Chris Cope Victorious At The Montane Summer Spine 2024

Press Release / 25.06.2024

The largest-ever Montane Summer Spine race has seen Chris Cope blitz the field to claim victory at the seventh edition of the 268-mile summer event.

With a time of 79:10:14, Cope battled through some of the wettest conditions ever seen at the event to claim victory, in what was the sixth fastest time ever recorded for the course. Starting in Edale on 16th June, Cope made his way across three national parks, overcoming the equivalent of 1.5 Everests of ascents en route to the finish line in Kirk Yetholm.

Cope, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 14, claims running is one of the ways he proves to himself and others that, when managed, there is no reason for the condition to stop people from achieving amazing things.

Speaking at the finish line, Cope said: “That was good, I am happy with that. To finish first is brilliant and it has been lovely right from the storms on day one, the biblical rain coming down, to end it beautifully, and just so well looked after from start to finish.”

The race continues with Jacob Hayes in the home stretch and comfortably leading the remainder of the field, currently scheduled to finish runner-up. John Boothman follows in third place. Elsewhere, Irene Kinnegim, who had been setting the pace in the women’s race since day one and had opened up a comprehensive lead over the pack, was forced had to retire overnight. Upon reaching Checkpoint 5, she spoke with medical staff who advised her to withdraw. The development catapults Sue Straw into first place, closely followed by Rachel Price in second place. Linn Davies Sahlström is behind in third place.

Elsewhere, the Montane Summer Spine Challenger North continues, with Edward Hopewell crossing the fining line to claim third place in the men’s race, following on from Joe Horne and Sam Harrison’s podium finishes yesterday, while Fern Parker and Lucy Pringle claimed second and third places in the women’s race, after Emma Hopkinson crossed the finish line yesterday to claim first place female and third place overall.

The Montane Summer Spine MRT Challenge North also continues apace, with Fiona Horsfield claiming first place female and second overall, following on from Tom Adam’s triumph yesterday. The three-strong remaining field remain out on the course battling to the finish line, with Dan Maltby leading, followed by Clëo Bishop-Bolt and Gabby Withrington.

Follow along and get race updates via The Montane Spine Facebook, Instagram,  x, and YouTube. More information can be found here.