A non-stop, 108 mile Mountain Rescue Team race along the Pennine Way.
The MRT Challenge South is open to active members of the Mountain Rescue. It provides the MRT an event where team members can compete against each other on the southern section of the Pennine Way. It follows the same route and races under the same conditions as the Challenger South. The non-stop, 108 mile race features the iconic moorland of the Kinder Plateau, numerous National Parks, Malham Cove and Pen-y-Ghent. Beginning from Edale in Derbyshire, runners have a time limit of 60 hours to get to the finish at Hawes. This challenging and technical section is a physically and psychologically demanding route that requires concentration, good physical fitness, resolve and respect.
Prepare to take on one of Britain’s Most Brutal endurance races.
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Race Details
- Start: Edale, Derbyshire, UK
- Start Time: 08:30 January 11th 2025
- Distance: 108 miles
- Time Limit: 60 hours
- Finish: Hawes, North Yorkshire, UK
- Finish Time: 20:30 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: 30
Get your Race Information Pack
Find out everything you need to know about the MRT Challenge 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 Race.
What's Next
Ready to take on the challenge of MRT Challenge South? See 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
Steph Dwyer
It's inspiring this year that there will be more than one woman that finishes the MRT Challenge. It will hopefully encourage other woman to take part and realise this isn't a big scary thing - you just need to give it a try.
Montane Winter Spine MRT Challenge South Female Winner 2023
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
Claire Bannwarth
The whole course was magnificent. Of course there were some downs, mainly during the night. Thank you for the organisation. It was a really amazing race.
Montane Winter Spine Female Winner 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
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
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.
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.
In recognition for the precious time and support the MRT give to the Spine Race, the cost of the entry fee is subsidised. The total cost for The Montane Winter Spine MRT Challenge South is £105. This includes a non refundable deposit of £45.
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 £105. This includes a non refundable deposit of £45.
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 £105 to secure your place.
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