Montane Winter Spine
The Montane Winter Spine is widely regarded as Britain’s Most Brutal endurance race. It’s a non-stop, 268 mile race along the most iconic and demanding national trail in Britain; the Pennine Way. Beginning from Edale in Derbyshire, runners have a time limit of 156 hours to reach the elusive village of Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish Borders. You will climb over 10,000 meters as the route crosses some of the most beautiful but difficult terrain found in England, including the Peak District, Yorkshire Dales, Northumberland National Park, Hadrian’s Wall and the Cheviots. It’s a truly epic challenge that will test your physical resilience and mental fortitude. You will experience the full intensity and ferocity of the British Winter including deep snow, storm force winds and driving rain.
Prepare to take on one of Britain’s Most Brutal endurance races.
Race Details
- Start: Edale, Derbyshire, UK
- Start Time: 08:00 January 10th 2027
- Distance: 268 miles
- Time Limit: 156 hours
- Finish: Kirk Yetholm, Scottish Borders
- Finish Time: 20:00 January 16th 2027
- Daytime Temperature: 0°C / 10°C
- Night-time Temperature: -10°C / 2°C
- Total Ascent: 10,732 metres
- Total Descent: 10,941 metres
- Daylight Hours in January: 8 hours
- Places Available: 150
The event takes place in January and reported January conditions include daytime temperatures around 0°C to 10°C and night-time temperatures from -10°C to 2°C. Runners may encounter deep snow, strong winds and heavy rain. Daylight in January is limited to about eight hours.
Entry details and logistics noted by the organiser include an entry fee of £1,345, an option to pay a deposit of £600 with the remaining £745 due 100 days before the race, and a field size of 150 places. To be eligible entrants must be aged 21 or over and demonstrate prior long-distance mountain, hill or moorland experience, for example a mountain ultra over 100 miles or completion of a Montane Spine Challenger event; other relevant experience is considered.
Main checkpoints along the route provide hot food and drinks, sleeping space, medical cover, resupply bag collection, weather updates and volunteer support. A race information pack summarises route details, checkpoints and kit requirements. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.