In 2021 I will be taking on the Spine Challenger race. I do indeed have a view to then go on to taking on the full Spine Race in 2022. 

Since 2015 I have been on my own physical and mental health journey. Lessons learned in my physical training have been equally applicable to my mental health improvement, and vice versa. I have come from years of poor fitness, heavy drinking and smoking to now setting the goal of a 108 mile race up the Pennine Way in Winter! 

My biggest achievements to date have been rooted in helping others. Be it volunteering on Ultra events or fundraising, and this is no different. Since my last fundraising drive I have been massively inspired by Shellie Gordon (Full Spine Race 2019 finisher) and Jo Kemp (7 100km Ultra Walks in 2019) who both represented CALM. Having lost my father to depression when I was 18 the CALM charity messaging and goals certainly hits home. I can think of no better cause to push me through the darkest moments in this challenge and inspire me to go further than what I think possible.   

A bit about the Spine Challenger... 

The MONTANE® Spine® Challenger is a non-stop, 108 mile race between Edale and Hawes with a time limit of 60hrs. This challenging and technical section of the Pennine Way is a physically and psychologically demanding route that demands concentration, good physical fitness, resolve and respect. The MONTANE® Spine® Challenger is a notoriously difficult event in its own right and should be considered as having a similar degree of difficulty as the longer MONTANE® Spine® Race.

From appearances alone 60 hours looks like ample time to complete this course. However, appearances can be deceptive. The rugged and very technical nature of this race is mentally taxing, as you have to constantly be aware of foot placement in icy conditions, weather systems, navigation, available daylight and self-management.

In all of the previous editions of the race competitors have faced at least one of (if not multiples of ) extreme weather, storm force winds, snow, extreme ice, bogs, fog, hail, mud and almost anything else you can think of!

There is very little hand holding on this race. We expect you to travel with a degree of self-sufficiency and skill which sets this race apart from others.