Widely regarded as the toughest race in Great Britain – and one of the most brutal endurance events in the world – the Montane Winter Spine gets underway tomorrow. Participants have exactly one week – 168 hours – to complete the iconic Pennine Way from Edale in Derbyshire to Kirk Yetholm near the Scottish border. The challenge: roughly 430 kilometers, tackled in one continuous effort, across remote and unforgiving terrain, with close to 10,000 meters of elevation gain.
One of the most eye-catching names on the start list is John Kelly. The American, a multiple-time finisher of the Barkley Marathons – still widely considered the hardest ultrarun on the planet – will also toe the line at this year’s Winter Spine. His presence immediately makes him one of the prime contenders for victory.
Fans will be able to follow the race live via GPS tracking from Sunday, January 11, when the race starts at 9:00 a.m. CET. Last year’s women’s race was won by former professional triathlete Lucy Gossage. The Montane Winter Spine once again promises a week of gripping ultra-endurance drama, defined by extreme winter conditions, sleep deprivation, and total self-reliance.