If anyone knows the Spine, it’s this one. Ever-bubbly Harriet Shields bosses her way through the #SpineChallengerNorth, making her the first to bag the full set of Challengers and full Spine events. She has completed the South, North & the full Montane Spine Races both in Summer and in Winter and says she found this one the hardest, based on the evening start and the heat.

Kudos Harriet - you are awe-inspiring! 🙌🏻

#MontaneSpine #PennineWay

Absolute rockstar, Ellie Eccles has stormed her way through 160 miles of the #PennineWay to become the first woman and record holder in the inaugral #SpineChallengerNorth

Eloise Eccles, you smashed it! Huge congrats!

#MontaneSpine #PennineWay

Brilliant run from these two fabulous guys. Quite emotional to see them finish so strongly.

Huge congratulations Jovica & Tom. A fabulous achievement from 2 really wonderful people, who are now the Summer #SpineChallengerNorth record holders and firm #SpineFamily members 🙌🏻💪🏻👊🏻

#MontaneSpine

Welcome to Bellingham. CP3 for the #SpineChallengerNorth, CP5 for the full #SpineRace
The checkpoint team here has done a fabulous job setting up and are ready for many athletes yet to come!

3rd & 4th men on the #SpineChallengerNorth went through CP2 in Alston earlier today. Jacob & Sion were still looking strong, focussed and were organised with their checkpoint admin. It goes without saying that everyone has been enjoying the #AlstonLasagne 😋

#SpineRace #MontaneSpine #PennineWay

Jovica, first man on the #SpineChallengerNorth looking strong in Alston… Lasagne in, bit of admin and back out just as second man Tom came in at a pace. Both looking and feeling happy despite a rather Cross Felly Cross Fell overnight! 💪🏻💪🏻

#MontaneSpine #SpineRace #PennineWay

Fiona Lynch and Jo Wallace smash through the Challenger North course, taking second and third places in the women’s race respectively. They both looked strong and Jo was even heard to utter the words “It was surprisingly easy!”

Huge congrats to them both for fabulous runs! 🙌🏻💪🏻👏🏻👌🏻
#SpineChallengerNorth #MontaneSpine

Hot on Tim’s heels, G Brian has arrived in Byrness and having seen Tim leave immediately beforehand, he was in and out in 4 minutes. A quick coffee and a huge smile as he left!
Go G Brian! See you in bonnie Scotland!
💪🏻👌🏻🙌🏻

#SpineChallengerNorth #MontaneSpine #GangsterBrian

Massive change in spirits 💪🏻 Kudos to Tim for a significant turnaround since Bellingham! 21 minute turnaround with mince & tatties and plenty of fluids.

Good luck! Fare well across the mighty Cheviots!
🙌🏻👌🏻 See you on Kirk Yetholm!

#SpineChallengerNorth #MontaneSpine

The awesome Irene Kinnegim has marched up the drive to Bellingham CP with a huge smile on her face, telling me she’s having a huge amount of fun! This is the first time she’s set foot on the Pennine Way and she’s excited to see all the views she has previously read about.

Her favourite bit was Cross Fell. She wanted it to be over and loved it at the same time!

Third place currently and first female. Amazing all round 💪🏻🙌🏻💪🏻

#SpineChallengerNorth #MontaneSpine #SpineRace

The utterly lovely Jovica Spajic, who retired from the #SpineChallengerNorth earlier this morning.
He praised all the race staff and talked about running being more than just a race. It is a community. The most important thing to him was to represent his family, his brand and his country, well. He was hugely insightful about the learning experience the race has given him and I’m sure he will be back.

Rest well and see you next year Jovica!?
🙌🏻💪🏻🙌🏻

#MontaneSpine #SpineRace

Tim has reached Bellingham having had a slow and very cold few miles since his short rest in Horneystead. He is refuelling, recharging and resting.

#SpineChallengerNorth #MontaneSpine #SpineRace

Busy times and some gnarly weather overnight at the pointy end of the #SpineChallengerNorth
Tim Bradley is in the lead with Jovica Spajic in second, around 7 miles behind Tim. It’s been a beautiful Wintery day for both of them after a taxing time on Cross Fell. They’ve both had their Alston lasagne and are heading for dark, clear skies as they run along Hadrian’s Wall. We are ready and waiting for them in Bellingham at CP5

#MontaneSpine #UltraRunning #TrailRunning #PennineWay #SpineRace