The adventure of a lifetime – The Montane Summer Spine Race
Britain’s Most Brutal – 268 Miles
14th June 2026 – Billy Harris
The idea of doing this race came into the mind a couple of years ago, as like other’s you start dot watching the race and start to get stupid idea’s like you could have a go. I started out 2024 with the thought to enter for the 2025 race but as the entry date started to loom on the horizon I kind of bottled it and it kind of drifted out of my thoughts for a while.
Moving on to February 2025 and the idea was festering again so I bought myself a new watch which was good for navigation and I knew once I’d spent a couple of pennies on that there was no turning back.
Into March the first of the recces began and also to see how the watch performed.
As the next few months went along I got a couple more recces done and started to research a bit on the race and about the route, and of course the kit you have to have is very extensive and all has to be to the right spec required so a few headaches over sourcing all the correct gear on the list.
I’d entered the Nav4 Pennine 39 on June 28th 2025 as it was perfect for a longer recce all on the Pennine way.
It was all done in the great company of Tom Chapman, Claire Chapman, Helen Clark and Hannah Lou Bryan but unfortunately it wasn’t the best day for the views as fog sat over us for most of the day, and when getting higher up towards Crossfell we had the rain lashing and a very strong wind known as the helm wind, along with that we were treading through water while trying to find the right path again and while up there I swore I wouldn’t be doing the Spine race as the thought of being up there on my own in those conditions terrified me.
Move on 10 days and yes you’ve guessed, I’m entered into the race so time to put the fears to the back of the head and be pro active.
So I set myself a 20 week base plan before the 24 week race plan, but unfortunately things didn’to go well and I picked up a niggle at a speed session with the Quakers running club in August. It was in the butt area and ran down the hamstring.
For a couple of months it wasn’t giving me to many issues and still allowing me to do the odd race but then it was getting more noticeable. Pphysio, Jade Hutchinson sorted me out with strength exercises which were definitely starting to help along with strength work in the gym twice a week.
Into the beginning of December and I just about stopped all running to get rid of this injury altogether as I feared it was going to put an end to the race before it started.
December 28th,the 24 week plan starts, the niggle still slightly there still but definitely improving.
I knew the training was going to have to replicate the terrain of the race so I planned plenty of running days out in the hills alongside more recces of the course.
Moving on to race week, training had gone as good as I could have hoped for, the niggle finally shifted fully in the March, strength training was maintained all the way, so now I’m into what’s going to be a very stressful week checking over all the kit before packing it into the backpack for kit check on the Saturday, then there’s the drop bag that follows you up the course and you get access to it at the 5 checkpoints. I opted for a 100 litre waterproof bag and you are allowed no more than 20K in weight.
This included changes of running kit, food that you need to carry from each checkpoint, chargers for phone, watch and headtorch, and a load of other spares I’d need for just about everything.
Friday 2 days before the race, myself, Gillian and her trusty co pilot for the week Rover set off in the camper van down to a campsite in Edale about half a mile from the start of the race area.
Saturday, the day before and the thing I’ve dreaded most and it’s 12.30 and my turn. Everything going great the first 3 or 4 items pass no problem then the moment, the kit check lady now needs to see my phone charger, the problem is I left the chargers in the an to charge everything later before packing them. Gillian and Rover had to go back to the van while I waited to the side for their return and eventually I was through kit check. All that was left was to prove to them I could use a map and compass which I also passed then your hand is stamped.
Finally, I’m in the room to pick my number up and then head back to the campsite to relax for the rest of the day.
Sunday – race day alarm is set for 5 o’clock but I’m at the loo at 4 and once up that was it.
We made our way down to the start area at 6.30 to get the trackers attached to our racepack ready for the 8 o’clock start.
Then 7.40 it’s the sad time to say my goodbyes to Gillian and Rover and go over to the starting pen.
Before we knew it the countdown from 10 was on and just like that you’re away, everyone excitedly and nervously chatting running up the road before theturn off and we are on the Pennine way.
The weather is very good, dry and not too warm and clear.
The first 3 miles is nice and steady then already the first big climb is upon us, known as Jacob’s ladder up to Kinder Downfall, after there it’s a lot of technical running with very rocky ground so extra concentration is needed, it’s too early to be out of the race with one bad move.
Further along we ended up running on slabs which made progress much easier.
Once right over the tops there’s a big descent to Torside reservoir. We then cross a bridge over it then finally over a road before the next big climb then a few miles run along a narrow ridge path before descending once again.
It was good to have people for company early on till you got settled into it.
At mile 32 Nicky’s food bar for Cheeseburger and chips, coffee and pop, after that energy boost the miles went along great.
Around 12 and a half hours I was at checkpoint 1 after just over 46 miles.
It’s all about getting things sorted, shoe’s and socks off to let the feet air, then put anything on charge that needs it. You also get food and drinks at checkpoints, and then it’s time to refill water and food for the next section which is the longest one 64 miles.
I had just over 1 hour there, no sleep and not long after leaving we were in darkness so headtorch on.
I ran all through the night without out seeing another runner, just one random farmer sitting somewhere giving celebration chocolates out to the runners, thankyou! and also 2 different SST spine safety teams looking out for our welfare.
Daylight comes and I’m making my way into Gargrave 74 miles and just before I scaled a 6 foot wall rather than shove 20 cows away from the gate.
It was another great day weather wise and the miles passed by, eventually reaching Malham Cove and I’m up and over there with another runner till we hit checkpoint 1.5 at Malham Tarn where your all 30 minutes and tea. Coffee, biscuits and other snacks are available.
Leaving there getting prepared for the two big climbs up Fountains Fell then Pen-y-ghent and the latter had a very strong wind at the time of scrambling over the top.
Once down to Horton in Ribblesdale there’s about 16 miles to checkpoint 2 at Hardraw.
Those last miles were a bit of a slog as tiredness was creeping in but eventually I made it to Hawes where I briefly saw Gillian and Rover before setting off on the last mile and a half to the checkpoint.
Once at the checkpoints you have a maximum 6 hours before being on the move again.
Doing all the same again as at the previous checkpoint I needed sleep and was allocated a tent. I got a sleeping bag out of my drop bag, unfortunately sleep didn’t really happen only managing about 15 minutes due to aching knees and a transformer running outside our tents.
After about 4 and half hours there I set off to be going straight up Shunner Fell at about 1 o’clock in the morning , visibility wasn’t great with fog and mist but eventually up and down the other side to Thwaite and over to Keld where daylight was back with us .
A little while later I was approaching the Tan Hill pub when trail Angel Anne Hutchinson had come out to see me on my way, then a 20 minute rest in the side room of the pub.
Up to now the feet had been holding good, no tape as yet but with the wet boggy sections coming up things would change.
Off I set to get to God’s Bridge which is roughly half way, a little boost but before hitting there, a man and his camera Rob Gillham was there so another friendly face helping to push me up the trail.
After God’s Bridge and through the underpass of the A66 I went up a hill and 2 dodgy characters were waiting, Michael King and Paul Dalton and they didn’t half put a spring in the step and off they went as I carried onto Middleton Teesdale. Am I hallucinating? as a few miles from there up pop the terrible duo again. As we made our way further there was a pop up with tea, coffee and all the snacks and they did this for free for the runners, a brilliant couple, thankyou Anyway, I was left on my own again coming into Middleton Teesdale to be met by Grant Mctaggart, and also Angela Freary and Trevor which was very nice then 400M down the road John Harrison is there and a lovely chat with him before setting off along the river Tees to checkpoint 3.
It was around teatime so the same things to sort out then hit my tent, unfortunately only managed 1 hour which was concerning as I thought it would catch me out later. I had to apply 4 bits of K-tape as hot spots were appearing on my feet from the boggy ground.
Just after 5 hours there, back out again and soon it would be dark but shortly up pops Darren Chapman and Tom Nixon another welcome sight and as I moved along I’m seeing things, Anne and Jade Hutchinson appear then Darren and Tom head off to their car.
I say my goodbyes to Anne and Jade then a few more miles along and Darren and Tom appear again.
Eventually I’m on my own going through the night towards Cauldron Snout and it was a bit daunting scrambling up there in the darkness. Once up, over to High Cup Nick but not before nearly having myself stuck up to the knees in a bog. At first it wouldn’t budge but eventually I started to ease out with the next worry was I going to lose my shoe in it but no, off we go again all intact. Going past High Cup you couldn’t see anything for clag not knowing where the path was I looked left and realised I was a bit too close to the edge for comfort.
Once down and into Dufton village hall, had my allowed 30 minutes respite with the usual coffee and snacks.
Leaving there it was time to tackle my biggest fear and also on my own, the biggest climb on the route Crossfell and I’d been warned the weather wasn’t looking favourable up there.
Off we trundled making pretty good going until hitting some of the steeper bits but before I knew it I was up to Great Dun Fell and things were turning rather bleak, visibility very poor wind blowing a hooly but onwards and upwards and just before scaling Crossfell a runner came alongside and we agreed it was in both our interests, it was safer together.
Finally over safe and sound and down into Greg’s hut for 30 minutes respite which was well needed after what we’d just been through.
Setting off down to Garrigill two more angels in the form of Diane Adkins and Wendy Colling appear which was definitely a morale booster.
After pleasantries were exchanged time to make my way to checkpoint 4 at Alston.
Same routine only this time the feet are deteriorating and had to get the medic to tape my back where it was skinned from my backpack.
First showers available so I quickly had one and was then taken to a bed allocated which were only bunks mattress and my sleeping bag,yet awake after one hour everything aching and sore so back downstairs for the famous Alston checkpoint lasagne X2.
Had to do quite a bit more taping of feet before I departed.
Away again, after 5 minutes and round the corner Anne Hutchinson who with her brief visits was just enough to get me in the zone.
6 mile along the road a place called Slaggyford a lady was giving us homemade sausage rolls and it was really what I needed, thankyou.
Just before I hit a place called Blenkinsop Common a notoriously boggy section I pass through someone’s backyard and he has lots of chickens running around and the owner known as Rasta Ralph is there and asks if I would like a burger making to which I politely decline and make my way over the common.
After getting to the other side with soaking feet I’m now approaching Hadrians Wall which I’ll follow for 10 miles.
I haven’t been alone all the time, there’s the same few of us crossing paths regularly and so it was to be 3 of these kept me company along the wall and they are the ones that affectionately gave me the “Billy Whizz” name.
We managed to lie down on the trail setting an alarm for 2 X 10 minutes nap.
Eventually, leaving the wall turning left towards checkpoint 5 only 14 miles away I could cry and nearly did a few times. The feet were in bits there were a couple of us shuffling like zombies, and tiredness I’ve never known anything like it.
The young whippersnappers all starting pulling away I was fading each mile like10.
Each time I came to a fence with a wooden stile I would sit down and doze for a minute before forcing myself on.
Eventually I would arrive in Bellingham and the final checkpoint No 5 but just before that I was greeted by Gillian and Rover so then we all knew that I didn’t know if I was capable of continuing out of the checkpoint, I’d gone through hell for 5 or 6 hours.
Anyway, after saying my goodbyes as Gillian and Rover who were now heading up to the booked campsite at the finish regardless, as I went into checkpoint to sort a plan to save my race it was surely too far to come to chuck the towel in.
You get met towards every checkpoint and guided into to marquee and a chair with your drop bag next to it.
The rehabilitation has already started with this walk as the volunteers are so encouraging and as if by magic change your mindset.
Anyway, once sat down they bring me some soapy water in a dish to soak my feet while doing my checkpoint faff and eating. Thank god it’s the last time for the drop bag it’s like a bomb exploded and I can’t bloody find things.
After cleaning feet and drying them off I went into the tent and to have the best 90 minutes sleep ever.
Out of tent and into marquee the 2 medics came to deal with my feet and as the main problem was blisters underneath they kindly got my needles and promptly drained them after which I was like a mummy after taping feet.
I didn’t say previously, once you say you’re ready to go they take your drop bag so you need to be sure you have all compulsory kit as there’s a check before leaving of about 7 or 8 items so it doesn’t matter how tired you are you exchange pleasantries while emptying your backpack to get the item they want which is at the bottom.
Anyway, before I’d seen things about checkpoints where volunteers had said don’t DNF on the way in we will turn you round and my what a great job they’ve done, I can’t believe I’m the same person that walked in 5 and a half hours ago.
Last leg ONLY 41 MILES
As I set off only a mile down the road I said to myself I’m not turning back now, I took the decision to fast hike most of this section for fear of undoing all the good work on the feet.
It’s about 17 miles away to checkpoint 5.5 in Byrness and I made good progress. On the way over darkness was setting in and I haven’t mentioned what great time’s I was having with hallucinations, from things dancing around in trees and long strands of grass running around on the bottom, to people sitting on walls and then disappearing, all kinds of things forming into animals the list is endless. Also the almost sleepwalking and just manage to rally before falling over, the amount of times I nearly fell in the side.
Anyway a couple of miles from thecheckpoint up turns Anne Hutchinson and Dave, what an absolute star and godsend she has been on this journey and I will always be so thankful as I am to everyone else who gave their time to support me, and also everyone who encouraged me from home on that tracker, I am so humbled by everyone’s kindness
So 30 minutes allowed at village hall where there was the usual coffee and snacks.
After leaving there the next bit has always had me a bit worried but I always anticipated going up onto the cheviots in daylight with hopefully other runners around to assist navigation.
But no, the first mile is a scramble all uphill and yes you guessed it I’m in the dark and on my own.
With a little help from my recce friends I had a bit of a idea where i was and where I was heading and the good thing it would be getting daylight after a few hours.
Once daylight I made my way to hut 1 for a sit inside and a nice cup of coffee which was being manned by 4 lovely volunteers.
After leaving, I headed straight up a hill but when getting to the top there was some more blisters forming. I’d decided to swap the trail shoes I’d used from the start to the last checkpoint as they were still soaking wet, the trails now were unused brand new and a size bigger in case of feet swelling so unfortunately I’m having to tape a couple more blisters up but it would be the last time.
Onwards again and there’s a few big ascents and descents over this section. There’s one place called Windy Gyle which believe me is well named as I’d thought I’d already encountered the strongest winds but no this well above and beyond strong.
After getting past there you eventually have a big climb up turn left through a gate and all the way down veering right and up a hill to hut 2 which I decided to push straight on past. Only one more big climb Billy left to do, called the Schill and then it’s downhill and homeward bound, come on man you’ve got this.
With new excitement of the finish line nearing I was able to find a bit extra so on at the top of the climb I just put up with the pain and ran and before I knew it I was back onto tarmac roads, 2 miles what stood between me and an epic finish
Off we trundled again now onto a walk run, not so much run as tarmac, wasn’t good for the feet,then all of a sudden I was on the the hill down to the finish funnel so back came the running then all of a sudden I rounded the corner and i couldn’t believe it, at last it was that close, straight through the finish and over to THE wall for what is tradition to kiss the wall and we were all done in everyway.