The exhaustion and emotion hits Jack Scott at the finish of his record-breaking Winter Spine Race run in 2024. Photo by Adam Jacobs for Spine Race.
The Winter Spine Race is one of the world's toughest ultramarathon endurance events and dubbed ‘Britain's most brutal race.’
Following the relentless 268-mile Pennine Way trail from Edale to Kirk Yetholm, it amasses a mammoth 37,000ft of remote mountainous ascent – the equivalent of eight times Ben Nevis – and is staged amidst usually-savage midwinter conditions.
First held in 2012, the race made international headlines seven years later when Jasmin Paris became the first woman to win it outright, obliterating the course record by 12 hours while also expressing breast milk at checkpoints following the birth of her first child 14 months earlier. That was then bettered by another 10 hours in 2024 when Jack Scott ran a mind-boggling time of 72hrs 55mins. Both used INOV8 shoes and gear.
Since then, the event has expanded to now include six non-stop races on the Pennine Way, ranging in distance from 46 miles to the full 268 miles.
This year will see Jack make a return to the trail where he still holds the long-course record and tackle the event’s 108-mile Challenger South race (Edale to Hawes).
Fellow INOV8 athlete Sarah Perry – who in the last three months set a new women’s backyard ultra world record and claimed the outright win at The Hill Ultra – will race the MRT Challenger South. This follows the same 108-mile course, but runners are in a category exclusive to Mountain Rescue / Search & Rescue Team members.
Completing a trio of INOV8 athletes at the event is ultra running legend Nicky Spinks, who will be looking to defend her women’s title from 2025 in the 160-mile Challenger North race (Hardraw to Kirk Yetholm).
We caught up with Jack, Sarah and Nicky to learn more about their preparations ahead of taking to the Pennine Way.
Jack Scott covers typically snowy ground on the 2024 Winter Spine Race. Photo by Ryan Edy.
Edale to Hawes, 108 miles, 17,900ft ascent
Start: Saturday Jan 10 at 10:00
How are you feeling ahead of the Challenger South?
After a difficult last year on the race front, I’m returning to the Pennine Way for a positive and productive experience. I'd love to run well (I've had flickers of form and fitness during my training), but this one is about the connection to the race, the route and the people.
If I can give my best, I will, but to share the start line with like-minded people and an abundance of coaching clients will be brilliant.
How often do you think back to that record-breaking Winter Spine Race in 2024?
That long run changed the direction of my life a little, so I guess I'm reminded of it every day which is cool. I’m often asked about people racing and bettering my record, which in time will happen. Maybe this year – John Kelly has the credentials and CV to do that, 100%.
I’m also asked if the 2024 race was my 'Everest' and my peak. I'd like to think not, but both the physical and mental impact of it did linger longer than expected, showing itself at random points over the last 18 months, in both good and bad form.
I remember coming off the top of Pillar in the Wasdale Fell Race (an English Champs counter) in July 2024 in second place feeling comfortable. Finlay Wild was ahead, Ben Rothery and Finlay Grant behind – three of the UK’s best fell runners. I leant on the Spine Race experience here to try and hold onto a podium, which I eventually missed out on, but it was nice to show some versatility.
On the flip side, in some long runs and races, including TOR130 and Cocodona 250, I’ve felt I should have been more comfortable and composed at certain moments because of my Spine Race win.
The skipping sleep, the pressure and the emotion of it all, I got it right in the 2024 Spine, but it didn't end at The Border Hotel.
How will it feel doing ‘just’ the 108 miles of the Pennine Way and will you miss the northern section?
After much study of the Pennine Way, both on foot and in books, I think the section north of the Hebden Hey checkpoint, heading towards Malham, is the most difficult of the entire course. The terrain changes as you move away from the high moorland plateau which sits between Manchester and Sheffield to more tricky and heavy ground. This also coincides with the racer entering the first night and often realising they may have bitten off more than they can chew – whether that journey ends at Hawes or Kirk Yetholm.
How will your race tactics and mindset differ versus what you executed for the full Winter Spine Race?
In 2024, conditions were superb for a fast traverse of the entire course as it was cold, clear and hard. There were casualties because everything was so runnable and we were all moving beyond our means. The feeding and layering systems that we had all perfected in training weren't relevant because the pace was so much faster than those long training runs.
This year I've ran long on the course, faster than I can run it on race day. In 2024, I got to Hawes in just over 24 hours. I'd like to run faster this time around.
The winning race number from 2024, hung up in the home gym of Jack Scott, for extra motivation. Photo by Ryan Edy.
What are your goals and expectations for the race?
The main thing I’m after is a good positive experience. Races of this distance are rare for me, but I think I’ve figured out a work rate that I can sustain for the 24-hour period. I’ve done the maths on Jim Mann’s superb record time on the route - getting to Hebden on his splits isn't going to happen, but maybe by Lothersdale someone could be close to them.
What's your training block been like since the World Trail & Mountain Running Champs in October?
My selection for the World Championships was forced – I saw a gap in the roster and took a few risks. In the end that caught me out and my race in Spain went very poorly. But a return to training was an option after just one week.
The energy, purpose and feeling around training has been correct and sustainable. I've continued to follow my sporadic and versatile approach with short sharp efforts, as well as 40-mile days on the Pennine Way.
To run the 268 miles, you need to be healthy, happy, rested and fit, in that order. For the 108, I think the top-end fitness and feel is more relevant and I will follow a different taper to my 2024 race.
What INOV8 shoes will you be rocking and why?
TRAILTALON™ ZERO. I'll start in a size UK 9.5 and have a pair of 10s in my drop bag for Hebden, in case conditions require a different approach for the remaining 100k.
The shoe is zero-drop and mimics the shoe I ran the entire 2024 race in, the older TRAILFLY™ G 270. The new Talon has a more aggressive grip with deeper lugs and suits my cadence when skipping over the flagstones of the Pennine Way.
And you’ll have a new INOV8 jacket to use – what’s the story behind your role in its development?
The new VENTURESHELL jacket, indeed. After the 2024 race I was invited to INOV8 HQ to discuss future developments. The founder, Wayne, asked me about any gaps in the product range. I told him about the more protective, non-INOV8 waterproof I’d used on the Spine. It had a 30,000 HH waterproof rating and 30,000 MVTR breathability rating. He told me INOV8 would invest in making one and now they have – the VENTURESHELL jacket. There’s also the VENTURESHELL PANT too.
What’s your best advice for anyone tackling one of the Winter Spine Race events?
Be present and patient. These races require brains before brawn. Everyone has a brain, use it. Even if you think your brawn is lacking, keep moving north and make good sustainable decisions. You will have time, use it wisely and be grateful. Remember why you entered. Every year is different, but the miles stay the same. Just because you've done it once, doesn't mean you can do it again. No complacency.
And finally, when the conditions get brutally tough and tiredness kicks in, what do you think about to get you through?
I'm ok in the dark and I’m happy on my own so if the race flows like that, I’ll be ready. You can't have a bad day on the Pennine Way – just sink underneath your hood, put your mitts on and realise that for the next 24/72/160 hours, all you've got to do is head north and look after yourself. No emails, no politics, your time.
Sarah Perry all smiles ahead of her outright win at The Hill Ultra last month. Photo by David Miller.
Edale to Hawes, 108 miles, 17,900ft ascent
Start Saturday Jan 10 at 10:00
How are you feeling ahead of the MRT Challenger South?
I'm excited to take part in a Spine Race without the pressure of taking on the full 268 miles again. I found the lead up to last year’s race overwhelming if I'm honest - the training, the kit, everywhere I turned people were talking about it! I ended up having a really difficult race, so the main aim for 2026 is to have fun, soak up the experience, and raise some money for my West Cumbria Search & Rescue team.
Do you still think back to your 2025 experience on the full Winter Spine Race?
I think I've partially blocked the experience out of my memories because it was such a slog! I started the race unwell and just remember struggling a lot. There were obviously highs - the snow was beautiful, the views that first day were something else, and the noodles and warmth at Greg's Hut were incredible. I think about it a lot – mostly about how I probably shouldn't have started that race as it took me months to recover properly.
How will it feel doing ‘just’ the 108 miles of the Pennine Way and will you miss the northern section?
I think going back to do one of the shorter races will let me live the Spine experience without the pressure of running the full course. After the year I've had, I'm not silly enough to dig myself back into the hole that doing the full Spine places you in. I do love the Cheviots though... Maybe I'll love the South race enough that it'll lure me into entering the full for the year after.
How do you feel about doing the MRT specific race?
I'll be running solo but will be raising funds for West Cumbria Search & Rescue. I'll be thinking of all the work that we do as a team whilst I run. It’s a great opportunity and I really appreciate that the Spine Race team put these MRT races on.
Sarah Perry set a new women's Backyard Ultra World Record in October last year. Photo by Jacob Zocherman.
How will your race tactics and mindset differ versus what you executed for the full Winter Spine Race?
There is always a lot of discussion around sleep and stopping to eat for these long races. Hopefully I'll only be running through one full night, so I won't be trying to bank any sleep this year. Mentally, it should be a lot less taxing as I'll be out for a lot less time. These ‘shorter’ distances are still difficult though and 100 miles in winter conditions is no easy task, so the mindset will very much be the same. I'll stay focused on managing any problems that arise and moving forward.
What are your goals and expectations for the race?
My goal is to try to enjoy the experience as much as possible.
You’ve had a busy October – January. How do you recover so quickly?
My honest answer is that I wouldn't recommend three big ultramarathon races in the space of four months. I knew I'd be doing the Backyard Ultra World Champs and MRT Challenger South…. then The Hill popped up!
In terms of recovery, I really try and look at the bigger picture by getting enough sleep and eating well. I've been really kind to myself after these big events and have returned to running when it feels right for me and with no pressure.
I've also done a lot of strength work this year and have reshuffled my running schedule so I'm running less and have more rest days. The result has meant that I've felt stronger than ever, which in turn has meant that I can recover quicker.
What INOV8 shoes will you wear and why? And what other key INOV8 gear will you use?
I'll be wearing my favourite shoe for mixed terrain ultras – TRAILTALON™ MAX. I’ll also have a pair half a size bigger in case my feet swell and I need to change. I'll be using the new VENTURESHELL jacket, CLIMASHELL PRO ALPHA jacket and RACEPAC 20.
What’s your best advice for anyone tackling one of the Winter Spine Race events?
Look after your feet - wear waterproof socks and change them at every checkpoint.
And finally, when the conditions get brutally tough and tiredness kicks in, what do you think about to get you through?
I'm really hoping we get some tough conditions, this is what the Winter Spine Race is really about! I enjoy those experiences where it feels challenging; it's one of the things that I really love about ultra running. Surviving tough conditions and having all the skills to continue to look after yourself and move forward makes me feel strong and capable.
A jubilant Nicky Spinks after winning the 2025 women's Challenger North. Photo by Fellside Photography for Spine Race.
Hardraw to Kirk Yetholm, 160 miles, 17,400ft
Start Sunday Jan 11 at 18:00
How are you feeling ahead of a return to the Challenger North?
I'm looking forward to running the course again and I'm interested to see what a difference the new start time of 18.00 on Sunday (compared to 08.00 on Monday) will make. It will put different places in the dark versus last year, so it will be great to hopefully see High Cup Nick and Cross Fell in daylight this time!
How often do you think back to that win on the same course last year?
I had a good race. Not only was I really happy with my position, but also the way that I managed the race. I have looked back on it a lot and what I did right. I have also thought about what I could improve on, but there wasn't much to be honest. Running with Joe (Farnell) last year was great and we really helped each other when times got tough. We had the same goals and the same mentality about how to achieve them. It's not often that you find someone that you click with for so long on a race.
When I did the full Spine Race in 2024 I thought I would settle down into the race in the first half and then enjoy the course in the second half. However, what happens is that by the time you hit the more scenic northern parts you are sleep deprived and things are hurting so much that it’s not enjoyable. Doing the northern-only section of the Pennine Way is more enjoyable to me.
We’re guessing you prefer the northern parts of the Pennine Way?
What are your goals and expectations for the race?
I want to manage my sleep well, as the new start time means we will be out on the course for more nights. This makes the race more challenging and I'm thinking about how best to work around this. I will be happy to finish knowing that I have done my best and not messed up. This means constantly assessing what is going right and what needs changing as I head through each day and checkpoint.
Touching the wall at The Border Hotel, the finish line of the Challenger North. Photo by Will Roberts for Spine Race.
How have your preparations been in recent months?
Spring 2025 was disjointed for me and into the summer I wasn't training consistently. However, the Swiss Peaks in August was a hard race and I have managed to continue the progression from that. I had a good run at the Cheviot Goat in early December and so I'm looking forward to the Challenger North.
What INOV8 shoes will you wear and why? And what other key INOV8 gear will you use?
TRAILTALON™ ZERO, with a half-size bigger pair to change into during the race. I’ve been training lots in these shoes and they are an excellent allrounder. I’ll use the new VENTURESHELL jacket, the RACEPAC 20 and much more.
What’s your best advice for anyone tackling one of the Winter Spine Race events?
To be flexible and adaptable. Even if you have tested something beforehand it might not work on the day and the key to success is the ability to stop the damage early and do what you can to improve the situation.
I have a ‘rule of three’ which means if I have thought about doing something three times (for example – getting something out of my rucksack or putting a jacket on), then now is the time to stop and do it. It’s too easy to keep running because you don't want to lose a place, but you have to listen to your body and brain – it will make a much bigger difference as to whether you reach the finish or not.
And finally, when the conditions get brutally tough and tiredness kicks in, what do you think about to get you through?
I'm just pretty stubborn and when I start something I want to finish it. So, I always think, ‘If I finish now, I won't have to come back and get to this exact same spot, just to finish it next time.’
I think about my dogs and my husband who have helped me get here and how this is what I've wanted for the last six months. It's not fair on anybody to just drop out when the going gets tough.
I always break the race down into checkpoint chunks. I take 30 minutes to have something to eat and drink, then think about what I can do to carry on and finish
