Daniel Weller won the men’s/open 108-mile Challenger South in emphatic style with a commanding lead over his closest rivals. For a while he was close to that seemingly unbeatable Jim Mann course record but freely admits things got tough overnight and from the 70 mile mark he was dragging his tired legs along the trail.
Aside from some chilly spells on the highest summits the night running was kind. When asked what his highlights were Daniel immediately said ‘the people’. Various spectators had come out onto the course to wave him by and made him feel like a celebrity. James Graham took 2nd place, and Paul Haigh and Jamie Pond took joint 3rd.
Samantha Lissauer has won the women’s Challenger South after a bitterly cold 33hrs 16 minutes and 28 seconds on the Pennine Way. This was Samantha’s first time running further than 100km so there were plenty of unknowns to face, but she managed everything that came her way and arrived well ahead of 2nd place Helen Dale and 3rd place Sam Borrett.
1st Woman: Samatha Lissauer 33:16:28
2nd Woman: Helen Dale 35:18:43
3rd Woman: Sam Borrett 36:59:53
1st Male/Open: Daniel Weller 24:48:21
2nd Male/Open: James Graham 27: 39: 25
3rd Male/Open: Paul Haigh and Jamie Pond 25:51:07
Credit: Montane
MRT Challenge South
The winners of the MRT Challenge South were team mates Tom Parkin and Ruth Smith representing Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association (UWFRA). Tom Parkin arrived feeling elated, if a little sore, after what he called a totally unique Pennine Way experience. Tom didn’t come in with any expectations of reaching the podium, but did come carrying the expectations of his team members at home. Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association (UWFRA) has produced several Spine event finishers in the past and Tom and Ruth now join them.
Over ten years the Spine Race has established itself as one of the world’s toughest endurance races. A seven-day, non-stop, ultramarathon along the 268-mile (431km) Pennine Way National Trail in the most hostile winter weather Britain can muster. We have witnessed some incredible feats of endurance, triumph and determination, set against some of the most challenging conditions you can face outdoors.
The inaugural Spine Race took place in 2012, with only 11 entrants, of which three ultimately crossed the finish line in Kirk Yetholm, Scotland. All Spine Race events are self-sufficient, meaning that all runners carry their own food, clothing, medical supplies, and sleep system. The route is not marked, runners must navigate the course. No planned outside support is allowed and pacers are not permitted.