Britain’s most brutal endurance event, the Montane Summer Spine Race 2025, roared into action this weekend, with the full 268-mile race setting off from Edale on Saturday.
Now in its fifth summer edition, the Summer Spine has cemented its reputation as a true test of human endurance — every bit as unforgiving as its notorious winter counterpart. Over 700 athletes from around the world have gathered to tackle seven races across the iconic Pennine Way, spanning distances from the fast and furious 43-mile Sprint to the legendary full Spine, stretching the entire 268 miles north to Kirk Yetholm on the Scottish border.
A brutal challenge across Britain’s rugged backbone
Far from a summer stroll, the Spine delivers a unique set of challenges. The exposed moorlands, sun-baked trails, and wild weather conditions combine with more than 10,000 metres of elevation gain to create one of the toughest multi-day events in the world. Runners must navigate the rugged landscapes of the Peak District, Yorkshire Dales, Northumberland National Park, Hadrian’s Wall, and the Cheviots — all while managing extreme fatigue and severe sleep deprivation.
Participants race self-supported, carrying all their gear as they push their bodies to the limits through long daylight hours and soaring temperatures. Volunteer teams and mountain rescue units are stationed along the course to ensure runner safety throughout the week.
2025 Race Overview
The Summer Spine offers a range of challenges across seven events:
Spine Race: 268 miles | Starts 15th June
Sprint South: 46 miles | Started 14th June
Challenger South: 108 miles | Started 14th June
Challenger North: 160 miles | Starts 16th June
MRT Challenge South: 108 miles | Started 14th June
MRT Challenge North: 160 miles | Starts 16th June
Sprint North: 43 miles | Starts 17th June
Start location: Edale, Derbyshire, UK
Finish location: Kirk Yetholm, Scottish Borders
Standout performances so far
Jon Shield is currently leading the full Spine Race and is on track to reach Kirk Yetholm by Wednesday.
Victoria Thompson delivered an astonishing performance in the Sprint South, taking the win, placing second overall, and obliterating the course record by more than 40 minutes.
Hannah Campbell is lining up for the Sprint North today.
Ones to Watch
This year’s Spine has drawn an impressive field, including some of the UK’s top endurance athletes:
Montane Supported Athletes:
Jon Shield (Spine)
Victoria Thompson (Sprint South)
Hannah Campbell (Sprint North)
Other notable competitors:
Anna Troup (two-time course record holder)
Ally Whitlock
Nikki Han
Emma Hopkinson
John Boothman
John Knapp
With the full Spine field now well underway and several races yet to start, the coming days promise plenty more drama and inspiring feats of endurance along Britain’s rugged backbone.
