The Montane Cheviot Goat Winter Ultra Run 2022 has concluded, with Donald Campbell claiming first place in the men’s event, and Nicky Spinks claiming first place in the women’s event.
Campbell crossed the finish line with a time of 10 hours 29 minutes, ahead of Ellis Bland (10 hours 57 minutes) and Daniel Weller (10 hours 58 minutes) in second and third place. Montane athlete, Howard Dracup, claimed 21st place with a time of 13 hours 35 minutes, while friend of Montane, Rob Greenwood, crossed the line in joint fifth place, with a time of 12 hours 29 minutes.
Winner of the men’s event, Donald Campbell, commented: “The Cheviot Goat lived up to its reputation, seeing a lot of bogs and being very bleak in parts. It was a very challenging course but offered some really nice views, especially off the last summit coming down. I had Ellis follow me for the first half and he put on a good performance, and overall, it was a good day out!”
In the women’s event, renowned runner Spinks finished in 13 hours 34 minutes, just under an hour ahead of the experienced Sabrina Verjee in second place (14 hours 22 minutes) and Vicky Savage finishing at 14 hours 39 minutes.
Speaking on the experience, Montane athlete, Howard Dracup, commented: “The Cheviot Goat is a staple of the trail running community, and it’s always a pleasure and great fun to take part, with the result just an afterthought! I ran and worked with Nicky for the last 20 miles, taking it in turns leading, pacing, and navigating, and that’s what the event is all about!”
The route comprises of an ascent of 12,500ft, with the unmarked course spanning 57 miles, 95% of which was off-road. Participants are taken high up in the Cheviot fells, across peat covered hills and down grassy banks, while running along the border ridge. A 24-hour cut-off time was in place for participants to finish the race.
Outdoor brand, Montane, built upon its existing relationship with The Cheviot Goat, as it was positioned as headline sponsor for the fifth year in succession.
Montane’s Global Marketing Manager, Matthew Hickman, commented: “The Montane Cheviot Goat is always a hugely successful event, and it comes as no surprise to see the turnout and results again this year. With some extreme conditions facing participants in the form of bogs, snow, and strong winds, the race perfectly embodies what Montane represents, and is right on our doorstep!”
Alongside the event, Montane collaborated with Strava to launch the ‘Montane 30km Winter Challenge’, a fitness challenge designed to encourage and reward individuals for getting outdoors this winter. The challenge launched on 20th November, running until 23:59:59 on 6th December, and required participants to cover a distance of 30km by either walking, running, hiking, or virtual running, while also being accessible for wheelchair users. Those who completed the challenge were rewarded with a Montane digital Strava badge and were entered into a draw for the chance to win a Montane waterproof jacket.
More information on the Montane Cheviot Goat can be found here:https://montane.com/pages/montane-cheviot-goat-winter-ultra