Montane Spine Race

The 2022 Spine Races Begin

Press Release / 09.01.2022

Josh Wade #600 (GBR) has a commanding lead at the front of the Montane Spine Challenger, which started this morning at 0730.

Josh, whose previous results include a 2nd place in the grueling 100km Ultra-Trail Snowdonia, has been opening up a lead ahead of current course record holder Jim Mann #611 (GBR) all day. Sadly, Jim Mann this evening retired from the event, leaving Josh well clear of the chasing pack, though behind Jim's course record.

The first 3 women in the race are Holly Davis #525, Jann Smith #590, and Kendra Wedgwood #603. With a matter of minutes between them, we could be looking at a 3-way-photo-finish.

Tomorrow morning at 0800, the tenth-anniversary edition of the Montane Spine Race begins.  It is the strongest field of runners this race has so far assembled with the likes of past winners Eoin Keith #373 and Eugenie Rosello Sole #456, former Pennine Way FKT holder and 2-time finisher Damian Hall #351, Summer Spine Race winner and current Pennine Way FKT holder Anna Troup #444, former winner and course record holder Sabrina Verjee #447 and many more including FKT breakers Kim Collison #328 and Doug Zinis #454.

When asked how he felt about his return to the race after 2 previous finishes Damian Hall said ‘Terrified. I think as runners we develop amnesia about past races but when I think back to 6 years ago, yeah it was kind of awful’, before adding ‘but also amazing. The Pennine Way is very special and this race is very special too.’

Talking today at registration, Anna Troup said ‘I’ve always wanted to do the winter race, I only did summer first because of Covid’, before adding ‘I’m back now because I really like the course, I think it suits me, plus I’m looking forward to catching up with some of the other runners.’

At the time of writing, the front runners of the first winter running of the Montane Spine Sprint are approaching their finish line in Hebden Bridge.  That race is currently led by Jonathan Price #189 (GBR) ahead of Nick Jones #159 (GBR) and Simon Eldridge #138 (GBR).  The first woman is currently Alice Kershaw #131 ahead of Lauren Johnson #154 and Anna Paxton #119.  The Sprint runners have until 0600 to complete their 43 miles race.

For more information and to follow the live tracking see www.thespinerace.com