The Spine Race is a 431km ultra marathon in Edale, United Kingdom. Distance: 431km. Elevation: 12,500m D+. Difficulty: legendary (Challenge Rating 71/100). DNF rate: 60%. Time limit: 168h. Surface: trail. Established 2012.
The Spine Race
Edale, Derbyshire, United Kingdom
"431km along the Pennine Way. In January. Self-supported. Britain's most brutal winter ultra."
The entire Pennine Way in winter — 431km self-supported through the highest, most exposed terrain in England with a 60% DNF rate.
The Course
The entire Pennine Way from Edale in the Peak District to Kirk Yetholm on the Scottish Border — in winter. Runners must be entirely self-supported, carrying all mandatory gear and navigating the full route. The course crosses the highest, most exposed terrain in England.
mountainous
point-to-point
Runner Experience
Self-supported race — runners carry all supplies. Checkpoints for timing and safety only.
Intimate finish in a remote setting. The camaraderie of shared hardship creates deep bonds between finishers.
Race Day Weather
-2°C
-10° – 4°
85%
80%
British winter at its worst. Snow, ice, freezing rain, and gale-force winds on exposed moorland. Low visibility is the norm.
Stats & Records
2012
30
5:06:00:00
3:00:00:00
Jasmin Paris (2019)
3:00:00:00
Jasmin Paris (2019)
Entry
£750
March
weeks
Lore & Trivia
The Spine Race follows the entire 431km Pennine Way — Britain's oldest and toughest National Trail — non-stop in January, when the English winter is at its most hostile. From Edale in the Peak District to Kirk Yetholm on the Scottish border, the route crosses the bleakest moors, boggiest peatlands, and most exposed ridges in England and Scotland. Runners carry full winter mountain kit and navigate by headlamp through weather that regularly includes horizontal rain, snow, gale-force winds, and temperatures below -10°C. The race has a 168-hour (7-day) time limit, and most finishers use close to all of it. Sleep deprivation is inevitable: runners must choose between resting at checkpoints (losing time) and pushing through hallucinations on the moors. The Pennine Way was designed for experienced hikers taking 2-3 weeks; Spine runners complete it in under a week, in the worst month of the year, carrying everything on their backs.
- ▸ 431km along the entire Pennine Way — Britain's oldest National Trail.
- ▸ Run in January — the worst weather month in the UK.
- ▸ 168-hour (7-day) time limit. Most finishers take 5-6 days.
- ▸ Runners carry full winter mountain kit including bivvy bag, stove, and emergency shelter.
- ▸ The route crosses the Peak District, Yorkshire Dales, North Pennines, and Cheviot Hills.
- ▸ Hallucinations from sleep deprivation are considered normal, not exceptional.
- ▸ The race has been described as "the most brutal race in Britain" by multiple publications.
- ▸ Navigation through blizzards on featureless moorland is the key survival skill.
The Pennine Way in January will show you things about yourself that you never wanted to know.
Notable Editions
Storm Ciara
Storm Ciara hit the UK during the 2020 Spine Race, bringing 90mph winds and horizontal rain. The race continued. Runners crossed the exposed Cheviot ridge in conditions that would close most events. The dropout rate exceeded 50%, but those who finished earned their place in Spine legend.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is The Spine Race? +
The Spine Race is a 431km (431km) ultra marathon with 12,500m of elevation gain. The course is point-to-point on trail terrain.
How hard is The Spine Race? +
The Spine Race is rated legendary with a Challenge Rating of 71/100 (Demanding). The DNF rate is 60%. Runners have 168 hours to finish.
How do I enter The Spine Race? +
Must demonstrate mountain navigation and winter skills. Previous ultra experience required.. Entry costs £750. with a maximum of 90 starters.
What is the weather like at The Spine Race? +
Average temperature is -2°C (range -10°C to 4°C) with 85% humidity and a 80% chance of rain. British winter at its worst. Snow, ice, freezing rain, and gale-force winds on exposed moorland. Low visibility is the norm.
Are crew and pacers allowed at The Spine Race? +
No crew access is permitted. Pacers are not allowed. Mandatory gear is required. Self-navigation is required.
What is the course record for The Spine Race? +
The men's course record is 3:00:00:00 set by Jasmin Paris in 2019. The women's course record is 3:00:00:00 set by Jasmin Paris in 2019.
What is the average finish time for The Spine Race? +
The average finish time is 5:06:00:00. About 30 runners finish each year. The DNF rate is 60%.
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