INOV8 brand ambassador Jasmin Paris created history by becoming the first-ever woman to win the legendary Spine Race outright, smashing the previous course records in the process. The race, dubbed as ‘Britain’s Most Brutal’, follows the 268-mile mountainous backbone of England along the Pennine Way and takes place in the middle of winter.
Competitors are exposed to wind chill lows of -20C, 45mph winds, driving rain, snow and ice. Kit choice is crucial and having the right gear to withstand the fierce conditions when the weather closes in can be the only difference between completing the race or getting pulled off the course by mountain rescue.
The mum-of-one trusted INOV8 to keep her protected from the elements as she powered her way to the record-breaking Spine Race win and an emotional reunion with her husband and 14-month old daughter.
Jasmin’s winning time was 83 hours 12 mins, beating the previous overall course record (set by male ultra runner Eoin Keith in 2016) by 12 hours. She slept for only seven hours during the non-stop race and, as she is still breastfeeding, also expressed milk at four of the five checkpoints.
Read: Jasmin Paris becomes first woman to win Spine Race & smashes course record
Her story has hit national headlines all across the world. Here is the kit she used to win the 2019 Spine Race:
PROTEC-SHELL WATERPROOF JACKET
Jasmin wore the PROTEC-SHELL, which is our most protective waterproof running jacket and is designed to keep mountain runners and multi-day ultra racers dry and warm in the foulest of conditions. Packed with technical features, made using Pertex Shield Pro, 3 layer waterproof fabric with 20,000 HH and fully taped seams – this is one seriously tough piece of kit – absolutely ideal for tackling the brutal conditions she experienced along the Pennine Way in winter. - View all waterproof jackets
MERINO LONG SLEEVE MID-LAYER
Layering is essential when running in winter and the Merino mid-layer Jasmin wore is the perfect piece of kit to use. Designed to regulate core body temperature when running or training in cold conditions, it boasts dual Merino qualities with increased warmth and airflow – both were of great use in the Spine Race. The hood offered her an additional layer of warmth when the temperatures dropped below zero, and the cuffs which adapt into hand mitts, which were convenient when it wasn’t quite cold enough to wear her gloves. - View all mid layers
RACE ELITE TIGHT
Jasmin ran the majority of the Spine Race in our full-length RACE ELITE women’s running tight, wearing our waterproof RACEPANT over the top of them when the weather closed in. The stretchy fabric of the RACE ELITE tights allowed her uninhibited freedom of movement which is critical when tackling the varied terrain she encountered on the Pennine Way. The form-fitting nature of the tights also ensured her lower body remained protected, supported and comfortable throughout the race. - View all trousers and tights
RACEPANT WATERPROOF TROUSERS
Jasmin wore the INOV8 RACEPANT over her RACE ELITE tights when she needed an additional layer of protection. These waterproof trousers are breathable and stretch with the lower body, allowing unrestricted movement – which is exactly what Jasmin needed to maintain her record-breaking pace. The softer inner delivers warmth and comfort which no doubt would have been welcome as the hours of running ticked by. Knee-high zips ensured Jasmin could quickly put the trousers on, or take them off. The RACEPANT is designed to protect the runner in really cold and wet conditions – exactly those she faced whilst running the Spine, and they would have been particularly helpful over the cold and remote Cheviot section. - View all trousers and tights
ALL TERRAIN RUNNING BACKPACK
Spine racers need to carry a lot more than your normal trail, ultra or fell runner would, and our all-in-one ALLTERRAIN 25 pack was the perfect choice for Jasmin. Lightweight materials make it perfect for racing, whilst the 25-litre capacity ensured she had space for all that she needed to carry with her. - View all packs and bags
ROCLITE 275 WITH G-GRIP
Jasmin chose to run the Spine Race in the new ROCLITE 275 trail running shoe with graphene-enhanced rubber outsoles (G-GRIP). By infusing the planet’s strongest material, graphene, into the rubber of this lightweight trail running shoe, we have created an outsole that is scientifically proven to be 50% stronger, 50% more elastic and 50% harder wearing. The shoes were perfect for keeping Jasmin on her feet on the diverse and unpredictable terrain she encountered on the Spine – from muddy bogs to rocky, hard packed trails and everything in between.
THE KIT LIST CONTINUES….
A race as long and demanding as the Spine requires a lot of kit, Jasmin also turned to the following kit to see her through the gruelling run.
