The Montane Summer Spine Challenger North is a non-stop, 160 mile race along the Pennine Way from Hardraw to Kirk Yetholm. The route crosses some of the most beautiful and difficult terrains in Britain including; the Peak District, Yorkshire Dales, Northumberland National Park, Hadrian’s Wall, and the Cheviots; finishing at the Scottish Borders.
This year we had three Striders taking part in this challenging race. We had a sit down with each of them and talked about their experiences.
Chris Tetley
How is recovery going, how are you feeling? Recovery is going very well, last couple of days been fancying a gentle run so I’m going to give it a go today (thurs) Though it will be some time before any speed happens (not that I had that much anyway). Buxton carnival race is soon so see how i go with that.
What training did you do in the lead up to the race? Training was fairly simple, There is no need at all for any speed training, this is about endurance, keeping going and putting one foot in front of the other. So, with that in mind it’s all about time on feet and being able to cope with long days out in the hills. There is no real training for sleep deprivation to be honest. you do just have to manage that one.
How do you think the race went? Think the race went well for us, very pleased and chuffed we both made it to run down that Iconic finish across the green in KY.
Lowest point of the race for you? Low point, I suppose it must be going over cross Fell. The sleep monsters were beginning to invade me. I was dozing on my feet going up to and had to be corrected to get back on the path. Over the top and down the other side made it to Gregs hut, A short rest before the long descent on a very rocky track to Garrigill. On this path the hallucinations began large black creature (big cat?) with orange spots. It seems most I spoke to had similar on that path. Once in Garrigill more hallucinations of people in the middle of the road, turns out they were wheelie bins, was getting more used to giving myself a shake and getting rid of them by now. Anyway, had a nice long rest and sleep at Alston checkpoint.
High point of the race for you? High point has to be the stunning scenery, Upper Tees valley, Chauldron Snout, High Cup Nick are absolutely the most stunning parts of England. Then you get to the Cheviot Hills which again are stunning, well towards the end as the first part we did overnight. It was worth a look back at the Border ridge as we came off Auchope Cairn before the decent to Hut 2.
What’s next? What’s next, Buxton Carnival 4 race, such a long way hope I make it 🙂. Seriously though next year I’m currently looking towards the Fellsman. Waiting until the dust has settled a little before entering, I think. Watch this space.
Thank you Chris, and a huge congratulations on finishing the race!
Chris Bowen
How is recovery going, how are you feeling? It’s a week since we finished the Spine Challenger North 157 miles from Hardraw to Kirk Yetholm and I’m still tired – I need a nap in the afternoon! My feet are still a bit swollen and achy but apart from that I have no injuries.
What training did you do in the lead up to the race? Training started after Christmas with increasing weekly running mileage to about 35-40 miles. By March Chris & I were doing a long walk/jog upto 30 miles with the full Spine kit (everything but the kitchen sink!) every weekend. We had two three day weekends away receeing the route. Otherwise all training was done from home or using public transport.
How do you think the race went? The race went pretty much according to plan (I had a spreadsheet) except that we needed the full six hours in the later two check points. The time just disappears with eating, drinking, kit faffing, foot taping and lying down trying to sleep. It was very different to the Challenger South that we did last year. Much more like an expedition and more need to look after yourself. Having said that, I think I enjoyed it more.
Lowest point of the race for you? My low point was the horrible stony track descending off Cross Fell. It was dark and it was into the second night and it went on for ever! Hadrian’s wall wasn’t great either – very up and down and it was hot!
High point of the race for you? The highlight for me was the nature. We saw peregrines and hen harriers. There was the constant call of curlews, lapwing and oyster catchers and the skylark dawn chorus was stunning. The wildflowers, particularly in teesdale were just beautiful.
What’s next? What’s next? Not the full spine! I have a couple of ideas for next year but I’ve not decided yet. Possibly the Fellsman and I might try a Joss Naylor.
Thank you Chris, and a huge congratulations on finishing the race!
Paul Hunt
How is recovery going, how are you feeling? Feeling okay and ready to get back to some speed training and do some club championship races. I have done a couple of easy runs but nothing fast. Keep stopping at the Bakehouse for a coffee rather than running up Whaley Lane though 😊 Legs are definitely still tired and I’m easting a lot!
What training did you do in the lead up to the race? Mostly long slow stuff but tried to run 6 days a week even when doing long events at the weekend. In mid January I did the Hebden 23 miles and That’s Lythe 24 miles(LDWA) on consecutive days to assess my base fitness. The following weekend was Pendle Way in a Day, 40 miles, so a good block of distance/ascent was done early on. I also did the South Shropshire Circular, Three Shires LDWA, Howarth Hobble and Lakes 40 to try and get a 25+ mile event in every other weekend. Unfortunately work/family commitment prevented me from doing recces with Chris B/T so I had two long weekends based at the Sill YHA to do recces on the northern sections, plus one night at Kirk Yetholm to recce the last section. Moira joined me one weekend which was nice! The southern sections were recced from home on day trips but doing them on my won meant I pretty much recced the whole route twice as I had to get back to my car each day.
How do you think the race went? It almost went to plan even though I didn’t have a plan. I tend to let my body dictate my pace and don’t run to a schedule. Unfortunately this meant that I left two checkpoints at nightfall rather than sleeping at night. I met some great people along the way, and the Spine volunteers are amazing/supportive people. The event highlighted some areas where I could have prepared better, regarding kit and training. I actually quite enjoyed it and never really doubted I’d finish, it was just a case of pushing on and ignoring any suffering.
Lowest point of the race for you? There was a couple of low points. Removing my shoes are Alston to see large blisters on the balls of both feet. I knew they were there but seeing them wasn’t nice! Leaving Alston at 11pm Monday night and spending a misty night on my own trying to navigate the tricky section from there to Greendhead.
High point of the race for you? Leaving Bellingham on Tuesday evening, with clean clothes, a full belly and taped feet. As I marched through the town with ~40 miles to go I knew it was ‘in the bag’. Sunrise over The Cheviot on the Border Ridge, on the last day. The leader of the full Spine Race caught us on the Border Ridge. He was a lovely guy and I had a good chat with him, he then ran ahead 15 minutes later I came across him fast asleep on the path. Seeing Moira & Lydia [our youngest] at the finish. I expected to see Moira but seeing Lydia too was a lovely surprise and I got a lump in my throat at that point.
What’s next? Moira and I are doing the Saunders Mountain Marathon in Coniston this weekend. Buxton Carnival Race the following Saturday. In early August, Grace [middle daughter] and I, have places in the 43 mile Devil O the Highlands Footrace. John Moore is entered too so it will be great to see another GVS there.
Thank you Paul, and a huge congratulations on finishing the race!