Pre-Race Q&A: Kelly at the Winter Spine Sprint South
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Montane Winter Spine Sprint South
The Montane Winter Spine Sprint South is a non-stop 46-mile winter ultra along the iconic Pennine Way, widely regarded as one of Britain’s most brutal endurance races.
The Race
• Distance: 46 miles
• Route: Edale, Derbyshire → Hebden Bridge, North Yorkshire
• Time Limit: 18 hours
• Start: 12:00 noon, 10 January 2026
• Finish Cut-off: 06:00, 11 January 2026
Conditions & Terrain
• Day temps: 0°C to 10°C
• Night temps: -10°C to 2°C
• Total ascent: 2,017 m
• Daylight: ~8 hours
• Terrain: Technical, exposed, and demanding winter trail
What Makes It Different
• Fully self-sufficient race
• No marked course — navigation skills required
• Minimal checkpoints
• Mandatory heavy winter kit
• Designed to test physical resilience, mental toughness, and decision-making in true British winter conditions
Why It’s Not Just Another Ultra
The Winter Spine Sprint isn’t about comfort or convenience. It’s about:
• Managing exposure and fatigue
• Navigating in darkness and bad weather
• Carrying all essential survival kit
• Executing under pressure when conditions are at their worst
Often described as a shorter but no less intense introduction to the Winter Spine series, it delivers the full ferocity of a Spine event in a single, relentless push.
Prepare to take on one of Britain’s most brutal endurance races.
We caught up with Kelly and got her thoughts before taking on the race 👇
- Motivation & Mindset
What made you choose the Winter Spine Sprint South?
In 2025, I wanted to take on the challenge of doing the Montane Winter Spine races, as they are famously known for being the most brutal winter ultra races around. Last year I came 4th Female, and the conditions were so bad with deep snow that it made it almost impossible to run a proper race, turning it into more of a survival exercise and fast hike.
This year, I hope to run the race with more actual running.
What excites you most about this race?
The intensity, the challenge of being left alone with no checkpoints, and being completely self-sufficient. The reward of finishing after being out in the dark for several hours on your own — knowing it’s just you and your kit.
What part of the race are you most wary of?
In the first 3 miles you already hit the biggest climb in the race — Jacob’s Ladder. It’s intense being only 3 miles in, especially while carrying such heavy gear.
How does a winter Spine event differ mentally from a standard ultra?
The level of intensity is much higher. There are no checkpoints, so it’s up to you to have the right food, drink, and nutrition. It’s also not a marked course, so you have to navigate.
One thing I had to learn quickly was how to use a handheld GPS, read coordinates on a map, and navigate with a compass. You also need to know how to deploy all your gear if needed — you have to help yourself before help finds you.
You’re carrying the same kit as the full Winter Spine runners (268 miles), including a sleeping bag and mat, which gives you a real taste of the event and makes it so much harder.
2. Preparation & Training
What has your prep looked like compared to a “normal” ultra?
This race comes early in the year, and it’s off the back of a big 2025, with my last ultra only 11 weeks ago. It’s hard to recover and then quickly train for a very different race.
This block included peak weeks of 60 miles, more time in the hills, longer hikes and hilly runs, and a much better taper — reducing training volume down to around 70%.
Have you changed anything specifically for cold, darkness, or navigation?
Making sure the route lines up correctly on my handheld GPS and what’s shown on my watch. I’ve also spent time studying the map and route beforehand so I know exactly where I’m going.
What’s been the most important session or training block?
The 20-mile runs on the course itself in the Pennines, testing kit and spending time out in -15°C wind chill and snow conditions.
Also, my time spent in Austria was the perfect training block — running in deep snow at high altitude.
How have you prepared for long periods alone and overnight running?
I’m quite used to being in the dark on my own from other events, so mentally I know I’m okay. Overnight running just needs more caution, especially to avoid taking a wrong turn.
3. Kit & Practical Planning
What piece of kit are you most confident in going into the race?
My waterproof gear — jacket and trousers. Easy to access and genuinely life-saving if the weather turns.
Is there anything new you’re testing for this event?
A lighter sleeping bag, to see if the reduced weight makes a difference (even though the pack is still heavy), and new shoes — X-Terra Pink Serious Grippers.
How much thought goes into layering and temperature management?
A lot. Even at the start you might feel hot, but as soon as you get onto the tops and the wind picks up, you can get cold instantly if you’re not moving. I’ll wear a big jacket (Montane Downs) at the start to stay warm.
What’s your approach to foot care in cold, wet conditions?
With thick socks and this being a shorter race (46 miles), foot care is something I deal with afterwards. If I know certain areas might be affected, I’ll use blister patches beforehand.
4. Fuel & Hydration
How does your fuelling plan change in winter conditions?
I take in less fluid, but make sure I’m eating more nutrition. You sweat less in colder climates, but fuelling is still really important.
What’s your strategy for eating when it’s cold and you don’t feel like it?
I’ll be using PF&H gels, aiming to get one gel down every hour.
What role does consistency vs flexibility play in your fuelling plan?
Ensuring 30g of carbs every hour, sticking to that consistent plan, then eating something solid (usually a sandwich) around halfway — when I need it.
5. Strategy & Expectations
Are you racing this one or treating it as an execution challenge?
Racing. I’d like to run this much faster than last year, when conditions were really poor.
What does a “successful race” look like for you?
A personal best is always a success. Knowing you’ve improved, felt confident, and supported other runners around you.
Is there a point in the race you expect to be mentally tested?
The bigger climbs and the technical sections are always the trickiest for me.
What’s your plan if things don’t go to script?
Keep pushing forward. Always push forward and keep moving — you’ll cover more distance and get to the finish line quicker.
As Kelly lines up on the start line in Edale, she does so with experience, preparation, and a deep respect for what the Winter Spine demands. This race offers no shortcuts and no easy miles, only honest effort, smart decisions, and the willingness to keep moving when conditions are at their toughest. We wish Kelly the very best of luck as she takes on the Pennine Way once again, and we’ll be following her progress with pride as she pushes into the dark, the cold, and everything the Winter Spine Sprint South has to offer.
Start time: 13:00 tomorrow — Follow along.
https://live.opentracking.co.uk/spinesprintsouth26/