Chris Cope, a beacon of resilience, overcame some exceedingly unprecedented and challenging conditions this year to win the Montane Summer Spine in an astonishing 79:10:14.
Cope, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 14, arrived at the finish line on Wednesday afternoon to kiss the wall of the border hotel with more than a 12-hour lead over his nearest competitor. During his race, Cope encountered conditions that were severely different from those in previous editions, including cloudy, cool weather, poor vision and waterlogged conditions underfoot.
Cope’s unwavering positive attitude and unwavering enjoyment of the race were evident, even in the face of challenging conditions. On day two, he shared, “The mud is miserable; you are sliding all over; it is crazy tough. But that’s part of the course, and I’m enjoying the challenge.”
Tiaan Erwee’s course record (in markedly better conditions) stands at 70:46:50.
Chris Cope was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 14. Running is one of the ways he proves to himself and others that, when managed, there is no reason for the condition to stop you doing amazing things.
He said ‘I need this on show for the diabetic fraternity.’
🧵 pic.twitter.com/PupwXQ2vrl— Montane Spine Race (@TheSpineRace) June 19, 2024
In the end, he told the organisers that running is one way he proves to himself and others that, when managed, no condition stops you from doing amazing things. He said, ‘I need this on show for the diabetic fraternity.’
Jacob Hayes and John Boothman are currently in second and third positions and expected to finish today.