of the competitors.

Challenger South (106 Miles):

The 106-mile Challenger South saw incredible stories unfold. James Nobles and his father, Robert, embarked on an inspiring journey together. Robert, spurred on by James's ultrarunning exploits, took on a challenge unlike anything he'd ever attempted. Their shared determination saw them cross the finish line in 48:54:18. A testament to the power of family and the pursuit of shared goals.

The brutal conditions took their toll, however. Mark Darbyshire was forced to retire after 10 hours, reaching the Hebden checkpoint but wisely choosing not to risk injury amidst the challenging waist-high snow. James Allen conquered the course in a blistering 34:39:43, claiming overall victory, while Alice Kershaw dominated the women's race in 43:14:45.

Spine Sprint (46 Miles):

The Spine Sprint is a non-stop 46 mile race along the tough trails of the Pennine Way. Tom Hollins and James Trott shared a well-earned second place (10:17:29) in a tightly contested race. Paul Brennan took the men’s win (09:26:48), and Hannah Bruce emerged victorious in the women's category (12:53:40).

The Full Spine (268 Miles):

The ultimate challenge of the event, the 268-mile Full Spine, delivered a spectacle of human endurance. Kim Collison finally conquered his Spine demons on his fourth attempt. After three previous retirements, he stormed to victory in an incredible 82:46:32 – the third fastest time ever recorded, despite the punishing conditions.

Lucy Gossage showcased her incredible endurance, winning the women's race and finishing an astonishing 4th overall in 87:41:38. Robyn Cassidy also put in an incredible effort, securing 2nd place in the women’s race (94:31:43).

The Spine’s relentless nature claimed other contenders. Simon Roberts retired after 9 hours at Hebden, while Dougie Zinis battled through to finish 10th in the men’s race and 12th overall (100:00:59). Our very own Liam Steinbeck, demonstrated remarkable grit, and completed the course in 155:40:33 in fantastic spirits.

Beyond the podiums and personal bests, the Spine Race is a tapestry of human stories. Dave Brown's journey was particularly poignant. He crossed the finish line after a gruelling 268 miles, driven by a promise to his late friend, Tomy Fuery, who had dreamt of taking on the Spine together. Tom’s fiancé was there to greet Dave at the Border wall, a powerful moment of shared grief and triumph that brought tears to the eyes of everyone present.

Challenger North (160 Miles): New Records and Acts of Compassion:

Paul Grundy took the overall win (48:03:07), even with a 38-minute penalty for a slight course deviation. Nicky Spinks, a legend of the sport, added another victory to her impressive resume, winning the women’s race in 56:49:55. Jon Shield was unfortunately forced to retire after 22 hours at the Alston checkpoint.

Ricky McGrath etched his name into Spine history by setting a new record for the slowest completion of the Challenger North (106:57:33). This was not a mark of failure, but a testament to his resilience and the true spirit of the Spine.

Cleo Bishop-Bolt's story exemplified the compassion that exists even in the midst of extreme endurance. While battling sleep deprivation and over 100 miles already in her legs, Cleo, a member of the Northumberland Mountain Rescue Team, rescued a lost dog, fashioning a makeshift lead and escorting it to safety.

Out of 537 starters, only 313 crossed the finish line. This statistic alone speaks volumes about the brutal nature of the Montane Winter Spine Race. This wasn't just a race; it was a battle against the elements, against fatigue, and against the limits of human endurance. It was a testament to the unwavering spirit of those who dare to take on this incredible challenge. The Spine Race 2025 will be remembered not only for the extreme conditions but also for the inspiring stories of courage, resilience, and tenacity.