Britain’s Most Brutal Endurance Race Returns

Edale, Derbyshire, UK - January 2026.

Prepare to witness one of the most grueling endurance challenges in the world as the 2026 Montane Winter Spine Race begins this weekend. Known as “Britain’s Most Brutal,” this iconic race along the Pennine Way tests physical resilience, mental fortitude, and the unbreakable human spirit against the ferocity of the British winter.

Returning for its thirteenth edition and with headline sponsor Montane returning, it’s set to be an excellent year.

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Image credit: Mick Kenyon

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With over 700 runners from across the globe, the event features seven races of varying distances, from the 46-mile Sprint South to the epic 268-mile full Spine. Participants will navigate some of the most beautiful yet unforgiving landscapes in England and Scotland, battling freezing temperatures, driving rain, and snow as they climb over 10,000 meters of total ascent. 

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This year features the first edition of the Winter Sprint North, a 43 mile race through the gruelling Cheviots on the northernmost part of the course.

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Race Overview

Spine Race: 268 miles | Starts 11th January

Sprint South Race: 46 miles | Starts 10th January

Sprint North Race: 43 miles | Starts 13th January

Challenger South: 108 miles | Starts 10th January

Challenger North: 160 miles | Starts 11th January

MRT Challenge South: 108 miles | Starts 10th January

MRT Challenge North: 160 miles | Starts 11th January

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Start Location: Edale, Derbyshire, UK

Finish Location: Kirk Yetholm, Scottish Borders

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Runners will brave snow, rain and wind, with daytime temperatures as low as -15°C. The format of the race is self supported non-stop, meaning participants must carry their own equipment, sleep where they can, and endure the full brunt of the British Winter. Safety teams will closely monitor all participants, while checkpoints manned by incredible volunteers will offer moments of respite to keep spirits high.

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Image credit: Adam Jacobs

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The Challenge of a Lifetime

The Montane Winter Spine is more than a race, it’s a battle of survival. The 268-mile route crosses some of the most iconic and challenging landscapes in Britain, including the Peak District, Yorkshire Dales, Northumberland National Park, Hadrian’s Wall, and the Cheviots.

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This year a number of well known runners will take to the field, including Anna Troup, Damian Hall, John Kelly, Allie Bailey, Jon Shield, Eugeni Rosello Sole, Sophie Grant, Claire Bannwarth, Samantha Lissauer, Chris Cope, Sebastien Raichon, and Victoria Morris.

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