Running The Spine - Bonus Content

After the overwhelming response to yesterday’s post, we’re excited to share even more—raw thoughts, unfiltered footage, and the brutal highs and lows of taking on the Spine.

We are very grateful when our members take on extremely personal challenges like this and allow us to take a look at their process and highs and lows. It’s certainly been inspiring within the group and it raises the bar for us all. I hope you can find some inspiration for your next adventure here.

What is the Spine Race?

• A 268-mile (431 km) non-stop footrace along the entire length of the Pennine Way in the UK.

• Takes place in the depths of winter, with runners facing extreme weather conditions—snow, rain, wind, and sub-zero temperatures.

• Participants must be self-sufficient, carrying their own gear, food, and essential survival equipment.

• Sleep deprivation is a major challenge, with some runners choosing to take only short naps on the trail.

• Known as one of the toughest endurance races in the world, testing mental resilience as much as physical endurance.

Here’s a look at how the event unfolded in real time, through daily journal entries and video snapshots.

Day 1 - Euphoria!

Spirits were high and the views were stunning!

Day 2: The Walls Were Cracking

Reduced to 2.5 mph for 20 hours. Step after step, just trying to hold off the ever-growing urge to quit. Some say endurance is simply the ability to hold back the ever-present and increasing desire to quit. The walls were cracking.

Day 3: Time for Reflection

Spent day 3 mostly by myself and had lots of time for reflection and running too. The weather improved and suddenly anything is possible again. Amazing how little it takes to change things.

Day 4: In the Bogs!

Heaven. Warming our bogged feet in the bog

Day 5: The Can You Walk Straight Test

Day 5 just breaking and it's the final push over the Cheviots. There's a safety checkpoint at Byrness where they make sure you're not too fooked cause they're very hefty disclaimers and issues in court. You get 30mins max here and they'll pull you out if you can't walk straight. There's also a church nearby where you can crash if needed. I didn't want to push out into the Cheviots alone and the two lads I was with were only taking a 30-minute combat kip which I had to forego to sort my feet out. My mate took this then shortly after was snoring for a solid 30mins. I got 10mins with my eyes closed but felt better for it.

Day 5 with 7 miles to go!

The final 7 miles. The finish was close, but my mind was slipping. Shouting at the ground, shouting at myself, trying to stay awake. Then something clicked. I went fully primeval. Full send. The MRT team at hut 2 stood open-jawed as I tore through the final descent. Sheer willpower in motion. I stopped for a cuppa and attacked the Shill like a madman overtaking two on the climb.

Running is a Healing Road

Even for the most seasoned ultra-runner, trudging through 268 bog-filled miles is a transformative experience—one that reshapes not just the body, but the mind and spirit too.

For the rest of us mere running mortals, sanctuary doesn’t have to start with the Spine. It can begin with a single step out the front door.

Maybe your next run is the one that unlocks something new

Look after yourselves and keep getting after it guys and gals!