Edale, Derbyshire, UK – June 2025 – This weekend, the Pennine Way once again becomes the proving ground for some of the world’s toughest endurance athletes as the 2025 Montane Summer Spine Race gets underway. The Summer Spine is every bit as brutal as its winter sibling. With exposed moorlands, dry, cracked paths, and unpredictable storms, runners still face over 10,000 metres of ascent and the mental challenge of enduring hundreds of miles without a proper rest.
With over 700 runners from across the globe, the event features seven races of varying distances, from the 43-mile Sprint to the epic 268-mile full Spine. Participants will navigate some of the most beautiful yet unforgiving landscapes in England and Scotland whilst battling heat, relentless exposure and sleep deprivation.
The course winds through the Peak District, Yorkshire Dales, Northumberland National Park, Hadrian’s Wall, and the Cheviots, testing every facet of human endurance.
Now in its 5th summer edition and with headline sponsor Montane returning once again, this year’s event is set to be bigger than ever, drawing hundreds of runners from around the world to tackle the UK’s premier multi-day ultra on foot.
Race Overview
With seven races across a week, the Montane Summer Spine series offers something for everyone, from fast 43-mile sprints to the full 268-mile epic:
- Spine Race: 268 miles | Starts 15th June
- Sprint South Race: 46 miles | Starts 14th June
- Challenger South: 108 miles | Starts 14th June
- Challenger North: 160 miles | Starts 16th June
- MRT Challenge South: 108 miles | Starts 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
Runners will face long daylight hours, high temperatures and little chance to rest as they carry all their kit and make their way, non-stop and self-supported, along the full length of the Pennine Way. The terrain is wild, the climbs unrelenting, and sleep scarce. Safety teams and dedicated volunteers will be on hand to support athletes through this immense undertaking.
Ones to Watch
This year’s Summer Spine sees the return of some of the UK’s most experienced endurance athletes. Expected to be on the start line are:
Montane Supported Athletes:
- Jon Shield (Spine)
- Victoria Thompson (Sprint South)
- Hannah Campbell (Sprint North)
Other prominent runners include:
- Anna Troup (2x Course Record Holder)
- Ally Whitlock
- Nikki Han
- Emma Hopkinson
- John Boothman
- John Knapp
