Montane Summer Spine

Event overview

The Montane Summer Spine - Spine is a non-stop, expedition-style running event along the Pennine Way. The course distance is 268 miles from Edale in Derbyshire to Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish Borders. Runners must reach the finish within a time limit of 156 hours. The published total ascent is 10,732 metres and total descent is 10,941 metres. Typical June daylight hours are listed as 19 hours. Places available are 150.

Route, conditions and checkpoints

The route follows the Pennine Way and includes both day and night running. Published temperature ranges for June are daytime 5°C to 25°C and night-time 0°C to 10°C. There are five main checkpoints at Hebden Hey, Hardraw, Middleton-in-Teesdale, Alston and Bellingham. Checkpoints provide hot meals, hot and cold drinks, sleeping spaces, toilets, showers at selected sites, professional medical crew, weather updates and race information. The organiser also moves runners’ resupply bags between checkpoints.

Entry, eligibility and rules

Entry cost is £995. Runners can secure a place with a £398 deposit and pay the remaining £597 100 days before the race, or pay in full on entry. Payments are accepted by debit or credit card. Entrants must be aged 21 or over. Qualification typically requires an ultra over 80 miles, previous Challenger North or South completion, or equivalent mountain, navigation or endurance experience. The event is classed as unsupported; use of cafes and pubs along the route is permitted, but pacing, planned support or a following private vehicle are not allowed. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.