Fresh of the Podium Finish – Kelly – Post Winter Spine Sprint Q&A

Fresh off a podium finish at one of Britain’s toughest winter ultras, Kelly Staunton reflects on her race at the Winter Spine Sprint South.

With deep snow, sheet ice, sub-zero temperatures and long hours of darkness, the Winter Spine Sprint is as much a mental test as it is a physical one. Fully self-navigated, with no checkpoints and a heavy mandatory kit list, it demands absolute focus, resilience, and confidence in your preparation.

A few days on from the race, Kelly breaks down what tested her most, how she managed decision-making in brutal conditions, what changed compared to last year, and what this performance taught her about racing, and herself.

How are you feeling now a few days removed from the race?

The week has gone so fast, however I’m still feeling chuffed to have got a podium on one of the Winter Spine races.

The conditions were brutal — snow, ice, darkness from 5pm and -5°C temps. What part tested you the most?

The conditions were not much different to the previous year, knee-deep snow in places, but this year was icier, making it more slippery, especially on some of the descents. It was very cold and I still wore a good few layers and could really feel it.

The parts that tested me the most were near Bleaklow where the snow had filled the gullies, making it hard going pushing through deep snow. Also around the middle of the race, near 8pm, when it was pitch black on the trails. Being around 16th–18th position at that stage, it was hard to follow or see anyone nearby.

With no checkpoints and full self-navigation, how did you manage decision-making when tired and cold?

It was hard going being out alone on the Pennine trails in pitch black, with no one to follow or see behind you.

Luckily, by doing a few recce runs and hikes in daylight beforehand, I knew the route well. A lot of the course is off-track with no obvious lines to follow, so that preparation really helped.

You carried the full 32 mandatory kit items including sleep kit — did that change how you approached pacing or movement?

I knew the kit was going to be very heavy, so I adjusted my pace accordingly. I’ve never been a lover of poles and wouldn’t usually use them for a 50-mile mountain ultra or less, but with deep snow and ice I decided to take them.

I practiced packing all 32 items so everything sat well in the bag and invested in much lighter kit this time. My sleeping bag was a Rab one with a minimum 0°C comfort rating, it cost around £300 but was the lightest option that still met the requirements. Carrying heavy gear uphill was much harder, and I knew poles would help, and they did.

Was there a moment where things nearly unravelled, or did it feel controlled throughout?

Having done the course before, I knew where I could push and where to save energy. I knew how to pace it and what minute-mile pace to stick with.

At the start out of Edale I was first female, then after five miles became second female and held that position throughout. I knew if the third female came past I’d try to pace with her, and the same if I got close to first.

You finished 2nd female and 18th overall. When did you realise you were having a strong race?

Quite early on. Around 13 miles in is one of the tougher sections with deep snow and ice, and you can lose a lot of time there. When I was already in second female position and there was no sign of third catching, I pressed on with the aim of trying to catch first.

When it went dark, I found myself alone on the trails with no head torches in sight. Even though it was one of the biggest climbs in the race, I just kept pushing forward.

You took 1 hour 45 minutes off last year’s time. What made the biggest difference?

Using carbon fibre poles, 100%.

In 2025 I made the mistake of not taking poles. I don’t usually use them in races of 50 miles or less, but this time, with deep snow and ice, they made a massive difference. I’d practiced using them in Austria during the winter, which helped a lot. Being in second female position also gave me the motivation to keep pushing hard.

How did you approach fueling and hydration in freezing conditions?

I mainly stuck to gels and chews and didn’t eat much else. I had around 30g of chews or gel every 30 minutes, plus a chocolate-covered Kendal Mint Cake halfway.

It probably sounds mad considering how many calories I burned carrying kit and working hard in the cold, but I know how my body responds and my energy levels stayed good. Water-wise, I’m not a big sweater and only drank around 2 litres over the whole course.

Mentally, how do you keep moving when it’s dark, icy, and progress feels slow?

It’s hard, especially when you’re worried about getting lost or taking a wrong turn with no one around.

I try to keep the pace up to stay focused and talk to people whenever they’re nearby. I also break the race down mentally, focusing on how many miles there are to the next ‘checkpoint’, even though there are no aid checkpoints, there are points you have to hit to check in.

What did this race teach you about yourself?

Don’t be afraid to push hard. See what your body can do, and if you blow up, at least you tried.

I’ve always been a bit afraid to truly race, but I remind myself that’s exactly what the training is for.

What advice would you give to someone considering their first Winter Spine Sprint?

Give it a go. If you enjoy self-navigation and fell races, this is for you. I’d recommend gaining experience in winter trail races first, and starting with the shorter Winter Spine Sprint before stepping up in distance, so you can learn the route and demands of the race.

Will you do it again?

Yes, definitely. My long-term aim is to take on the full Montane Winter Spine Race (268 miles), which will take a few years to build towards.

I’d also love to try the Sprint North next, the shortest distance in the Winter Spine Series at 42 miles, which crosses the Cheviots and finishes in Kirk Yetholm.

Final thoughts

A second-place finish in conditions like these doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of experience, preparation, and the confidence to push when it matters, even when the trail disappears under snow and progress feels painfully slow.

Kelly’s reflections capture exactly what makes winter ultras so compelling: the balance between patience and pressure, caution and commitment. Whether you’re eyeing your first Winter Spine event or building toward something much bigger, there’s plenty here to take away.

We’re proud to have Kelly representing Highland Fuel and can’t wait to follow what comes next.