A non-stop, 108 mile race along the iconic Pennine Way.
The Montane Winter Spine Challenger South is a non-stop, 108 mile race along the Pennine Way. Beginning from Edale in Derbyshire, runners have a time limit of 60 hours to get to the finish at Hawes. The race covers the southern section of the trail which features the iconic moorland of the Kinder Plateau, numerous National Parks, Malham Cove and Pen-y-Ghent. This challenging and technical section is a physically and psychologically demanding route that requires concentration, good physical fitness, resolve and respect. This becomes even more demanding with the full intensity and ferocity of the British Winter in deep snow, storm force winds and driving rain. This is a notoriously difficult event and should be considered as having a similar degree of difficulty as the full Montane Winter Spine.
Prepare to take on one of Britain’s Most Brutal endurance races.
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Race Details
- Start: Edale, Derbyshire, UK
- Start Time: 08:00 January 11th 2025
- Distance: 108 miles
- Time Limit: 60 hours
- Finish: Hawes, North Yorkshire, UK
- Finish Time: 20:00 January 13th 2025
- Daytime Temperature: 0°C / 10°C
- Night-time Temperature: -10°C / 2°C
- Total Ascent: 5451 metres
- Total Descent: 5449 metres
- Daylight Hours in January: 8 hours
- Places Available: 150
Get your Race Information Pack
Find out everything you need to know about the Challenger South by downloading our free race information pack. It includes all the details about the route, checkpoints, a summary of the kit list and some tips from the experts.
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Watch the Montane Winter Spine Highlights
Get a feel for what it's like to take on Britain's Most Brutal endurance race.
What's Next
Ready to take on the challenge of Challenger South? See the race roster, download your race information pack or take a closer look at the Pennine Way.
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Check Out The Pennine Way
Testimonials
Rory Harris
It was a tough day and night on the trail. I battled through headwinds, blizzards and experienced a complete whiteout. At one point I couldn’t see my feet. I’m relieved to get through it!
Montane Winter Spine Male Challenger South Winner 2023
Testimonials
Hannah Rickman
The Spine race is full of low lows and high highs. Every time the Pennine Way knocked me down, a lovely volunteer, an amazing sunset or a kind stranger always appeared to pick me back up again. There's no experience like it.
Montane Winter Spine 2nd Place Female 2023 and 2024
Testimonials
Louise Venables
My aim was just to finish the race in one piece so it’s absolutely amazing I’ve won. The wind was horrendous. Every time the wind blew I was getting pushed across the moors. I'm amazed at my own achievement.
Montane Winter Spine Sprint Female Winner 2023
Testimonials
Damian Hall
The Spine Race is always one hell of a ride. The historic trail, the drama of winter, the incredible community and the excitement of racing others.
Montane Winter Spine Legend
Testimonials
James Leavesley
The Spine is a great course, and I've enjoyed it every time I've done it. There is a great family vibe on the race and you are looked after like kings at the checkpoints!
Montane Summer Spine Male Podium 2022
Race FAQs
We want you to be safe in the race and experience of similar challenges will make you safer.
To enter, you must be aged 21 years or over at the time of the race.
If you have run an ultra over 60 miles, or have previously completed a Montane Spine event, then this will qualify you for the race.
If you don’t meet these criteria, your experience can be drawn from other events. Mountain marathons, orienteering events, fell races, or expeditions similar to the Bob Graham Round are looked upon favourably. The more a challenge features mountainous terrain, moorland and elements of navigation the better. Mountain Rescue Team members, mountaineers and Armed Forces personnel will likely all have the experience necessary too.
If you feel you have the experience not mentioned here, include it in your entry form. We are also very happy to advise on what races, challenges or experiences you need to gain entry.
We would always highly recommend that every runner purchases appropriate insurance to cover the costs of your entry fee and your participation in any Montane Spine event should you not be able to take part.
The race has enormous infrastructure costs, most of which are fixed and committed up to twelve months in advance, which unfortunately prevents the option of a full refund. We want to be as fair as possible though, so while your entry fee includes a non-refundable deposit, if you notify us 100 days before the race, you will get a partial refund. Please read the T&Cs before you make your payment.
At Hebden Hey checkpoint, Spinners are offered:
- Hot meals (such as pasta or porridge)
- Hot and cold drinks
- Somewhere to sleep (we recommend ear plugs and sleeping masks)
- Toilets and showers
- Professional medical crew
- Your resupply bag
- Weather updates and race information
- Ample encouragement from friendly, helpful volunteers.
The Spine races are unsupported events, but you are welcome to utilise cafes and pubs along the route for sustenance and shelter. There’s some history of Spiners being offered sustenance by locals, which is a nice touch, so we deem that to be fine. What’s not ok is pacing, receiving planned support or having a private support vehicle follow your progress.
The total cost for The Montane Winter Spine Challenger South is £475. This includes a non refundable deposit of £200.
To secure your place, you will need to pay in full when you enter.
Payments can be made online using your debit or credit card.
Payment schedule
To secure your place in the race, you will need to make your payment of £475 on entry. This includes a non-refundable deposit £200.
You can use your debit or credit card to make your payments online. Stripe Payments hands the steps between you providing your card information and learning that the payment has been accepted. Some of the world’s largest companies, including Amazon and Shopify, use Stripe.
Payment on entry
Pay £475 in order to secure your place.
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