Twice a year, endurance athletes make a pilgrimage to a small village in the Peak District to take part in Britain's toughest endurance race. But what exactly is so tough about it?
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What is the Spine Race?
Often considered as 'Britain's most brutal' race, the 268-mile Montane Spine Race winds along the length of the Pennine Way. Competitors face exposed moorland, rocky terrain, and unpredictable weather conditions – never mind a total ascent of over 10,000 metres and sleep deprivation. A summer race takes place in June and a winter race in January.
Shorter versions are also organised, such as the Montane Sprint South race, which is 46 miles.
What's the route?
The Montane Spine Race starts in Edale, Derbyshire, and takes you through the Peak District, Yorkshire Dales, Northumberland National Park, Hadrian's Wall and the Cheviots. It finishes at Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish Borders.
What's the record for the Spine Race?
Jack Scott currently holds the record in the Montane Winter Spine Race with a time of 72 hours, 55 minutes and 5 seconds – on just 54 minutes sleep – in 2024. Jasmin Paris was the first woman to win the race overall, with a time of 83:12:23 in 2019.
Who won the Spine Race in 2025?
In 2025, two women have stormed the leaderboard. The outright winner, Anna Troup, completed the race in an incredible time of 84:56:37. This comes after recovering from an injury in 2022. Irene Kinnegim achieved second place overall, finishing with a time of 90:58. After a tough Did Not Finish in 2024, she was determined to come back and tackle it again.
How can you take part?
You can apply for the Montane Spine – or shorter races held by the same organisers – online.
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Main image: trekking across the Pennine Way in the Spine Race. Credit: Spine Race
