Post-Spine Q&A with Gareth Jones
The Winter Spine Race is widely regarded as one of the toughest endurance races in the world.
Covering 281 miles along the Pennine Way in full winter conditions, it demands constant navigation, sleep deprivation management, and absolute self-reliance. Temperatures drop well below freezing, decisions matter, and forward progress is never guaranteed.
Gareth completed the race in 123 hours, climbing over 14,000 metres, finishing 23rd overall.
But numbers only tell part of the story.
Below, Gareth reflects on what the Spine took, and what it gave back.
1. First thoughts
It was more of a relief than a celebration. Relief that I’d kept moving, made it through safely, and hadn’t quit on myself when it would’ve been easy to. I was happy to finish, but part of me enjoyed being out there, if I’d had to, I could’ve done a few more days.
2. Expectation vs reality
The mental fatigue was harder than I expected, not the big lows, but the constant decision-making when tired and cold. You had to stay switched on at all times; one lapse in judgement could be fatal.
What surprised me was how manageable the physical side became once I accepted discomfort instead of fighting it.
3. The lowest point
There were moments where stopping felt like the sensible option. What got me through was shrinking the race down to the next simple task: eat, walk to that gate, get to the next checkpoint. No heroics, just forward motion and treating each CP as a small win.
4. The best moment
Quiet moments at night, completely alone, where everything was stripped back to movement and breath. No noise, no pressure, just being there. Reaching the halfway point too; from that moment, I knew I’d finish.
5. Body vs mind
The mind went first. The body was capable more often than my head wanted to admit. When the mind dipped, routine carried me, eat, layer, move. I didn’t negotiate with tired thoughts.
6. Sleep deprivation
It dulled emotions and narrowed my thinking. Everything felt heavier and more serious than it needed to be. I learned not to trust how I felt, only the process. Hallucinations and self-doubt really magnified with little sleep.
7. Fuel & routine
Keeping nutrition simple worked. Liquid calories, familiar food, hot meals when possible. Appetite dropped, but consistency mattered more than variety. My hydration stayed dialled, urine always the right colour and frequent toilet stops. I couldn’t be prouder of my nutrition.
8. Support from afar
It mattered more than I realised at the time. Messages were reminders that the world still existed beyond the Pennine Way, and that people believed in me when I was too tired to believe in myself. I knew this event was bigger than just me.
9. What the Spine gave you
It stripped away ego, pace, and expectation.
It gave back patience, trust in myself, and proof that I can sit with discomfort without needing to escape it.
10. Lessons learned
You don’t need to feel strong to keep going. You just need to stay present and make the next good decision.
11. Would you return?
Right now, not immediately. But I wouldn’t say never. The Spine isn’t about enjoyment; it’s about learning who you are when things get hard. Right now, I’m looking for the next challenge.
12. To others watching
Fear doesn’t mean you’re not ready, it usually means it matters. You don’t have to be fearless. You just have to be willing to start and keep showing up, one step at a time.
281 miles. 123 hours. One winter route that strips everything back.
The Spine doesn’t reward speed or bravado — it rewards patience, honesty, and resilience.
Massive respect to Gareth for putting himself on the line and sharing the lessons that come from going deep.
Photo - Clorroecam.com / @clorroe_cam