A non-stop, 160 mile race along the iconic Pennine Way.
The Montane Winter Spine Challenger North is a non-stop, 160 mile race along the Pennine Way from Hardraw to Kirk Yetholm. This is a truly demanding race that gives you an opportunity to take on the northern section of the full race route. Beginning from Hardraw in North Yorkshire, runners have a time limit of 108 hours to get to the finish line at the infamous village of Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish Borders. The trail crosses some of the most beautiful but difficult terrains in Britain including; the Yorkshire Dales, Northumberland National Park, Hadrian’s Wall, and the Cheviots. This is one of the most physically and mentally demanding races out there, made even tougher by the ferocity and intensity of the British winter.
Prepare to take on one of Britain’s Most Brutal endurance races.
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Race Details
- Start: Hardraw, North Yorkshire, UK
- Start Time: 08:00 January 13th 2025
- Distance: 160 miles
- Time Limit: 108 hours
- Finish: Kirk Yetholm, Scottish Borders
- Finish Time: 20:00 January 17th 2025
- Daytime Temperature: 0°C / 10°C
- Night-time Temperature: -10°C / 2°C
- Total Ascent: 5290 metres
- Total Descent: 5591 metres
- Daylight Hours in January: 8 hours
- Places Available: 100
Get your Race Information Pack
Find out everything you need to know about the Challenger North 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 part in The Montane Winter Spine Races.
What's Next
Ready to take on the challenge of the Challenger North? Have a look at the race roster, download your race information pack or take a closer look at the Pennine Way.
Download Your Race Pack
Check Out The Pennine Way
Testimonials
Brian Hutchinson & Tim Bradley
The Cheviots was a two-person job. We took it in turns to break the trail. We relied on each other to survive. This was teamwork.
Montane Winter Spine Challenger North Male Winners 2023
Testimonials
Simon Roberts
There's a respect for this course. You can't compare it to anything because of the non stop aspect. You get to have a 30 minute kip on Hadrian's Wall! I really wanted to test myself and that's what the Spine Race does.
Montane Winter Spine Male Challenger North Winner 2022
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
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 Challenger 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 each of the checkpoints, (Langdon Beck, Alston and Bellingham) 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 (at Alston and Bellingham)
- 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 North is £675.
To secure your place, you can either pay in full when you enter or pay a deposit of £300. The remaining £375 will be due 100 days before race start. See below for the payment schedule.
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 a deposit payment of £300 on entry. The remaining fee is due 100 days prior to race start. Alternatively, you can pay in full when you enter.
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.
Deposit on entry
Pay a £300 deposit in order to secure your place.
100 days to race start
Remaining £375 is now due.
Official sponsor
