The Spine Race is an ultramarathon held over a distance of around 268 miles (431 km) from Edale, England, to Kirk Yetholm, Scotland, along the Pennine Way. Participants are allowed seven days to complete the course.[1] The race has been held annually since 2012. Initially held in the winter only a summer version the Spine Fusion was introduced in 2017. The events are now known as the Winter Spine Race and Summer Spine Race.
The series have subsequently been expanded to four concurrent events held twice a year:
| Event | Distance | Start | Finish | Time allowed (hours) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter/Summer Spine Race | 268 miles (431 km) | Edale | Kirk Yetholm | 168 (winter) 156 (summer) | |
| Winter/Summer Challenger South | 108 miles (174 km) | Edale | Hardraw | 60 | Challenger South was originally called the Spine Flare |
| Winter/Summer Challenger North | 160 miles (260 km) | Hardraw | Kirk Yetholm | 108 (winter) 90 (summer) | The time limit for the summer event was reduced from 108 to 90 hours from 2023 onwards. |
| Winter/Summer Sprint | 46 miles (74 km) | Edale | Hebden Bridge | 18 |