Race Report by Marty McMullan

The Spine Race, known as ‘Britains most Brutal’ is a 268 mile non stop event following the Pennine Way from Edale in the Peak District to Kirk Yetholm in the Borders. The Spine ‘Challenger’ is aptly nicknamed the ‘Baby’ Spine and covers the first 115 miles with the finish in Hawes in the Yorkshire Dales. The Spine Race first came to my attention a few years back and then again while following the endeavours of the phenomenal Eoin Keith and developed from there. Given the extent of the challenge, I thought it best to start with baby steps with the ‘Baby’ option and complete the ‘Challenger’ first.

In 2019 I anxiously joined 150 others at the Spine arch for the daybreak start in Edale, feeling as prepared as I could possibly be. The ‘Baby’ didn’t disappoint and gave everything I’d come to expect but alas was to end abruptly circa. 70 miles in with a stress fracture… gutted. That said, a fantastic experience particularly from a learning perspective and something to build on. Due to missing a place in 2020 and the postponement of the event in 2021, it wasn’t until January this year that I reached the start line again. A little older and none the wiser, I joined a reduced field of 99 others… it doesn’t bode well when over a third of the entries don’t make the start line!

I should add that it’s not as simple as just turning up at the start line… the race itself is almost the easiest part! Apart from the logistics of getting to and from the start/finish, the day prior involves registration and detailed kit checks to ensure compliance with the event rules. Add to that the time taken to pack and repack rucsacs and drop bags and make final adjustments, it’s almost a relief when the whistle blows. After an enthusiastic start through the village of Edale by headtorch, we started the steady ascent onto Kinder Scout. Once up onto the Pennine Way, we don’t drop below a height of 300m until we descend into check point 1. Conditions were wintery to say the least with blizzard conditions overhead and sheet ice underfoot. A last minute decision to add an additional warmth layer under my waterproof at the start line was proving worthwhile.

A slight increase in temperature brought some reprieve from the harsh winter conditions but only to be replaced by torrential rain. With water now running over the ice, conditions underfoot became treacherous and rapidly rising rivers put paid to the benefits of sealskins! Although unpleasant, I was moving comfortably albeit lonely… unaware of the amount of withdrawals as the day progressed. I descended into check point 1 after 45 miles just before 10pm and with improving weather as we descended, my spirits rose rapidly. As I entered the check point, I was informed I was in tenth place, but previous experience had taught me this can be short lived! I also overheard that among others, previous course record holder Jim Mann had been assisted off the route and was currently being treated for hypothermia. I got fed, changed and given that this would be my last ‘ civilised’ option, I opted for a 1hr sleep. With sleep over and an unnecessary ‘faff’ repacking kit for the predicted overnight conditions, I was off again just after 1am.

One of the key strategies for the night sections is to ‘buddy up’ but given that two thirds of the competitors had withdrawn by check point 1, options were limited. Every now and then I’d spot another light but always at a distance either ahead or behind and so I resorted to my own steady pace with the aim of maintaining accuracy in my night nav. With Top Withins and Ickornshaw Moor both posing real challenges, alongside a windchill of -6, this was an interesting night! After only 20 miles, I was descending into Lothersdale for 9am and the much anticipated Craven Tri Clubs support tent. While enjoying Tea and a Bacon Butty, I was aware of my dwindling pace and regretting the ‘faff’ and overpacking from the night before. The additional clothing and food wasn’t necessary and was now with me until the end… no exceptions. A quick update at this stage advised me that I was now in eighth place… with at least another withdrawal lying in the tent beside me. I also learnt that Josh Wade had just reached the finish in Hawes to take first place!

I left the tent refuelled and with both daylight and even the appearance of the sun, things were looking up. At this point I met fellow competitor Jonathan who was having a tough morning. While I’d a sleep at check point 1, Jonathon pushed through and was now feeling the effects. That said, he was still moving and it was great to have some company for the short while as we started into one of the lower sections of the route. One of the disadvantages of the lower sections of the route is the amount of road and after 70ish miles, my ankle joints were protesting. The only positive here was passing my previous finishing point and the challenge of new terrain. After a quick refuel in the village of Gargrave, with some really strange looks in the village Co-Op, I started to give some serious thought to the latter stages. I’d maintained an improving pace but needed to pick it up to avoid another night out and to succeed.

One of the additional factors that I should mention here, is the ‘dot’ effect! All competitors are tracked and supporters amongst others can follow your progress, often with greater oversight than that of individual competitors. Collectively known as ‘Dot Watchers’, with ‘Dot Watching’ becoming an endurance activity in its own right. Anyhow, every time I checked my phone, I was provided with invaluable updates and inspiration from family and friends. Just when you feel like lying down, you’re reminded that the countries watching you! The next official check point is check point 1.5 at Malham Tarn and unlike check point 1, this has a strict 30 minute time restriction and offers only hot and cold water and a toilet. This offered a perfect option to prep for the final 30 mile section which included Fountain Fell, Pen-Y-Ghent and the infamous Cam High Road before the descent into Hawes. I set myself targets, including to be into check point 1.5 before dark and started to lift my pace.

I connected with Jonathan again just above Malham Cove and shared my basic plan… he seemed to approve. We reached Malham Tarn as darkness fell and set to max our 30 minutes with a freeze dried meal, tea, coke and a quick change of clothes. We knew we wouldn’t be stopping until Horton and layered up for the dropping temperatures. It was like a revisit to the start on Kinder with snow and ice on the peaks, making progress slow but steady… and the company giving a massive moral boost. With Fountain Fell and Pen-Y-Ghent now behind us, we entered Horton and the start of the final 14 mile section. With a 7 mile ascent ahead of us, we delayered and braced ourselves for the final push. The Cam High Road didn’t disappoint… and the sleep monsters came along for the craic! This was by far the toughest part of the race for me, falling asleep on my feet. I do remember saying to Jonathan that under no circumstances was he to let me sleep… but he’d his own problems… trying to catch the laughing frogs jumping out of my rucsac!

Just after 4am we completed the steep muddy descent from the Cam High Road and followed the cobbled paths into Hawes. Jonathan did suggest running to the finish line, but that didn’t happen… it wasn’t part of the plan! Instead we strolled up to the Town Hall to be greeted by a surprising number of supporters both present and virtually… can’t forgot the ‘Dot Watchers’… and take a joint 8th place.

A great event, but what makes it special is the often referred to ‘Spine Family’… the many many people that make it happen from the Administration, the Check Point Crews, the Safety Crews, the public who appear seemingly randomly day and night in the most random places along the route, and of course, the Competitors themselves.

“It’s not about running the fastest, it’s about slowing the least”

Some facts and figures

• Distance covered 115 miles
• Ascent 4279 m
• Descent 4277 m
• Time limit 60 hrs
• Current record 22:53:28 (Jim Mann 2019)
• Starters 99
• Finishers 29
• Shoes worn Scott RC Ultra
• Pack weight c. 7 kilos (compulsory kit exc fluids)
• Full waterproofs worn throughout
• Next challenger… January 2023