Montane Spine Race

Simon Roberts Wins the Montane Spine Challenger – North, and Damian Hall Retires

Press Release / 11.01.2022

Simon Roberts, winner of the Dragon’s Back Race in 2021, has won the inaugural Montane Spine Challenger – North.  He set a blistering pace throughout the early stages of the event, opening a lead he never relinquished. He battled through a tough last day, which saw him take a short recovery sleep in his bivvy by Hadrian’s Wall.

He arrived around 4am this morning after a lonely night in the Cheviot Hills.  When asked if he’d expected to move up the course so fast, he said ‘I always planned to race hard, race fast, race relentless’, adding ‘I’m a competitive runner and that always drives me on when it’s tough,’He had a resounding lead over Roland Kelly, who finished in 2nd position, and Howard Dracup in 3rd.

Over the course of the day the first 3 women in the Montane Spine Challenger North also reached the finish line. Victoria Morris reached the line more than 4 hours ahead of her closest rival. When asked how she felt about her win, she said ‘I don’t really pay attention to positions and things, I just really enjoyed being part of this new race and I want to see how hard I can push myself.

Victoria finished ahead of Hannah Rickman in 2nd, and French runner Fanny Jean in 3rd, who was also 3rd woman in last year’s Big’s Backyard in Tennessee.

Damian Hall, who was cruising at the front of the race with an insurmountable looking lead, retired from the event today. A niggle he’d been experiencing from the earliest stages of the event worsened considerably and Damian showed his experience and good judgment by withdrawing before the injury  developed into a problem which could leave him in danger in the hills.  Damian has a long history with the Pennine Way and we’re happy for him to have had him as a part of the tenth anniversary race.

His withdrawal leaves Eugenie Rosello Sole as the leader of the race.  He has a short lead over Eoin Keith, a past winner and course record holder on this race and the summer version of the event.  Not far behind are Doug Zinis and James Leavesley who have been powering up the course together for much of the day.

LINK TO LIVE TRACKING & LIVE LEADERBOARD:

Available to view at www.thespinerace.com