Spine Race update (4pm UK, 16/1): Now 56 hours into the 268-mile Spine Race and INOV8 ambassadors Jack Scott and Damian Hall - just like last year - hold the top two positions. This time, however, things are a bit different. It is Jack, runner-up in 2023, leading and Damian, the defending champion, chasing.
Jack has covered 206 miles of the Pennine Way course, leaving another 62 miles to go. Damian is approximately 9 miles adrift, according to the latest information from the live tracker map. Both are massively up on record pace after good early running conditions, which have now given way to heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures. Indeed, Jack is currently 25+ miles ahead of record pace.
The course record is 83hrs 12mins, set by Jasmin Paris in 2019. Jasmin's partner - Konrad Rawlik - is currently in third place in this year's race, having covered 187 miles.
Big-name retirees thus far include Kim Collison, John Kelly, Simon Roberts and James Nobels.
Leading woman is defending champion Claire Bannwarth, who has eaten up 174 miles of the brutal route. INOV8 ambassador and ultra running legend Nicky Spinks - making her Spine Race debut - is currently 4th woman and about 150 miles along the course.
Three INOV8 athletes - including returning champion Damian Hall - will take to the start line of the 2024 Spine Race.
Widely regarded as one of the world's toughest endurance events, the race is dubbed 'Britain's most brutal.'
Held amid what are usually savage winter conditions, ultra runners tackle the 268-mile Pennine Way, Britain's oldest National Trail, complete with 37,000ft of wild mountainous ascent. They carry their kit throughout and sleep only when they choose to.
Last year's race was won by Damian in a time of 84hrs 36mins, setting a new men's course record. The only runner to do it faster is Jasmin Paris, who clocked 83hrs 12mins when she famously became the first woman to win the race outright in 2019.
Damian will be joined on the start line in Edale on Sunday January 14th by INOV8 team-mates Jack Scott, who came second last year, and Nicky Spinks, who is making her Spine Race debut.
Jack and Damian finished side-by-side in Kirk Yetholm last January, following an eventful race that saw Jack incur a time penalty for a navigation error that resulted in him taking a shortcut. His finishing time - complete with time penalty - was 85hrs 16mins, the third fastest in race's 12-year history.
For ultra running legend Nicky it will be a first crack at the Spine Race and she'll use all her experiences at super-long races like Tor des Glaciers (280 miles) and Tor des Geants (205 miles) to hopefully completely the epic journey north along the Pennine Way.
Joining Damian, Jack and Nicky for 2024 in arguably the Spine Race's strongest-ever line-up of runners is the likes of John Kelly, Kim Collison, Simon Roberts, James Nobles, Eugeni Rosello, Rory Harris, Dave Phillips, James Leavesley, Eoin Keith, Pavel Paloncy, Dougie Zinis, Konrad Rawlik, Elaine Bisson, Anna Troup, Claire Bannwarth and many more.
The INOV8 trio took time out of their preparations to answer our Spine Race questions on everything from tactics and goals to pack weights and luxury items.
Photos by Steve Ashworth @steveashworthmedia & Adam Jacobs @wild_aperture for @spinerace
DAMIAN HALL - THE SPINE CHAMP
Age: 48
Where you live: Wiltshire Alps
Instagram handle: @ultra_damo
Previous Spine Race results: 4th (2014), 3rd (2015), DNF (2022), 1st (2023)
Ambition for race: My best possible performance and to smile on Blenkinsopp Common.
Most looking forward to: Catching up with pals, High Cup Nick, Cross Fell/Greg's Hut, Alston lasagne, meeting Angels en route.
Least looking forward to: The sleep monsters and the two most notorious bogs, Blenkinsopp and Sleightholme.
Key advice you'll stick to: Be bothered.
What is it about this race that makes you want to do it: It's just one giant, addictive, hurty, squelchy adventure. We all need more bogs in our lives.
How your training has gone: Perfecto! I feel as good as ever.
Shoe choice: I'll start in ROCLITE ULTRA G 320, which I wore for all of last year's race, but probably switch to ROCLITE G 275 as my feet swell a little.
Pack choice and predicted total weight: I've got an older version of the VENTURELITE 18, which has been ace the last two years. I used to estimate my kit was about 4.5kg but I weighed it recently and was happy to find it's 2.8kg (before adding food and drink).
Luxury or sentimental items packed: I'll pick up a music device at some point, to listen to Carter USM and T'Pau.
Race tactics (that you're willing to reveal): It's all about that first gate at the top of Edale. The race is won and lost right there.
Go-to food you'll be scoffing: Hummus bagels, Veloforte chews, chocolate in general.
What you'll think about when things inevitably get rough: Regretting all the foolishly cheery answers I gave to this Q&A.
Three words that sum up how you're feeling: Can't. Bloody. Wait.
How you'll celebrate afterwards: Tea and an ale (ideally separated, but I probably couldn't tell if they weren't).
Photos by Steve Ashworth @steveashworthmedia & Adam Jacobs @wild_aperture for @spinerace
Jack Scott - THE SPINE HUNTER
Age: 29
Where you live: Stone, Staffordshire
Instagram handle: @trail.jack
Previous Spine Race results: DNF (2020), 2nd (2023)
Ambition for race: Touch the wall.
Most looking forward to: Dawn on Monday morning, having settled into the race.
Least looking forward to: Kit check.
Key advice you'll stick to: Forget last year.
What is it about this race that makes you want to do it: The history of the trail, the names who have gone before me, I guess.
How your training has gone: Good enough to reach the Cheviots.
Shoe choice: I'll likely use 3 pairs. TRAILFLY G 270 V2 for the start and the faster 100 miles to Hawes. Then I'll use the X-TALON 255 and X-TALON ULTRA 260 V2 for the muddy northern sections.
Pack choice and predicted total weight: INOV8 prototype, 5.7kg.
Luxury or sentimental items packed: Drop bag will have them - pictures of home and reality. Kit bag on my back is the safety minimum.
Race tactics (that you're willing to reveal): Be the best version of myself.
Go-to food you'll be scoffing: Cheese and pickle sandwiches, and something swimming in chilli sauce.
What you'll think about when things inevitably get rough: This is a big opportunity, thrive.
Three words that sum up how you're feeling: Fortunate, excited and relaxed.
How you'll celebrate afterwards: I'll touch the wall of the Border Hotel then facetime my wife and dog.
Photos by Dave MacFarlane @davemacfarlane
NICKY SPINKS - THE SPINE DEBUTANT
Age: 57
Where you live: Pinwherry, South Ayrshire
Instagram handle: @nickyspinks
Previous Spine Race results: None
Ambition for race: Finish
Most looking forward to: Wednesday morning, wherever I am then.
Least looking forward to: The start - it's always manic.
Key advice you'll stick to: My own "Rule of 3" - if you've thought of doing something three times, then now is the time to do it.
What is it about this race that makes you want to do it: I've wanted to do it for years but was always organising and running the Trigger race around the same time. I also watched Summit Fever Media's film and that made me want to experience the race for myself.
How your training has gone: It has gone well overall but there have been some highs and lows. I just want to get started so I can figure out where I am.
Shoe choice: TRAILFLY shoes or the new MUDTALON SPEED.
Pack choice and predicted total weight: New INOV8 20-litre prototype. Currently 5.5kg but it hasn't been through kit check!
Luxury or sentimental items packed: None.
Race tactics (that you're willing to reveal): Run my own race. Get to Hawes feeling good.
Go-to food you'll be scoffing: Anything savoury - sausage or bacon wraps!
What you'll think about when things inevitably get rough: The next checkpoint, and Bruce my new puppy waiting for me at home.
Three words that sum up how you're feeling: Organised, excited, calm.
How you'll celebrate afterwards: Beer and chips…. but before, or after, the shower? That's the question!
